SPY PICS: BMW M5 striptease

BMW is gradually peeling the disguise off its new-generation M5 in an almost burlesque way.

These snaps by the Carparazzi team at work in Scandinavia show what appears to be as close to an M5 fait accompli as you could expect. Only the psychedelic BMW graphics get in the way of a good, clear look.

Previous M5 photos showed a car wearing various add-on bumps and bulges intended to steer the eye away from its true shape.

What we now see is the M5 in basically uninterrupted form, including the front apron with its more than generous air intake, the meaty alloy wheels revealing glimpses of cross-drilled discs, and the purposefully poking quad tailpipes emanating from what is expected to be a version of the 408kW/680Nm 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 that powers the M version of the X6 "Sports Activity Coupe."

The engine might not sound as exotic as the current generation M5's 373kW/520Nm V10, but the twin turbo V8's increased power and torque could be expected to increase the accelerative brutality somewhat.

Carparazzi also suggests there are signs of a power bulge that may allow room for the engine while also giving onlookers a clear M5 declaration of intent.

The new generation BMW 5 Series is due to arrive in Australia in June, initially offering the choice of three petrol and one diesel engine. As the M5 version has not been introduced in Europe, we can assume Australia won't see it until 2011 at the earliest.

-- with Carparazzi

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