2011 BMW M5 frolics in a winter wonderland

Seriously, enough already. We've spied the 2011 BMW M5 over and over and over again, and the sedan still isn't quite ready for its public debut. Now, the flagship M sedan has been spotted during its winter testing regimen, and while we never shy away from looking at high-resolution photos of any M-badged BMW, we're ready for the seemingly endless striptease to come to an end.

That bulging front end hides a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 estimated to produce in excess of 560 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque, with the full force being sent to the ground solely via the two rear wheels. Of course, the improved suspension geometry means that the M5 will be full of finesse for track day storming, and we cannot stress how imperative it is that BMW releases the full onslaught of details sooner rather than later.

BMW's Detroit Auto Show stage is already reserved for the 2012 1 Series M Coupe and 6 Series convertible, which makes us think we may finally see the new M5 at the Geneva show in March. We're having a hard time staying patient.