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.

2012 bmw m5 pictures 932 655x433The F10 M5 will make its market debut in Spring 2012. An xDrive version is rumored to launch as an option in the future.