Autoblog

2009 BMW 750i dyno'd, proven under-rated power

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 01 May 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW

2009 BMW 750i - Click above for high-res image gallery

Somehow, we doubt that dyno numbers are quite as important to individuals who are in the market for a new BMW 7 Series as they are to someone shopping for a new Camaro, GT-R or Corvette. As casual observers, though, we'll always be interested to see what happens when a twin-turbo V8 from Bavaria's finest gets a chance to stretch its legs a bit. Fortunately, we're not disappointed with the results.

BMW rates the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 at 400 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 450 pound-feet of torque at 1,800 rpm as it leaves the factory. According to the lucky crew over at Inside Line, BMW's brand-new 750i managed to put down an impressive 391 horsepower at around 5,500 RPM and 434 lb-ft of torque at about 3,500 RPM. Those numbers are at the rear wheels, so drivetrain losses of around 15% must be factored in to find the true power output of the engine itself.

In other words, this engine puts out considerably more ponies than BMW claims. Interestingly, the same is true of BMW's 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine. We don't know about you, but this is an error we can forgive.

Gallery: Review: 2009 BMW 750i

[Source: Inside Line]

2009 BMW 750i dyno'd, proven under-rated power originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 May 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW announces new V12-powered 760i and 760Li in Europe

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:11:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW

BMW 760 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As other automakers begin to move towards smaller, more efficient engines, BMW hasn't given up on the V12. Not only has the company added a V12 to the latest 7 series, it's an all new engine with 6.0-liters of displacement, carrying the same technology as the new 4.4-liter V8 in the 750i. Twin turbocharging and direct injection yield 544 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm. Unlike the V8, the 12 retains the standard intake in the valley, exhaust on the outside flow configuration. An eight-speed automatic transmission will deliver all that juice to the rear wheels.

The V12 will be available in both the standard and extended wheelbase variants of the 760 and will push it 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The 760 reportedly also gets a combined 18.2 mpg (US) on the EU test cycle.

A 6.6-liter version will power the production version of the new Rolls-Royce 200EX and should probably top the 600 hp mark. Since BMW slipped out this press release in Europe while making no mention of the 760 here in New York, it seems unlikely that the V12 will be coming Stateside, although we're checking with BMW to confirm.

UPDATE: We have confirmed with BMW that the V12-powered 760i will be sold in the U.S., more details to come.

Gallery: 2010 BMW 760Li

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW announces new V12-powered 760i and 760Li in Europe

BMW announces new V12-powered 760i and 760Li in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top BMW designer Karim Habib defects to Mercedes-Benz

Dan Roth — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, BMW, Mercedes-Benz

Both Mercedes-Benz and BMW have seen recent design-chief departures, and now there's been a defection. Karim Habib, who had a hand in the F01 7 Series while at BMW, has left the Roundel for the three-pointed star. Habib's move to Mercedes has him overseeing Mercedes' advanced design studio in Stuttgart, working with MBZ design chief Gorden Wagener.

Tasked with the brand's F cars, Habib's work will be looking two generations ahead, to the cars after the next new ones. Let's hope that the F700 goes on the same kind of de-uglification program as the 750 went on before it becomes an S-Class. Thanks for the tip, Horatiu!

[Source: Autocar via BMWBlog]

Top BMW designer Karim Habib defects to Mercedes-Benz originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #117

Dan Roth — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

This week, Sam and Chris return from a short hiatus for some fun with a Rolls Royce and a BMW 750Li. After we get all the iDrive carping out of our systems, we move on to what we might see at the Geneva Motor Show, touch briefly on the Autoblog Garage, and finish up with a dandy little bailout/bankruptcy argument. Thanks for listening, and please keep your notes coming in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, we're going to do another all-questions edition soon. See you next week!

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #117

Autoblog Podcast #117 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW Alpina B7 caught in traffic ahead of Geneva debut

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Spy Photos, Tuners, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

Controversial BMW designer Chris Bangle may be out of the picture, but Bimmer's new 7-Series still bears his hallmarks. That aside, the new F01-generation holds much promise, with the possibility of a seemingly endless succession of performance variants speeding down the autobahn in hot pursuit.

Rumors of an M7 may turn out to be unfounded, although a V12 version looks to be on the way. But not before pseudo-works tuning house Alpina lays their new B7 on us. The high-performance luxury sedan is tipped to bow next month at the Geneva show, but an undisguised prototype has just been spotted on German streets.

Following the teaser sketch released by Alpina back in December, this is the most we've seen of the upcoming bahn-stormer. Visible mods to the standard 7 remain low-key on the Alpina version, but the spy shots show small lip spoilers on the lower fascia and on the trunk lid, rounded out by bigger wheels. But the real treat will come under the hood, where Alpina's performance gurus are thought to have pulled 500 juicy horsepower out of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. Thanks to Andrus for the tip!

[Source: GlobalMotors.net]

Spy Shots: BMW Alpina B7 caught in traffic ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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V12 BMW 760i spied?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

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.

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BMW considering diesel 7-series for U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Green, BMW

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

While we were visiting with BMW at the LA Auto Show, the automaker made a big deal about its diesel engines, suggesting that the oil-burners would be an alternative to hybrids in the United States just as they are in European countries. Although it wasn't initially in the plans for the U.S. market, BMW of America is getting some pressure from its dealerships to bring a diesel version of its range-topping 7 Series sedan, completely redesigned for 2009 and equipped with a twin-turbo 4.4L V8. That's an impressive engine no doubt, but after getting a drive in the Euro-market 730d, some dealers didn't even realize there was a different powerplant underhood. That bodes well for future diesels from BMW.

Soon, the Bavarian automaker will import diesel versions of its 3 Series and X5 utility vehicle with a twin-turbo six cylinder engine. On average, a diesel-powered Bimmer is about 20-25% more efficient than its gasoline-fed sibling, so diesels make sense both for consumers looking to lower their fuel bills and also manufacturers needing to adjust their CAFE fuel mileage statistics. In other words, it may be more surprising if an automaker like BMW didn't announce that it was working on more diesel engines for America.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 750Li

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

BMW considering diesel 7-series for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2008: 2009 BMW 7 Series and Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid unveiled LIVE

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Green, BMW

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

We already knew pretty much everything there is to know about the U.S. 2009 7 Series, but BMW pulled the covers, both literally and symbolically, off its new range-topper right on schedule anyway. In person, the new 7 has much more presence than it appears to have in photos, with an eye-catching crease that runs the length of the car and incorporates the large protruding door handles. The only engine option at the time of launch is the twin-turbo 4.4L V8 that's capable of launching the big 7 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, but we'd be surprised if a force-fed 3.0L gas-powered inline-six didn't make an appearance sooner or later, as well. The Bavarian automaker also revealed that it has production plans for a hybrid 7 Series as previewed by its Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid and believes it can get it launched within a year. What's more, BMW made a big deal about its upcoming diesel technology, so we could definitely see an oil-burning 7 Series on our shores before too long.

Gallery: LA 2008: BMW Concept 7-series ActiveHybrid

Gallery: 2009 BMW 750Li

Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid

LA 2008: 2009 BMW 7 Series and Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid unveiled LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2008: Twin-turbo V8 slated for BMW 7 Series

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW 750i

BMW is launching its latest 7 Series flagship in the United States here at the LA Auto Show and has decided to whet our appetites a bit before the official unveiling by releasing an early press release about its latest offerings. As expected, the new 7 is equipped with a direct-injected twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 as its sole engine option here in the States. That's not really a bad thing, though, as the force-fed mill pumps out 400 horses and an impressive 450 lb-ft of torque. We've driven the X6 with this powerplant in the past, and are confident it'll have no problem whatsoever getting the big sedan moving at a very brisk clip.

Also new for 2009 is BMW's first ever use of a multi-link double wishbone front suspension, which breaks from the German automaker's usual habit of front struts. As you'd expect, there is a long-wheelbase model of the new 7 as well, known as the 750Li, for those who wish to be driven rather than to drive. Perhaps the Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, which will also be unveiled in just a bit, will foretell a production hybrid version of BMW's range-topper. Stay tuned for live shots of the new 7 in just a few hours.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2009 BMW 750i

Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series

Continue reading LA 2008: Twin-turbo V8 slated for BMW 7 Series

LA 2008: Twin-turbo V8 slated for BMW 7 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Paris Motor Show, BMW

Click above for high-res shots of the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid

With the arrival of the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid, which will make its initial debut at the Paris Motor Show, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz are set to enter the luxury hybrid market that has so far only seen action in the form of the Lexus LS600h. Although BMW was one of the brands that helped develop the sophisticated Two-Mode hybrid system that's currently being used in the full-size 'utes from both GM and Chrysler, the Bavarian automaker has chosen instead to equip its 7 Series with the same mild hybrid architecture that it helped to develop and is used by cross-country rival Daimler. Like the S400 BlueHYBRID, a 120-volt lithium ion battery will be kept underhood along with a small helper motor that's hooked up to the engine, in the case of the BMW, a twin-turbocharged, direct injected 4.4-liter V8. Expect well over 400-horsepower from the gas/electric combo along with combined fuel mileage in the low 20's.

Gallery: BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Paris Preview: BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details on the "all-new" BMW 7 Series

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW

Click above image for a gallery of the new 7

We've already seen what appear to be official press shots of the new 2009 BMW 7 Series, and it looks pretty good to our eyes. As expected, now that the pictures are available for all the world to see, details about the underpinnings are starting to leak out. Not surprisingly, the V8-powered 750i and 750iL models will get the new twin-turbo engine introduced on the controversial X6, offering 400 horses and 450 lb.-ft. of torque. Other possible powertrains, though not available at launch time, will be a revised twin-turbo inline six with 326 horsepower and a diesel engine for the European market. But fret not fuel misers, a hybrid model is also being considered. Underneath, active suspension which eschews BMW's trademark front struts in favor of double-wishbones, will offer variable damping with comfort, normal, sports and sports-plus modes selectable from inside the cabin.

As you'd expect, BMW's active steering will brings its oft-questioned benefits to the large sedan and can now direct the rear wheels as well. BMW's flagship sedan will undoubtedly be equipped with plenty of passenger pampering features, including massaging rear seats, to go along with safety equipment like night vision, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. Of course, the now-familiar iDrive will get its latest set of enhancements in order to make its sometimes confusing interface easier to use. We'll just need to wait for our first stint behind the wheel to see how all this newfangled technology works in the real world, and check back Saturday for more official details.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

More details on the "all-new" BMW 7 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7 series, we're getting close!

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

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.

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Next BMW night vision system can detect humans in the dark

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Sedan, Technology, BMW

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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Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7 Series interior snapped

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

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.

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Rendered Speculation? Is this the new BMW 7-Series?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Rendered Speculation

Click image to enlarge

We don't know if the shot you see above is an official picture of the new F01 BMW 7 Series or not, but it looks to be a pretty accurate rendition of what we've seen so far in spy shots. The front of the car apes the design language of the BMW CS Concept rather nicely, with dual oversized kidney-shaped grilles dominating the rather sedate-looking headlights. The sides are mostly devoid of flame surfacing, with a high character line drawing the eyes to the rear where the bangle-butt of the old model gets major lipo. We also note that the design mimics the current high-beltline trend, reducing the total surface area of glass considerably.

All-in-all, this appears to be a rather conservative design as compared with the CS Concept, along with BMW's other efforts over the last few years. We'll reserve final judgement for the day we get to see the new 7 Series in the flesh, of course, perhaps in September at the Paris Auto Show. Thanks for the tip, Brett!

[Source: BimmerFile]

Rendered Speculation? Is this the new BMW 7-Series? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen BMW 7-Series to get 8-speed automatic

Dan Roth — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, BMW

Are transmissions a new battlefront in the war for customers amongst high end brands? Mercedes has been doing seven ratios for a little while, and Lexus has a new 8-cogger on offer, too. BMW's not content to be trailing with just 6 speeds, so the new 7-series (F01) will reportedly ship with an 8-speed automatic transmission. If high fuel prices and tightening emissions and consumption requirements manage to snuff out our recent horsepower battles, gear ratios are all we'll have left.

BMW's 8-speed fits in the same space as the old 6-speed, and is said to be smoother and more efficient than the outgoing gearbox. Perhaps more important than the greater ratio spread and increased fuel economy that the new transmission will bring is the shifter moves back to the console (cue choir of heavenly angels). Expect the new 8-speed and its modular design to wind up in many BMW vehicles after its initial launch in the upcoming 7-series.

[Source: Bimmerfile, Photo: Bimmerfile]

Next-gen BMW 7-Series to get 8-speed automatic originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen BMW 7-Series showing almost everything

Dan Roth — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Europe, BMW

BMW's current E65/66 7-Series has been roundly bashed since its introduction in 2002, and it's creeping up on retirement. Whether it was deserving of all the uproar or not is down to taste, but following up the classically styled E38 while also making a turn toward a new ethos is a 1-2 punch of controversy. BMW's finally grown into its flame surfacing, and the 2009 7-Series has been nabbed in its peculiar paisley camouflage.

Overhangs are still short like on the current car, and it looks like the headlamps might possibly be 5-Series inspired. Things are conservative and clean down the flanks, and we think it's handsome. The bustle trunk of the current 7 has been one of the biggest bones of contention, and from what we can make out, it's been treated to significant rhinoplasty. We'll have to wait and see, but we sincerely hope the unmasked car's taillights don't bear the same resemblance to a 2002 Maxima that we're seeing in the spy shots. Squinting and ignoring the black tape has us predicting that 2009 will be the year the BMW 7-Series gets is sexy back, even if they graft Trabant blinkers to its tukas.

[Source: Motive Mag, Photo: Auto Zeitung]

Spy Shots: Next-gen BMW 7-Series showing almost everything originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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