2013 BMW M5 6-Speed Manual Transmission Option Confirmed

While on the floor at this year’s North American International Auto Show, our friends at BMWBlog were able to listen in on BMW officials confirming that the 2013 BMW M5 will be available from the start of production with a 6-speed manual transmission.

For some time we were swayed in a certain direction with reports that BMW’s M5 would only get the 7-speed M-DCT (M-Double Clutch Transmission). It is good news to hear that BMW will keep enthusiasts and purists alike in the market for a 4-door rocket ship satisfied with a real clutch pedal and 6 manually-shifted forward gears.

Reportedly, the 6-speed manual gearbox will be a no-cost option and have ratios optimized for acceleration, flexibility and fuel economy while maintaining the initial final drive ratio and special M differential.

The new 2013 BMW M5 will be hitting showroom floors late summer 2012.