BMW is certainly turning up the suspense with the upcoming F10 M5. As of late we have been seeing more and more of BMW's pre-production model donning the camouflage wrap. Most recently, we've been teased with a couple short videos offering a couple neck-breaking glimpses of the latest addition to the M family. The M5 has been long awaited since the end of the production of the E60 for two reasons. First, petrol-heads couldn't wait to see how BMW would outdo themselves creating something that is supposed to top a supercar-eating V10-powered super saloon. Secondly, the F10 generation of 5 series is a mark of the end of the reign of Chris Bangle, the hotly debated BMW Design Chief responsible for approving some controversial designs we know today as the E60 5 series and E65/66 7 series. Some of his designs were more critically acclaimed than others but he did serve as the scapegoat for a decade of design full of "Bangle-butt" and flame surfacing. Purists definitely had their fingers crossed with the new 5 series in hopes that it will return to a design language that feels more BMW. If the 2011 5 series is any indication, the M-ed out version is not likely to disappoint.
A big part of the suspense can be lent to the view that the M5 has reached a plateau of sorts. Take the engine for instance; it has always increased in size, arrangement and power. We started in 1984 (E28) with a 256hp 3.5L inline-6. The next generation (E34) sported an engine of the same size but with power tuned up to 315hp. Then BMW really got peoples attention with the next M5 boasting a 5.0L V8 churning out 394hp. Just when we caught our breath 5 years later in 2006 BMW unleashed a10-cylinder freight train of an M5. Having experienced this delightful progression, I can't help but be left to wonder how BMW will create a car that is more exciting and more M than it's predecessors. Right now at BMW "twin-turbo" is the magic word. Sounds like a good start to me.
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