Production M5 revealed

There has been intense interest in the new BMW M5, ever since its unveiling in concept form at the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year.

That interest hasn't been assuaged in any way by a US publication leaking pictures and specifications for the production model overnight.

"The reality is that the images and specs got leaked to an outlet in the States, before internal audiences got a look at it, so it's caught us all on the hop a little bit," explained Piers Scott, BMW's Head of Corporate Communications for Australia and New Zealand.

Now that the car is unofficially revealed, BMW has given the go-ahead for other media outlets to follow suit and backed that up with the official material.

We'll have a more extensive story to follow, but in the meantime, here's the meat and potatoes: The M5 will be powered by a 4.4-litre V8, developing 412kW between 6000 and 7000rpm. Torque peaks at 680Nm between 1500 and 5750rpm. BMW claims the new figures represent a 10 per cent increase in power and a 30 per cent gain in torque, over the superseded E60-generation M5.

Acceleration from a standing start to 100km/h takes just 4.4 seconds and the vehicle's top speed is 250km/h, although owners specifying  the M Driver's Package will be able to see the speed needle climb to 305km/h.

Boosted by a twin-scroll turbocharger for each bank of cylinders, the engine is Euro 5-rated and returns an official combined-cycle fuel consumption of 9.9L/100km — 30 per cent less than the E60 model's figure. CO2 emissions for the new car, according to the same test, are 232g/km.

The engine drives to the alloy 19-inch rear wheels through a seven-speed double-clutch transmission and the Active M Differential, which is an electronically-controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential. Technical features that contribute to the M5's dynamic ability include Dynamic Damper Control and DSC stability control with M Dynamic Mode.

Inside the M5 is all business, with Merino leather upholstery, aluminium décor strips, headlining in anthracite and M sports seats. 

Piers Scott informed the Carsales Network this morning that the new model may not go on sale here until early 2012.

"It's a little bit up in the air this year," he said. "I think there's a possibility it could be next year. At this stage we're expecting to have cars arriving in the country at the tail end of the year — and that's about as specific as we can be at the moment."

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