Lately all the world's larger auto manufacturer have made a habit out of launching some of their most important models at the annual Chinese auto show. And this is no accident as China represents one of the greatest auto markets and also one of the fastest expanding economies.
BMW makes no exception from the rule and this year, rumor is that the German car manufacturer intends to unveil its latest M5 model in the far East, at the Shanghai Auto Show.
As you might know (or not), the M stands for "Motorsport", the racing and factory tuning division of BMW. And the M-badged cars traditionally include modified engines, transmissions, suspensions, interior trims, aerodynamics, and exterior modifications that sets them apart from their standard counterparts.
As it is, the new M5 will probably come with a tweaked up version of the original 4.4 liter V8 turbocharged engine and with as many as 580 hp. All this power will presumably be mated to BMW's M DCT dual clutch gear box (the same as on the M3) but it's very unlikely for BMW not to offer also a conventional six speed transmission.
Starting on April 21st, the Shanghai Auto Show will feature among other models the new M5 and two other new BMW products: the 6 series Coupe and the Active Hybrid 5 sedan.
And while there's more than a month untill we'll be able to admire the new M5, take a look at this older BMW commercial just to understand the true nature of the M badged cars.