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BMW Testing Next Generation M5 In Spain, Spyshots Reveal

BMW’s upcoming M5 is set to change a few things for the German performance sedan, so the automaker is testing it in various scenarios to ensure it will make the right choices.
2018 BMW M5 prototype 20 photos
Photo: CarPix
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In the case of the 2018 G80 M5, as it is expected to be called internally, BMW will not offer any manual gearbox in the range, while all-wheel-drive is projected to be introduced as an option. The rear-wheel-drive configuration is expected to remain available, even though output and torque will be raised to values high enough to shred tires with ease.

Our friends at CarPix spotted several BMW M5 prototypes on the sunny roads of Spain, and you can observe them in the adjacent photo gallery. A closer look at the wheels on the front of the car reveals that they seem to have almost the same size as the ones on the back.

This could mean that the prototypes in question might have all-wheel-drive. We also notice a massive set of brake discs, as well as an ample pair of air intakes in the front bumper.

The new BMW M5 is expected to drop about 220 pounds (100 kg) of weight thanks to the adoption of the new CLAR platform, which will also bring the introduction of more CFRP components.

The Twin Power Turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine is expected to be maintained for the 2018 M5, but it will be overhauled to provide well over 600 HP, the peak output of the most powerful versions of the ongoing generation.

BMW will also introduce more technology features to the M5, which will range from OLED taillights, laser headlights, autonomous drive functions, and much more.

The platform of the F90 M5 will be shared with the next generation of the M6, which will have the same output and configuration, with only a few mild changes concerning road behavior.

Expect to see the latter while testing in the coming months. We will provide you with the adequate spy images of the new model when they are available.
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About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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