BMW released today the details and images of the 2012 BMW M5 Concept, which will have its world debut at the 2011 Auto Shanghai. Even though BMW calls it a concept, the 2012 M5 you see in these images looks almost exactly like the production version. As far as the engine specs go though, BMW is still keeping them a secret. What they did confirm is that the 2012 BMW M5 will have a new high-revving V8 engine with M twin-turbo technology. Most sources previously speculated that BMW's 2012 M5 will have the same engine as the X5M and the X6M. However, BMW clearly stated today that the new generation M5 will have a new powerplant. The engine of the 2012 BMW M5 will be mated to a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic.
BMW says that the new engine of the 2012 M5 offers improved performance and efficiency in comparison to the previous one. They also say it has a 25% lower fuel consumption and CO2
emissions. In terms of environmentally friendly technologies, BMW equipped the new M5 with an Auto Start Stop function which temporarily switches off the engine when halting at road junctions or in a tailback. The engine of the 2012 M5 can be quickly restarted after that by releasing the footbrake.
In terms of design, the 2012 M5 continues to show all the trademark features of its predecessors, including the side air vents and the four-pipe exhaust system. The BMW M5 2012 concept, as well its production version, features 20-inch forged rims with 265/35 ZR20 tires at the front and 265/35 ZR20 tires for the rear axle.
Unfortunately, BMW did not release many technical details of the 2012 M5 today. Afterall, it is just a concept. The full specs of the 2012 BMW M5 will be revealed when the production version gets here.
UPDATE: The first video of the 2012 BMW M5 Concept is now available lower down this page.
2012 BMW M5 Concept video:
