BMW M7 prototype or 7 Series hybrid?

It seems like every 12 months rumors of an M variant of the BMW 7 Series surface, and this year things are no different. A decidedly aggressive looking 7 Series mule was caught testing in Germany with a slight power bulge tacked onto the hood and a new fascia sporting a set of gaping air intakes and a sculpted splitter. Peer passed the twin-kidney grille and you'll discover what appears to be a front-mount intercooler similar to the unit fitted on the X5M and X6M, and that could mean this 7er is packing the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, putting out 555 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.
Although the wheels and brakes appear to be upgraded, the traditional quad exhaust found on all modern M cars is missing - something that even the M-fettled SAVs had when they were undergoing testing. That small point has KGP considering the possibility that the prototype is actually packing BMW's Active Hybrid system, which is due to arrive early next year. Either way, there's a good chance BMW will unveil whatever 7 Series is up its sleeve at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.