Never underestimate the practicality of a good receiver hitch and a flatbed trailer. BMW’s own engineers were apparently forced to use both last week, when they towed a prototype of the next-generation M5 sedan off the famed Nürburgring circuit.

It’s impossible to know what led engineers to rescue the stranded M5 with an X5, but it did let the folks at Motor Trend grab some clear photos of the M5 tester. The requisite M details — large wheels, brakes, performance tires, revised bumper fascia, and tall side sills — are all visible.

We can’t see under the hood, but it’s our Magic 8 ball points to “yes” when asked if the new M5 will make use of a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8. Such an engine is already in use in the X5 M and X6 M, where it produces 555 horsepower. Reports suggest the engine could be tuned to crank out nearly 600 hp for M5 duty.

Unfortunately, engineers didn’t pop the hood for MT’s photographer, nor did they conveniently misplace a product planning calendar. Although the 2010 M5 ended its production run back in July, we haven’t received word yet as to when the new car — possibly a 2011 model — will launch in the U.S.

Source: Motor Trend

Bruce Mather just couldn’t master Summit Point’s tricky double-apex Turn 1 in his daily driver/weekend-warrior BMW 540i. An instructor riding shotgun pinpointed the problem: He was sliding around on his broad leather seats. The recommendation: a full racing harness. But as a pharmaceuticals consultant, Bruce needed the Bimmer to ferry clients around during the week, so harnesses were out. Instead, he dreamed up a simple device that attaches to a factory seatbelt buckle and cinches the lap belt tight while leaving the shoulder belt loose. Thus was born the CG-Lock, which helped him master that turn and shave 1.5 seconds off his lap time.

Photo Gallery: Technologue: Hot Laps (Belt)s – CG-Lock seat belt – Motor Trend

Well, we probably should have seen this coming. Within 15 minutes of BMW opening an order hotline, Bimmer diehards have snatched up all of the 30 available 2011 Frozen Gray M3s.

In a press release, BMW North America M brand manager Larry Koch lauded the Frozen Gray M3 as “a striking work of sculpture, speed, and style perfectly marks the 25th birthday of the M3 model,” and as “one of the most unique BMW vehicles ever imported” to America.

According to Koch, the 30 available special-edition M3s sold out yesterday within 12 minutes of the phone line opening at 11:30 a.m. Monday. Fifty alternate buyers were listed within an hour’s time.

As we described last week, Frozen Gray refers to a unique matte gray finish on the car’s exterior. The special edition model combines the Competition Package, cosmetic enhancements, and several key M3 accessories and options.

It’s unlikely that you’ll see one of the 30 Frozen Grays cruising around your neighborhood, so if you want to get up close, take a hint from the owners and try while you can.

Source: BMW