Monday 9 January 2012

OFFICIAL: BMW TO OFFER MANUAL M5


One man’s Mopani worms, is another’s caviar. That seems to be the case here as BMW announces some fantastic news for its American customers, while the rest of the world receives not-so-good news. The new BMW M5 will be offered with a 6-speed manual option, but only in the North America region.


BMW did this with the previous V10 car, giving only the US the manual option. Apparently the Yanks lapped up their physically-engaging M5s in droves, prompting top M brass to make this decision once more. They did not however, go 7-speed manual like Porsche has in the new 911.

For the record, the M5 launches in South Africa before the end of January, featuring a 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 worth 412kW. Power and torque go to the rear wheels, through an LSD (limited slip differential) and a 7-speed M-Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT). You’ll be able to buy one at R1 145 500 standard.

No comments: