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[BMW X6 Hybrid to be world's most powerful gas-electric vehicle?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/bmw-x6-hybrid-to-be-worlds-most-powerful-gas-electric-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/bmw-x6-hybrid-to-be-worlds-most-powerful-gas-electric-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/bmw-x6-hybrid-to-be-worlds-most-powerful-gas-electric-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW X6 ActiveHybrid Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

"High performance hybrid" - an oxymoron? Not according to BMW, which has two new hybrids coming to the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. One of the two, the X6 Hybrid, promises to be the most powerful hybrid vehicle ever offered with 478 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque from its twin electric motors and 4.4-liter V8 engine combined.

According to what appear to be leaked specs from BMW, the X6 Hybrid will scoot to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds while returning a 20% fuel mileage improvement over the standard X6 with its twin-turbo V8. To set the hybrid apart from its more conventional sibling, BMW will bestow the new fuel-saver with a power dome hood (musclecar elements on a hybrid - HA!) and a bespoke metallic blue hue.

Quicker yet will be the upcoming 7 Series Hybrid, which will reportedly be able to cover the run to 60 in under five seconds flat via the 459 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque provided by its V8-based hybrid powertrain combination. BMW predicts an X6 Hybrid-matching 20-percent increase in fuel efficiency from its 7 Series Hybrid.


Gallery: BMW X6 ActiveHybrid Concept

bmw-x6-hybrid-large_7bmw-x6-hybrid-large_6bmw-x6-hybrid-large_2bmw-x6-hybrid-large_1bmw-x6-hybrid-large_3

Gallery: LA 2008: BMW 7-series ActiveHybrid


[Source: Autocar]

BMW X6 Hybrid to be world's most powerful gas-electric vehicle? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw 7 seriesbmw 7 series activehybridbmw 7 series hybridbmw 7-seriesbmw x6bmw x6 activehybridbmw x6 hybridBmw7-seriesBmw7SeriesBmw7SeriesActivehybridBmw7SeriesHybridBmwX6BmwX6ActivehybridBmwX6Hybridfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowWed, 12 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST<![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[REPORT: BMW M boss Segler says no M7 model is forthcoming]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/report-bmw-m-boss-segler-says-no-m7-model-is-forthcoming/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/report-bmw-m-boss-segler-says-no-m7-model-is-forthcoming/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/report-bmw-m-boss-segler-says-no-m7-model-is-forthcoming/#commentsFiled under: ,


BMW 7 Series M Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an Automotive News interview given to coincide with the launches of the X5 M and X6 M, when asked about an M7 BMW's M division head Kay Segler replied, "We've looked at that and decided not to do it. The 760 with awd is a very strong offer. The M sales would be too small for our total investment." That means that the M Sport version (pictured) is the closest you'll get to a super 7. If you don't mind the lack of an "M" badge, the 507-hp Alpina B7 is an M in all but name.

For those of you at the other end, Segler says he needs a year to look into a M version of the 1-Series, but that an X1 won't be finding its way into the M house yet. Of course, there was a time when BMW said there would be no M versions of any of their so-called "Sports Activity Vehicles," saying they wouldn't fit the brand...


Gallery: BMW 7 Series M Sport


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

REPORT: BMW M boss Segler says no M7 model is forthcoming originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw 7 seriesbmw 7-seriesbmw 760ibmw 760libmw mbmw m divisionBMW MotorsportsBmw7-seriesBmw760iBmw760liBmw7SeriesBmwMBmwMDivisionBmwMotorsportskay seglerKaySeglerm divisionMDivisionsaloonsedanMon, 13 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 BMW 750i dyno'd, proven under-rated power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/2009-bmw-750i-dynod-proven-under-rated-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/2009-bmw-750i-dynod-proven-under-rated-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/2009-bmw-750i-dynod-proven-under-rated-power/#commentsFiled under: ,


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 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw 7bmw 7-seriesbmw 760bmw 760ibmw 760liBmw7Bmw7-seriesBmw760Bmw760iBmw760liThu, 09 Apr 2009 09:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Top BMW designer Karim Habib defects to Mercedes-Benz]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/top-bmw-designer-karim-habib-defects-to-mercedes-benz/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/top-bmw-designer-karim-habib-defects-to-mercedes-benz/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/top-bmw-designer-karim-habib-defects-to-mercedes-benz/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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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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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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[Spy Shots: Is BMW working on an M7?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/spy-shots-is-bmw-working-on-an-m7/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/spy-shots-is-bmw-working-on-an-m7/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/spy-shots-is-bmw-working-on-an-m7/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Don't get us wrong; we've got no beef with enormously powerful luxury vehicles. In fact, we love 'em. But while Mercedes' AMG division has shoehorned their bestial power plants into all manner of vehicles big and small, BMW's Motorsport division has always drawn a line in the Bavarian sand. They'd tune the 3 Series and the 5 Series along with a handful of coupes and convertibles, but that's where it ended. But that line seems to be eroding, as spy shots of what could be an M7 sedan have been snapped soon after the news of M-tuned X5 and X6 crossovers.

It's hard to tell from the shots exactly what we're looking at, but it appears to be a sportified version of the latest-generation 7 Series (codename F01), complete with quad exhaust tips and lightweight painted wheels. Of course, it could be a tuner special, a simple M-Sport appearance package or an Alpina version, but then why would the BMW badges be covered? If it is an M7, it would be a first for BMW, and could, according to speculation, derive its power from a twin-turbo V12 with over 600 horsepower. Coupled with some weight reduction, the BMW M7 could give the the Mercedes S63 AMG and Audi S8 a run for their money, of which there is plenty at stake in this stratospheric sub-segment. And as with the reported emergence of an xDrive 7 Series, the Bavarians might be growing tired of seeing their customers leave town for Stuttgart or Ingolstadt. Props to RJ for the tip!

[Source: MotorTips]

Spy Shots: Is BMW working on an M7? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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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


Live Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski, Sebastian Blanco, Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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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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


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

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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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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You would think a car company with BMW's brand recognition could roll out its redesigned flagship 7 Series covered in burlap at a mid-December reveal in Siberia with no concerns over public perception, but BMW apparently feels the up-and-coming Russian market needs to be romanced with a glitzy intro right in the middle of Red Square. That's where the carmaker held the official unveiling (though we already got the official photos earlier this month) July 8th.

For two days, the 7-Series was hidden in 180,000 silver balls that filled a giant glass-and-acrylic hourglass almost 40 feet tall that had been built right in front of the Kremlin. Then, on the night of the 8th, as 400 invited guests watched, the top of the hourglass emptied to reveal the car.

BMW officials say the stunt was meant to illustrate the event's tagline, "Never stand still." Hey, if it sells a few Bimmers in Russia, maybe giant hourglasses are the way to go. Still, maybe next time they should at least consider the burlap. It's gotta be cheaper than silver balls, and we'd still blog about it.

Check out a high-res gallery of photos from the event here and BMW's press release after the jump.

Gallery: BMW 7-series gets ballsy unveiling in Russia


Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series


[Source: World Car Fans]

Continue reading BMW 7 Series gets ballsy unveiling in Russia

BMW 7 Series gets ballsy unveiling in Russia originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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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.

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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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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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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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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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