BMW had introduced the next generation 5-Series sedan earlier this year. Now its M division, is concentrating on developing the flagship version of the series, the M5. The highly anticipated M5 will debut a year after the standard 5-Series will make its first public appearance at the 2010 Geneva Show on March next year. The 2011 BMW M5 was spied undergoing testing at the Nordschleife.

Image Credit : KGP Photography

Speculation was abound on whether the M5 would continue to use the exotic V10 powerplant or switch to the new turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 which made its bebut in X5M and X6M. However, now BMW officials have confirmed that the new M5 will be equipped with the turbocharged V8.

The twin-turbocharged unit develops 555HP at 6,000 rpm and 680Nm or 501 pound feet of torque available between 1500 & 5650 rpm, which is more than enough to make the BMW M5 a strong contender in the high-end next generation super sedan category. It is speculated that the direct injection V8 may be improved further, boosting the output almost to the 600HP mark. The new V8 will not only outrun the V10 in power, but will also be lighter in weight, compact in size & more fuel efficiency with lower CO2 emissions.

The 2011 M5 will also have a re-engineered version of the M3′s 7 speed twin-clutch transmission (DCT) and maybe even a classic manual gearbox. As with every other M badge bearing product, the M5 will also benefit from brake, suspension and steering system upgrades to improve handling and driver feedback further. Although the prototype model in these spy pictures sports a standard roof, there are rumors that BMW is working on a carbon fiber top similar to that of the M3 and M6.

So considering the above details, the awesome 2011 BMW M5 is a combination between a very powerful M sport car and a luxury limousine. We anticipate to see the new M5 debuting at a major auto show in 2011, with European sales starting towards the end of 2011, and the rest of the world in 2012.

Via Carscoop