At Laguna Seca, BMW introduced to the US market the new 2012 BMW M5. While no test drives were scheduled this week in the M5, a few lucky BMW personnel had the unique opportunity to drive the new M5 on race track during a commercial shoot.

With the 2012 BMW M5, the Garching-based sporty division replaces the naturally aspirated engine with a TwinPower turbocharged V8.

The high-revving 4.4-liter (4395cc) turbocharged uses the BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, Valvetronic variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold. 2012 BMW M5 outputs 560 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 501 lb-ft of torque (680 Nm) at 1,500 rpm.

The F10 M5 will make its market debut in Spring 2012. An xDrive version is rumored to launch as an option in the future.