2004 BMW M5 Concept

Of course it's not all about horsepower and torque but overall driving responsiveness. First and foremost the M5 is the only German to offer a manual gearbox. It's nothing less than a short-throw, precise

The M5 is not all about horsepower and torque, but overall driving responsiveness. (Photo: BMW Canada)

shifting 6-speed unit. Its clutch is superbly weighted, easy to launch the car to 100 km/h in an otherworldly 5.3 seconds. The pedal placement is perfect for a heal-toe driving style, with the immediacy of a drive-by-wire throttle optimized for ultra-quick input via a center-stack mounted sport mode button.

Such features will be part of the upcoming M5, shown recently in Geneva in concept form. Modeled after the recently updated 530i and 545i sedans (E60), reports from those on the inside say the M5 concept shown here is very close to reality.

It will be motivated by a naturally-aspirated 500 plus horsepower V10, precisely the performance level needed to

The new M5 will be powered by a naturally-aspirated 500 plus horsepower V10 engine. (Photo: BMW Canada)

annihilate its top-tier rivals when it comes to horsepower bragging rights. No doubt it will also be more engaging to drive, due to its manual transmission, active steering and dynamic drive suspension, to name only a few of BMW's exclusive technologies.

The 10-cylinder configuration not only separates the M5 from its V8 opponents, but ties the brand's top sporting drivetrain in with its race-winning Williams-BMW Formula 1 effort. While no team on the grid will offer up specific engine output ratings, common knowledge in the paddock has BMW's V10 in the number one position. It's an amazingly high revving power unit that delivers enviable reliability as well.