I had planned to go to the Shanghai Auto Show which will open its doors to the press on April 19^th. Then BMW sent a long distance bomber over Beijing and carpet bombed me with pictures of everything they will show in Shanghai. Now I can save the money for the ticket and the hotel. I have seen all I need to see. Instead, we declare this Monday BMW Day. BMW Concept M5 gallery after the jump. Right this way ..

Chinese and international visitors of the Shanghai show will drool over this car. So close, and yet so far: They can’t have it. It looks real, downright traditional, but it’s a concept. The BMW Concept M5 “demonstrates how athletic design and the racing-inspired character of a BMW M automobile can be combined with the aesthetic and functional features of a sedan of the upper midrange segment,” says the press blurb. (Who writes that stuff?) No concept machinery under the hood: A real high-revving V8 engine with an unreal M TwinPower Turbo. Hidden cameras will record facial expressions, while special sensors count sweaty palms. You bet the Chinese will DEMAND to get that car. (Why is it not in red?)