BMW‘s M division continues the tradition of offering the option of a manual gearbox on its North American models with the upcoming 2013 M5 sports saloon. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the ongoing 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
“The manual gearbox was a popular choice for U.S. customers of the previous generation M5 and continues to be a unique offer in the segment,” BMW said in a statement.
The company added that the 6-speed manual, which model features a short throw shifter with a black leather backlit knob, will be offered from the very start as a no-cost alternative to the standard 7-speed M-Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT).
While featuring one gear less than the M-DCT, the manual retains the same final drive ratio and special M differential.
Sales of the both the manual and M-DCT variants of the 2013 BMW M5 in the States will begin in the summer with pricing to be released at a later date.
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