Spy Shots: BMW M7 prototype or 7 Series hybrid?
BMW M7? - Click above for a high-res image gallery
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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
waiownsyou 3:04PM (6/02/2009)
Maybe it's an M7 Hybrid. They're like, "Screw you, LS 600hL!". You know, they always throw crazy and sometimes experimental technology on their flagship.
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JDM Life 10:57PM (6/02/2009)
LS600hL Over this anyday.
This thing wish it was as well built as the LS.
Eddie 3:08PM (6/02/2009)
I hope it is an M7, as it is years overdue. However, I think this is a 7 series M Sport due to the front fascia and 21 inch wheels, but the lack of quad exhaust pipes.
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zamafir 4:12PM (6/02/2009)
I also hope it is an M7, maybe BMW can restore some semblance of credibility to the 7 series. For those in doubt, go drive one, mototrend pretty much sums it up:
"That's the 750Li in a nutshell. It's the Windows Vista of luxury cars... Squash the gas pedal and the big 7 just goes and goes. The problem is, that's about all it does. Its lazy throttle response, turbo lag -- whatever the problem is -- kneecaps the car in situations when full throttle isn't required (99 percent of the time). I can forgive a luxury sedan that gets this formula wrong the other way -- buttery smooth most of the time, hopeless in full-throttle situations. This is unconscionable"
There's no reason the 7series, years newer than the A8, should lose to it in any comparison. Here's hoping BMW uses this as an excuse to bring it up to par with their older (A8) and newer (S class) rivals.
Eddie 4:54PM (6/02/2009)
I just read that same Motor Trend article. That's unfortunate for BMW that the 7 lost to the years old A8 and the (pre facelift) S550. Hopefully BMW does what Subaru did with the WRX, fix things by the next model year.
Serge 3:10PM (6/02/2009)
Love these wheels :)
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Cougs 3:21PM (6/02/2009)
See now this is more of the road yacht type than that angry pumpkin thingy...
I like.
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Protzenegger 3:34PM (6/02/2009)
That air dam looks worlds better than the standard 7 air dam.
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k.w.a 3:54PM (6/02/2009)
i was wondering what is was that made me all of a sudden like the new 7 series! (apart from seeing it in person)
MikeW 3:42PM (6/02/2009)
V8, you must be joking.
Get the ZF 8hp90 738hp 664ft-lbs claimed power/torque handling.
Turbo the V12 away!
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Alex 3:43PM (6/02/2009)
Since BMW reserves the ///M tag for SUVs, CUVs and SAVs i'm going to guess this is a hybrid.
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Brandon 3:49PM (6/02/2009)
I wish it was an M7, but the front air dam doesn't look nearly aggressive enough. Yea, there's a lot more space for more air, but not much evidence of serious utilization of air for aerodynamic purposes.
I really can't tell. At least the slight camo is doing what it supposed to do -- confuse everyone. :)
And is that a sensor or camera of some type in the air dam?
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bankerts 4:13PM (6/02/2009)
IR camera for the night vision.
Jim 3:56PM (6/02/2009)
It's clearly not an M because it isn't sporting the 20+ M badges BMW slaps on those.
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Hike15 3:55PM (6/02/2009)
Can somebody just ask the photographer what the car sounded like and solve the problems?
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Al 12:45AM (6/03/2009)
Sound reasoning, except if the car was parked and the driver was no where in sight or for some reason or another was stopped?
Noah 1:51PM (6/03/2009)
The driver is in the car in the first photo...
Hoping for the M7. Bit more aggressive styling, and a boosted V12. Yesssssss!
CRISGQ 3:58PM (6/02/2009)
I THINK ITS AN M7. LOOK CLOSELY AT THE HOOD, THERES A NICE PIECE OF SHEET METAL THAT REMINDS ME OF THE RAISED HOOD IN THE M3.
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mkM3 4:40PM (6/02/2009)
The S63 turbo V8 isn't necessarily the best candidate for an M7 given that the new N74 turbo V12 in the new 760i and 760Li makes the same power and more torque. Of course that same type of situation doesn't stop Mercedes from offering both the S63 and S600, so there's no reason why BMW could not follow suit. Notably, however, Mercedes also has the S65 at the very top of the food chain. But yeah, the V8 does weigh a lot less than the V12 I'm sure, and with the other standard M tweaks it would no dbout be the better performer vs. the 760i. Still, it would be nice to see the M formula applied to the N74 to create an S74 (similar to how the S63 is based on the N63). That would probably yield 700+hp and and 700+ ft-lb. Now that engine in a 7 series would make a good S65 challenger. :)
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Aki 4:54PM (6/02/2009)
I was wondering why I like the front end, and another poster nailed it--the front dam looks so much better.
I can't imagine it being a hybrid--don't think hybrids need hood bulges.
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