Last month at Laguna Seca, California, BMW introduced to the US public the all-new 2012 BMW M5. The super sporty and classy sedan will have its world public debut next week at the Frankfurt Auto Show, followed by a market launch in the United States in Spring of 2012.
Brian Watts, BMW M Head of Sales, was present at the event and took the time to talk to journalists about the F10 M5 and the technology that stands behind one of the most exciting M cars.
Watts spends some time with Automotive Rhythms to go over some of the technical specs and improvements over previous generations.
With the new super sporty sedan, BMW has moved on from from naturally aspirated engines to a TwinPower turbocharged V8. The high-revving 4.4-liter (4395cc) turbocharged uses the BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold that guarantees legendary BMW M-car thrust with seamless lag-free power delivery from just off idle.
The engine outputs 560 horsepower from 5,750-7,000 rpm and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque from only 1500rpm. The high-rev unit should rocket the M5 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds and under 4 seconds using BMW’s new Launch Control.
BMW offers a 7-speed DCT and manual transmission in the new M5. The M5 is limited to a top speed of 155 mph, or 190 mph with the M Driver’s Package.
