MotorTrend brings word that the new F10-based BMW M5 (due for reveal in April) is likely to be fitted with conventional automatic transmission only. No manual. No dual clutch-transmission. So, the once hero über-slaoon from Munich will be fitted with a ZF-sourced 8 speed slush box. Disappointing news, it must be said.

It’s understood the reasons for this are due to the twin-turbo V8 engine in the new M5, which produces so much torque that a torque converter box is the only way ahead. It’s a similar combo to what we’ve seen in the X5 M and X6 M, so at least BMW has some solid reference points here.

Apparently M division did try and adapt the Getrag built DCT for the M5 only to discover they would need to uprate the transmission’s actuators. While this could be done, the affect on shift times made the move unsatisfactory.

[Source: MotorTrend]