With Cameron Diaz now officially set to ride in the BMW Hydrogen 7 to the 2008 Oscar Awards, more unofficial details are coming out that BMW is planning to launch a Hybrid 7 Series in the next 2-3 years. We have blogged about hybrid BMW models before. In fact, just last April, we spoke about a Hybrid 5 Series model possibly in the works. Now, rumor has it that the flagship 7 Series will get the eco-friendly powerplant first.
Likely a joint venture between BMW, General Motors, and Mercedes-Benz, the new powerplant will be a "mild" hybrid system. This type of hybrid recovers energy from braking (aka "regenerative braking") to be stored and used to supplement the internal combustion engine. The Hybrid 7 Series will have to ultimately rely on gasoline for propulsion, as this type of hybrid is not able to run in pure electric mode like the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid.
With the news of BMW's twin-turbo diesel hybrid X5 fresh on our minds, it seems 2008 is turning out to be a green year for the German automaker.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Julius @ Feb 23rd 2008 11:00AM
Hmm... didn't BMW and D-C (pre-divorce) work with GM on the hybrid transmission that's in the Tahoe? And wouldn't that be the same tranny going into the hybrid 7-series?
Quattrofan @ Feb 23rd 2008 12:34PM
Hybrid transmission? What on earth are you babbling about?
Farris @ Feb 23rd 2008 2:38PM
BMW didn't have a partnership with D-C... it was Mercedes Benz and Daimler Chrysler.
Julius @ Feb 23rd 2008 2:57PM
Gee people, this is what I'm talking about:
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/gm-daimlerchrysler-bmw-debut-new-full-hybrid-system/
And Farris, I'm not sure what YOU mean, as Mercedes-Benz was the "Daimler" part of DaimlerChrysler.
Farris @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:36PM
*smacks forehead*
My bad. lol.
jg @ Feb 23rd 2008 12:44PM
mmmmm Cameron Diaz
Alpha @ Feb 23rd 2008 1:38PM
So... Where are the CTS and STS hybrids, GM?
Douglas @ Feb 23rd 2008 4:39PM
You know that the CTS and STS are coming. Since this is a GM transmission, they get everything first.
Michael @ Feb 23rd 2008 4:59PM
This makes a lot more sense than the Hydrogen 7, in my opinion.
LeRobert @ Feb 23rd 2008 6:20PM
Once again, these hybrid vehicles are only catering to those that want to 'appear' to be saving the planet. In truth, the batteries in hybrid cars cause way more damage to the environment than what the improved fuel economy alleviates.
skinniekinnie @ Feb 24th 2008 5:53AM
Hey you crazy people read the post again their talkin bout some new systen not the 2 mode. i'm interested to hear about how this relates to GM's current BAS Sys and BMW's planned auto stop-start system.
Alpha @ Feb 24th 2008 8:18AM
You're right. I take back my statements above.