Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Keeping up with the House of Saud: BMW 7 Series High Security]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/keeping-up-with-the-house-of-saud-bmw-7-series-high-security/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/keeping-up-with-the-house-of-saud-bmw-7-series-high-security/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/keeping-up-with-the-house-of-saud-bmw-7-series-high-security/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW 760Li High Security - Click above for high-res image gallery

You're totally rich, your name's on several buildings and your wife is hotter than three suns. And you love sporty driving -- no chauffeur for you. Thing is, people are always shooting at your Ferrari 599. True, it can outrun bullets -- but what if you're stopped at a light? BMW has a solution for you. Meet the 760Li High Security and its "little" brother, the 750Li High Security, two new flagships providing safe haven from attacks and an entertaining steer. And they're fast. The 750Li has the now ubiquitous 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 good for 407 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. Even better, is the mighty heart of the 760Li with its soon-to-be shared with Rolls-Royce 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 that not only makes 537 hp but 553 lb-ft of gravity defying torque. That much grunt lets the big dog hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Both cars are electronically limited to 131 mph.

But here's why you really want 'em. Unlike cars that get all up-armored in the aftermarket, the new 7-Series was designed from the very start with armored versions in mind. Meaning that when the lads at the Dingofling factory add a few thousand pounds of bullet-proof steel plating, BMW has already designed a suitable suspension component (be it dampers, bushings or strut top mounting points) to account for all the extra weight. Moreover, as the new factory panels are in fact a perfect match to the parts they're replacing, the High Security cars fit together better and are more tightly sealed -- good news in case of gas attacks. And speaking of gas attacks, there's an assault alarm that automatically puts out fires under the car and in the engine bay. The assault alarm can also detect excess gas levels and automatically shut the vents, raise the windows, locks the doors and pump in purified air. Gotta have that.

BMW's claiming that both cars meet VR7 levels of protection and that the non-see-through bits meet VR9 levels. Sadly, even the internet doesn't know exactly what those levels mean, but they sound safe. In fact, (taking BMW's word for it) the only safer place on four wheels is Obama's Cadillac One, and even you can't buy that. Says BMW, "The two BMW high security sedans set new standards in the protection of persons at risk while traveling in their vehicle." Still not feeling safe? There's an optional compartment to store two machine guns right in the center console. Plus we're sure some "discreet" BMW consultants could help you and your check book make the 7-Series High Security a whole lot safer. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 BMW 7 Series High Security

01-bmw-7-high-security02-bmw-7-high-security03-bmw-7-high-security04-bmw-7-high-security05-bmw-7-high-security


Continue reading Keeping up with the House of Saud: BMW 7 Series High Security

Keeping up with the House of Saud: BMW 7 Series High Security originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-Series750Li750Li High Security750liHighSecurity760Li760Li High Security760liHighSecurityBMWBMW 7-SeriesBMW 7-Series High SecurityBMW 750Li High SecurityBMW 760Li High SecurityBmw7-seriesBmw7-seriesHighSecurityBmw750liHighSecurityBmw760liHighSecuritybulletbulletproofMon, 10 Aug 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW to debut production hybrid 7 in Frankfurt?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/bmw-to-debut-production-hybrid-7-in-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/bmw-to-debut-production-hybrid-7-in-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/bmw-to-debut-production-hybrid-7-in-frankfurt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With BMW investing heavily in its Efficient Dynamics program, the next stage could be unveiled at its home-turf Frankfurt show this coming September. Reports out of France suggest that this is where the Bavarian automaker will unveil its 750Hi, a hybrid version of its latest 7-Series flagship sedan.

Previewed by the 7-Series ActiveHybrid concept in Paris last fall, Munich's assault on the recently revealed S400 Hybrid from arch-rival Mercedes-Benz and the Lexus LS600h is expected to pair an electric motor with its highly-rated 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, providing over 400 horsepower in the unassisted, gas-burning version. While there is no word on how big the electric motor will be, but if Mercedes' solution is anything to go by, look for something in the neighborhood of 20 horsepower, while the new eight-speed automatic that debuted on the new 760i in Shanghai could see duty in the production hybrid due to potential packaging benefits. If the reports emerge as genuine, we should have more for you over the course of the summer as more details emerge.

[Source: L'Automobile]

BMW to debut production hybrid 7 in Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 hybrid7 series7-series7Hybrid7Seriesactivehybridbimmerbmwbmw 7 seriesbmw 7 series hybridbmw 750Hibmw active hybirdbmw hybridBmw750hiBmw7SeriesBmw7SeriesHybridBmwActiveHybirdBmwHybridefficient dynamicsEfficientDynamicshybridThu, 30 Apr 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 BMW 750Li]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/first-drive-2009-bmw-750li/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/first-drive-2009-bmw-750li/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/first-drive-2009-bmw-750li/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW 750Li

When the 2009 BMW 7 series was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last fall, BMW's fifth-generation flagship had an anvil-sized burden to bear. Although the last 7 series was a milestone in the sales department, its design - which foisted Chris Bangle's influence onto an unsuspecting public - was all but universally panned when it was introduced in 2001. And if the exterior wasn't offensive enough (to some), BMW's newly-implemented iDrive system sent many reviewers and owners into unmitigated bouts of rage.

For 2009, BMW has sought to address the fourth generation's foibles while capitalizing on its strengths. And while nothing is more subjective than styling, control interfaces have a huge impact on the overall experience. Find out if BMW has succeeded on both fronts after the break.


Gallery: First Drive: 2009 BMW 750Li


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 BMW 750Li

First Drive: 2009 BMW 750Li originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 7 series2009 BMW 7 series2009 bmw 750li20097Series2009Bmw750li2009Bmw7Series7 series7-series7Seriesbmwbmw 7 seriesBmw7Seriesfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveMon, 23 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[V12 BMW 760i spied?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/27/v12-bmw-760i-spied/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/27/v12-bmw-760i-spied/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/27/v12-bmw-760i-spied/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Although BMW's flagship 7 Series sedan has traditionally been available with twelve cylinders under the hood, the latest F01 chassis has so far been headlined by the company's twin-turbo V8. If these spy shots are anything to go by, however, the eight-cylinder turbo is about to get some company,

A more aggressive front end, different wheels and a taped-up V12 badge on the front fender are the give-aways of the new range-topping model, which could employ the carryover naturally aspirated unit or get a pair of turbos bolted on for good measure. However, reports differ over whether BMW will offer an M7 performance version to compete with Audi's S8 and Mercedes' S63 AMG in addition to the V12 model. In the meantime, BMW is expected to unveil the new 760i at the Shanghai Motor Show in a couple of months from now.

[Source: Carpassion Forums via World Car Fans]

V12 BMW 760i spied? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 series7-series760i760li7Seriesbmwbmw 7bmw 7 seriesbmw 7 spybmw 7-seriesbmw 760bmw 760ibmw 760liBmw7Bmw7-seriesBmw760Bmw760iBmw760liBmw7SeriesBmw7SpyTue, 27 Jan 2009 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2009-7-series-raises-prices-on-everyt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2009-7-series-raises-prices-on-everyt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2009-7-series-raises-prices-on-everyt/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 BMW 7 Series

The latest iteration of BMW's all-singing, all-dancing plutocrat limo will roll out the door starting at $81,125. That sum will get buyers the 2009 750i (including $825 for destination charges), but those who are looking for a bit more legroom in back will have to pay $85,025 for the 750Li. Production for these models began last month, but don't expect to see them on the forecourts of your local BMW Center until later this spring.

The rest of the BMW lineup is also getting a nudge on pricing, with the average MSRP climbing by 0.7 percent. All pricing increases are effective January 1, 2009; so if you're planning on gifting yourself a M5 or X6 for the holidays, make sure you do so before New Year's.

Click on the jump for BMW's official press release and full-line model pricing for 2009.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else

BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High commodities prices and the unflattering value gap between the Euro and U.S. Dollar are forcing a lot of European automakers to bump their prices here in the States. We told you a few weeks ago that BMW was planning on raising the sticker price on many of its products, and now we're starting to see the extent of the damage. The price changes range from an increase of $600 on a 128i to $1,400 on an M6. The 335i received several MSRP increases, with the sedan going up by $800, the coupe by $1,200, and a raise of $1,300 for the convertible. The 328i sedan, meanwhile, rose $700 to an MSRP of $33,400.

Options also went up in price, as the dual clutch on the M3 has gone up by $200 making it a $2,900 option. The sport package for the 335i sedan and coupe has risen by $450, and some standard equipment like the Logic 7 Sound System has been nixed for 2009. Beginning in October, iPhone integration can also be had for $150. Since $150 is almost the price of the phone, that one smarts just a bit. To see more 2009 BMW pricing (except for the new 7-Series), hit the read link below.

[Source: BMW Blog, photo by rahims | CC 2.0]

BMW bumps its prices for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-series3-series5-series7-seriesbmwprice bumpprice hike bmwPriceBumpPriceHikeBmwsticker pricesStickerPricesx5Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Next BMW iDrive to take cues from Audi's MMI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/03/next-bmw-idrive-to-take-cues-from-audis-mmi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/03/next-bmw-idrive-to-take-cues-from-audis-mmi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/03/next-bmw-idrive-to-take-cues-from-audis-mmi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've already gotten a sneak peak of what the 2009 BMW 7-series will look like on the outside ahead of its official launch, but the interior - and iDrive in particular - is still veiled in a cloak of secrecy. However, Bimmerfile has supposedly gotten the inside dope on the new multi-function brushed aluminum mole.

According to Bimmerfile, the new iDrive interface will take a cue from one of our favorite in-dash control units - Audi's MMI - with a new interface that has a similar list design and selection system. The screen resolution is higher, which makes the maps and text "more visually appealing" and the submenus are reportedly "more like bookmarks," which should facilitate an easier flow of information.

The new display will also allow show maps in full screen, rather than the split screen in the previous version of iDrive, and radio and CD functions are now available in two separate menus. When playing a CD, the current song will be displayed in a "frame" at the top of the screen, with the list of tracks shown below it.

The major revision, aside from a new phonebook contact list that allows for multiple numbers, is the date, time and radio station bar migrating from the iDrive screen into a central mounted display nestled between the two gauges on the dash. This is one feature that Audi's MMI has had for a few years and is a very welcome addition to the new iDrive. We'll hopefully have official information about the new system in a few days.

[Source: Bimmerfile]

Next BMW iDrive to take cues from Audi's MMI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 bmw 7-series2009Bmw7-series7-seriesaudi mmiAudiMmibmwbmw idrive revisionBmwIdriveRevisionidriveThu, 03 Jul 2008 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[New BMW 7 series teased on the back nine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/new-bmw-7-series-teased-on-the-back-nine/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/new-bmw-7-series-teased-on-the-back-nine/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/new-bmw-7-series-teased-on-the-back-nine/#commentsFiled under: ,



Behind the man finishing his follow through (he didn't keep his head down) is a glimpse of the new BMW 7-Series front end. Freed from the matte black paint on the mules and with the right bit of studio lighting, the car has the kind of bada** mien that we should expect from the top dog BMW. And we finally see what the tape has been covering over the headlights: chrome eyelids that are straight off the CS concept. Also taking cues from the CS are that wider, Joker-grin grille and the angel eyes composed of individual LEDs. The full monty is supposed to be revealed on July 7, so stay tuned. But so far, we likey. Thanks for the tip, Josh!

[Source: 7 Post]

New BMW 7 series teased on the back nine originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-seriesadvertisementadvertisementsadvertisingbmwbmw 7-seriesBmw7-seriessedansedansteaserteaser posterTeaserPosterMon, 30 Jun 2008 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7 series, we're getting close!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/25/spy-shots-2009-bmw-7-series-were-getting-close/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/25/spy-shots-2009-bmw-7-series-were-getting-close/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/25/spy-shots-2009-bmw-7-series-were-getting-close/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Seriously, we're getting a bit tired of seeing lightly camo'd BMW 7- series sedans roaming the roads. Isn't it about time that the Bavarian automaker unleashed real photos upon the automotive world? These latest shots were taken by our friends over at Autofiends.com out in the Nevada desert, and we can again see that the much maligned flame-surfacing treatment common to BMWs from the last few years seems to be falling out of favor. In its stead are longer stretches of mostly flat sheet metal, though some vestigial character lines remain just below the greenhouse and door handles. Up front are exaggerated versions of the familiar kidney grilles which show clear inspiration from the Concept CS from a while back, though they are not nearly as monstrous as those seen on the next 5 Series. If rumors hold true, we can expect the spy shots to officially come to an end on July 7 when the new big Bimmer is expected to make its debut.

[Source: Autofiends.com]

Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7 series, we're getting close! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 7 series20097Series7 series7-series7Seriesbmw 7bmw 7 seriesbmw 7-seriesbmw-7-seriesBmw7Bmw7-seriesBmw7SeriesWed, 25 Jun 2008 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Next BMW night vision system can detect humans in the dark]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/next-bmw-night-vision-system-can-detect-humans-in-the-dark/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/next-bmw-night-vision-system-can-detect-humans-in-the-dark/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/next-bmw-night-vision-system-can-detect-humans-in-the-dark/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The next BMW 7-Series is going to be graced with some serious driving technology. While the image above doesn't appear to have anything like the picture quality of Mercedes' NightVision Assist, BMW's offering will have some other features that you probably won't find this side of a special ops base.

The second-gen night vision system will be able to detect humans in the road because it will use thermal imaging. It will alert the driver of human impediments up to 100 meters ahead, and it won't be confused by humans on the sidewalk. If a collision is imminent, a flashing warning triangle will appear on the screen and the heads-up display.

European versions of the car won't have to rely on navigation software to know the speed limit of a given road. A camera behind the rear-view mirror will read street sings in any country that is signed to the Vienna Convention -- which doesn't include the U.S. That function will work in any weather, even fog. It won't limit the speed of the car, but it will warn the driver if his or her speed is excessive. Word is they are considering naming the system "Hal." Thanks for the tip, Chris!

[Source: BMWblog]


The camera found in the Night-Vision-system will be improved as well, featuring a better resolution and improved object-recognition. The system will warn the driver if he is in danger of a collision with any detected object or human. To test this technique they test drove over 250.000 kilometers at night, so the error margins are pretty slim. That's pretty impressive I would say.

Next BMW night vision system can detect humans in the dark originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The crew at the BMWBlog supposedly has the scoop on the next generation BMW 7-series, and in addition to a July 7th reveal date, they've procured a handful of details about BMW's flagship sedan.

Two, twin-turbocharged engines will be available: a V12 and the V8 currently found in the X6, with power being sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed transmission. Four-wheel steering will be an option, along with all-wheel-drive later in its lifecycle. Dynamic Performance Control, ConnectDrive and an improved iDrive interface will form the majority of the technical changes inside and the new 7's interior will supposedly mark the return of the driver-oriented controls of yore, with a center console canted in to face the person behind the wheel. We'll believe it when we see it.

BMW will offer four new colors for the 2009 7-series, including Cashmere Silver, Imperial Blue, Mineral Whit and Sophisto Grey and BMWBlog's sources say that the V8 model will be sporting a duo of square tailpipes, while the higher-end version will get four squared tips.

[Source: BMWBlog]

Rumormill: 2009 BMW 7-series coming July 7th originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click on the image to enlarge

After seeing numerous exterior spy shots and renderings of BMW's upcoming 2009 7 Series and hearing details about the drivetrain, we finally have what appears to be a spy shot of the new 7's interior. Like the exterior, it appears to be rather subdued for a modern BMW. As we had previously heard, the joystick gear lever has moved back to its rightful position in the center console between the seats. Although the woodgrain and some of the panels don't line up all that well, we're not concerned about it considering that this is obviously not a production model yet. We're also happy to see that the iDrive screen is better integrated into the dash. While we generally favor a clean, uncluttered look, we wonder how this new and more simple design ethos will resonate with the luxury car buyers that are BMW's target audience. Thanks for the tip, Luke!

[Source: E90Post.com]

Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7 Series interior snapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Apr 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 7 series2009 bmw2009 bmw 7 series20097Series2009Bmw2009Bmw7Series7 series7-series7Seriesbmw 7bmw 7 seriesbmw 7-seriesbmw f01bmw-7bmw-7-seriesbmw-f01Bmw7Bmw7-seriesBmw7SeriesBmwF01f01Sun, 20 Apr 2008 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: 2009 BMW 7-Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/18/rendered-speculation-2009-bmw-7-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/18/rendered-speculation-2009-bmw-7-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/18/rendered-speculation-2009-bmw-7-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The next 7-Series could say goodbye to its current bluff-sided barge proportions. According to the latest renderings, a lower, wider, larger car swoops up from a front that takes cues from the CS concept to a rear in which there are no remaining traces of the Bangle Butt.

We have always been fans of the 7-Series, and would greatly welcome a return to elegance -- even if it's the brutish elegance of this rendering. We would also welcome a new interior, and word is that it will be equally redone. And that (pesky) iDrive? The annoying knob will be made ever more user friendly we're told, which shouldn't be too difficult considering the starting point. It appears the last user friendly upgrade to the iDrive wasn't as friendly as BMW thought. This time it will also get Google Maps and iPhone connectivity. Intriguingly, the gear shift could return to the center console instead of being on the steering column stalk.

Engines will start out at 3.0 liters (probably gas and diesel variants, but still not for the States, most likely), jump to a V8 with a 47-HP boost over the current model, and top out at an even more powerful 6.0-liter V12. Expect the car to debut next year as a 2009 model, so we should see its debut at an auto show early in the season.

[Source: eGM Car Tech]

Rendered Speculation: 2009 BMW 7-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Do you remember the first time you saw your mom wearing a facial mud mask? We had the same reaction when we first saw this spy pic of the new BMW 7-Series that was shot in Munich. While we suppose the psychedelic swirly paint job does obscure the luxury sedan's new lines, it also screams to every passerby for attention. That's not something development mules and prototypes usually do.

World Car Fans says it can make out a new front grille with a wider and lower hood on the car. All we see is a hive of bumblebees being pureed. Regardless, WCF reports the next-gen 7-Series will feature an 8-speed automatic like the Lexus LS, as well as the xDrive system. Power will reportedly come from a range of engines including the 272-hp 3.0L inline six, a new 414-hp V8 sourced from the M3 and possibly a new version of the car's 6.0L V12. BMW will likely debut the new car's shape at one of the big European shows: maybe Geneva in March, but more likely Paris later in the year.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Psychedelic BMW 7-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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During a recent Bimmer-hunting expedition at the Nurburgring, ace photog Hans Lehmann was able to procure a shot of the engine bay of a development mule for the 2010 BMW 7-series. When inspecting the layout, he noticed two intercoolers, and the best guess now is that the V8 fitted to the new 7-series could be the same engine employed in the new M3. With over 400 horsepower on tap in naturally-aspirated guise, it's not a stretch to think that this blown motor could produce upwards of 500 HP with limited tweaking. M7 anyone?

When the new 7-series goes on sale in late 2009, those suspicions will be confirmed.

[Source: Straighline]

Spy Shots: Twin-turbo V8 BMW 7-series at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-seriesbmwm7spy shotsSpyShotstwin turbotwin-turboTwinTurbov8Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7-series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/spy-shots-2009-bmw-7-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/spy-shots-2009-bmw-7-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/spy-shots-2009-bmw-7-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Although the BMW 7-series has undergone some mild styling tweaks over the past few years, it seems that more is on the way, all in an effort to tighten the reigns of the mangled Bangled versions that caused drivers to bleed from their eyes.

Although some hope that the Concept CS will influence future 7s, the 2009 model will be more of an evolution, likely drawing cues from the redesigned 3-series. But the real changes are likely to come from underneath.

A longer wheelbase, partnered with a wider track, will be utilized to keep with BMW's handling ethos, while new engine choices, including a hybrid and twin-turbo V8 diesel will provide motivation. A new ZF eight-speed gearbox is almost certain, along with a revised iDrive system and several new safety features.

Look out for the refresh in 2009, with a full redesign sometime next decade.

[Source: Autogepot via Motor Authority]

Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7-series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 series3-series3Series7 series7-series7Seriesbanglebmwbmw 7-seriesBmw7-seriesconcept csConceptCsdieselhybridspy photosspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyShotstwin turboTwinTurbov8Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[New BMW 7-series will come with 8-speed transmission]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/05/new-bmw-7-series-will-come-with-8-speed-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/05/new-bmw-7-series-will-come-with-8-speed-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/05/new-bmw-7-series-will-come-with-8-speed-transmission/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When BMW released the redesigned 7-series back in 2001, they were the first to offer a six-speed automatic transmission. Two years later, Mercedes upped the ante by throwing an additional cog into the mix, equipping their new S-class with a seven-speed auto. Now that Lexus is offering an eight-speed slush box in their waftastic LS460, BMW has vowed not be left behind in the ratio wars and plans to bring an nine- eight-speed transmission to market by the end of the decade.

The next 7-series will be due for a substantial redesign by 2009 or 2010, so that's when industry analysts expect the eight-speed box to find its way into BMW's luxury sedan. The engineering haus, ZF Friedrichsafen, has been tapped to create the new automatic and has plenty of experience increasing fuel economy, while decreasing build costs, on the current model's six-speed automatic.

When will this cog-swapping numbers race end? We're not entirely sure, but as soon as manufacturers start cresting the double digits, we doubt anyone will even be paying attention.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

New BMW 7-series will come with 8-speed transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Feb 2007 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-series8-speed automatic8-speedAutomaticbmweight speedeight-speedEightSpeedlexusls460mercedes benzMercedesBenzs-classMon, 05 Feb 2007 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW finally bringing Alpina B7 to Chicago]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/02/bmw-finally-bringing-alpina-b7-to-chicago/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/02/bmw-finally-bringing-alpina-b7-to-chicago/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/02/bmw-finally-bringing-alpina-b7-to-chicago/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image for a high-resolution gallery of images

Better late than never, we always say. The BMW Alpina B7 was actually announced in a press release dated 2/16/2006, but it's taken a while to get the car ready for prime time. We reported on it back then, but we've learned that the super 7-Series will finally be unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show next week. To refresh your memory, the Alpina B7 sports a supercharged 4.4L V8 engine producing in excess of 500 horsepower. That's good enough to scoot the luxo barge to 60 mph in a mere 4.8 seconds. All that twist is certainly needed to turn those giant 21-inch Alpina wheels. A sport-tuned suspension and Alpina's B7 aero kit that includes a rear spoiler round out the package. The original press release states that about 200 Alpina B7 sedans will be produced for the U.S. market, although the quoted launch date of July 2006 has obviously been moved back a bit. We'll bring you more info and live pics of the Alpina B7 when we meet it in person next week at the Chicago Auto Show.

[Source: BMW]

Gallery: BMW Alpina B7

Continue reading BMW finally bringing Alpina B7 to Chicago

BMW finally bringing Alpina B7 to Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-SeriesalpinaB7ChicagoFri, 02 Feb 2007 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[New details on the next generation BMW 7-Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/04/new-details-on-the-next-generation-bmw-7-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/04/new-details-on-the-next-generation-bmw-7-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/04/new-details-on-the-next-generation-bmw-7-series/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Car Magazine has posted a few close-up spy shots of the next 7-Series and also provides more details on what to expect in Munich's new flagship with some interesting tidbits that appear sourced from right inside BMW. For BMW fans, the new 7-Series is also the start of a new set of chassis designations, with the short-wheelbase version known as the F01 and the stretched version internally referred to as F02. The outgoing model's Bangle-era styling will be shelved for the cleaner, more elegant styling that's been previewed in recent spy shots.

The new model will also be available as a gas-electric hybrid version, no-doubt to compete with the Lexus LS600h. The gasoline engines that we'll see in the U.S. will be designed with direct fuel injection and be tuned for performance, as opposed to the European versions that will be tweaked for fuel economy. The 7's new modular chassis will also provide parts for the next 5- and 6-series cars, and potentially that baby Rolls-Royce we've been promised. With both Mercedes-Benz and Lexus launching new flagship sedans packed to their sunroofs with techno-wizardry, we also expect BMW will be aiming to trump its competitors while still providing legendary driving pleasure for the driver.

[Source: Car Magazine]

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New details on the next generation BMW 7-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5-series6-series7-seriesgas-hybridhybridWed, 04 Oct 2006 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[6 + 7 = smitten: BMW 7-Series goes under the knife]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/29/6-7-smitten-bmw-7-series-goes-under-the-knife/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/29/6-7-smitten-bmw-7-series-goes-under-the-knife/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/29/6-7-smitten-bmw-7-series-goes-under-the-knife/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We just showed you spy shots of a heavily disguised 7-series a couple of weeks ago, but here is an artist's interpretation of the new 7 in the raw. With an oh-so-sexy 6-series nose grafted to the formidable sedan, it makes quite an impression. Losing some of the flame-surfacing that Chris Bangle has made into a household joke name, at least among car geeks, the more subtly styled 7 appears to be taking the more conservative road, leaving rival Mercedes alone on the cutting edge, or the cutting room floor depending on your perspective. Indeed, with the new S-class now more closely resembling its big brother Maybach, this 7-series update might actually appear old-fashioned to some.

On the market since 2002, with a nip tuck in '05, the current 7-series has been praised for everything except its looks, and BMW has decided 2008 is the time to change that. Everybody seems to refer to this redesign as a toned-down shape for BMW, but the truth is that it is at the same time sexier and more elegant, making the 7 look more like the new 3- and 6-series, which isn't a bad thing at all. Click the read link for more photos and info.

[Source: Auto Express]

6 + 7 = smitten: BMW 7-Series goes under the knife originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Sep 2006 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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