Last Auto news - BMW M5 spied

Last Auto news - BMW M5 spied BMW’s latest super saloon is almost ready and these pictures are the proof

Meet the car that’s got the Mercedes E63 AMG in its sights! This prototype is the latest generation BMW M5 and it’s set to become the first in a long line of performance 5-Series’ to be powered by a turbocharged engine.

Instead of the high-revving V10 found in its predecessors, the newcomer will borrow the twin-turbo, 4.4-litre V8 used in the X5 and X6 M cars. Power in those models is set at 550bhp but expect the M division to bring that number up to around 570bhp in the M5.

Mated to the new unit will be a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, but a more traditional six-speed manual ‘box may also be available.

The new set-up is part of a range of tweaks that BMW are putting in place to cut CO2 emissions in the new model. Much like the recently announced M3, the super-saloon will also be fitted with a stop/start system that cuts emissions by around 25g/km of CO2.

But don’t think that the M5 is going soft. Performance will still be blistering, with 60mph coming in around 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph.

The newcomer will still look the part too. A subtle body-kit incorporates huge air in-takes at the front, whilst at the back a set of four exhausts signals its performance intentions.

Expect the new M5 to be officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October this year. Sales will start early in 2011.

Last Auto news - BMW M5 spied

Last Auto news - BMW M5 spied BMW’s latest super saloon is almost ready and these pictures are the proof.

Meet the car that’s putting the ‘lap’ in Lapland! Our team of spies have caught the best pictures yet of BMW’s latest super saloon, the M5, putting its traction control to the test in frosty conditions.

It’s only been a matter of days since BMW allowed us behind the wheel of lesser models in the new 5-Series range, but already the flagship E63 AMG-rival is being prepped for production.

Judging by the light camouflage, visual differences to the standard car will be subtle. Expect deeper front and rear bumpers, a power bulge in the bonnet and the trademark ‘gills’ in the front flanks. At the rear the giveaways are more obvious, with four roaring exhaust pipes protruding from the bumper.

The big story with the all-new M5 though is the switch from a naturally-aspirated V10 to a direct-injection twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 - a tweaked version of the unit used in the X6 M and X5 M. Despite the loss of two cylinders the forced-induction V8 will produce more power - around 570bhp - but emit less CO2. Expect a 0-60mph time of under 4.5 seconds and, as always, a limited top speed of 155mph.

Our sources have revealed that the M5 will go on sale in 2011 - meaning a public unveiling at the Paris Motor Show this October is likely.