The folks over at M5Board.com and TeamSpeed.com have sent in these renderings of the upcoming BMW M5. Shown in the drawings is a mid-size four-door that many would be pleased to drive.
While we like the conceptual drawings very much, we do not think the next M5 will have such a race-ready look. Expect the front air intakes to be a bit less prominent, and the side sills to be less aggressive. After all, this is a car meant to appeal to executives, and will likely have a more conservative appearance than the drawings depict.
The upcoming BMW M5 is expected to get a 500+ horsepower turbocharged engine that produces almost 500 ft-lb of torque. BMW already uses a 4.4-liter twin-turbo on V8 that generates 555 hp and 501 ft-lb on the BMW X5/X6 M. This may be a suitable and more efficient replacement for the previously used V10. A new transmission will be paired to the engine. It will likely be similar to the seven-speed dual-clutch unit seen on the M5 25th anniversary car.
Aside from active aerodynamics, look for the car to get a carbon fiber roof, taller gearing, and LED daytime lights. The next BMW M5 is expected to debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.
