New BMW M5

KOMPAS.com - BMW has unveiled the new generation of its super-sedan, the M5, as a thinly disguised concept. The Concept M5 will go on public display for the first time at the Shanghai motor show later this month before reaching Australia in barely changed production form in early 2012.

Regardless of angle viewed from, the M5 will look clearly more muscular than other 5-Series models, adhering to BMW's description of the car as a "wolf in a business suit".

Larger, gaping air intakes sit below the trademark double-kidney grille and xenon headlights at the front, small air vents are built into the front guards, and at the rear the bootlid gains a subtle spoiler and the lower bumper features a downforce-creating diffuser sandwiched by dual tail-pipes on either side.

The M5 also sits lower than other Fives, on a sportier suspension developed by BMW's renowned M performance division engineers. The concept sits on large, 20-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile rubber.

The concept car features tinted windows and body paint BMW calls 'chrome shadow'. Codenamed F10, the fifth M5 since the mid 1980s will use a twin-turbo V8 that will have "significantly increased power output" over the previous model propelled by a 373kW V10.

The 4.4-litre unit is expected to produce close to 420kW, with that power sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Despite the addition of turbochargers, BMW says the high-revving V8 will "deliver a spontaneous and even acceleration".

A stop-start system will also help improve fuel economy and emissions by 25 per cent, according to the German car maker. This would equate to a consumption figure of about 10.7 litres of fuel use per 100km.