Autoblog

2013 BMW 7 Series makes its North American debut at Pebble Beach

Zach Bowman — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

Behold the 2013 BMW 750i. The German automaker's flagship sedan bowed to a North American audience for the very first time at Pebble Beach, and while designers kept the big 7 largely unchanged outside, buyers can look forward to a slew of incremental improvements indoors. Under the hood, engineers rustled up an additional additional 45 horsepower and 30 pound-feet of torque from the 4.4-liter V8 in the 750i thanks to the addition of Valvetronic. The swap nudges the machine's final power figures to 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of twist, which help scoot the massive four-door to 60 mph in a scant 4.7 seconds. Hi-ho, Silver.

Even with the nudge in performance, BMW says it has managed to improve efficiency by around 25 percent due to the addition of a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the 740i continues on with the same horsepower for 2013, but receives a 20-percent jump in efficiency thanks to its eight-speed gearbox.

Look for a new ECO PRO powertrain management system to bow on both the 740i and 750i as well. The system helps eek every last bit of available efficiency from the engine and transmission and includes a coast mode that allows the 7 Series to freewheel at speeds between 30 and 100 mph.

2013 BMW 7 Series makes its North American debut at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next gen. BMW 7 Series to use carbon fiber

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, BMW, Luxury

The next BMW 7 Series, said to be arriving in 2015, will reportedly use more CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) in its build. In two interviews R&D head Dr. Klaus Draeger said the big sedan will introduce the expanded use of CFRP components into the mainstream BMW line.

Draeger made sure to say that he believes in the right material mix, making structural items like the engine cradle and crash structures in high-strength steel and using aluminum for pieces like the doors, front fenders and roof. It is thought that carbon fiber will supplant some aluminum parts like the hood, roof and trunk.

Next gen. BMW 7 Series to use carbon fiber originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is what a 217-mph BMW 7 Series looks like

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW, Luxury

Take one BMW 7 Series, hand it over to Germany's TuningWerk, ask for the second-stage tune that the company characterizes as "a little revitalization," and the sedan you get back will top out at 720 horsepower, 803 pound-feet and 217 miles per hour.

The super stormer gets bigger, lighter brakes, a new sound system, a sport exhaust, and a weight-loss totaling 264 pounds, The eight-speed transmission is swapped for a beefier unit with either five or six speeds. It all makes getting from zero to 62 mph a minor inconvenience, taking but 3.5 seconds.

If all that's too much - and at €198,000 ($274,982 U.S.) it may be - you can hold steady at the Stage One tune that raises the game to "just" 530 hp and 546 lb-ft. There's more info in the presser after the jump.

Continue reading This is what a 217-mph BMW 7 Series looks like

This is what a 217-mph BMW 7 Series looks like originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 7 Series under investigation for roll-away issue

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Government/Legal, Safety, BMW, Luxury

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun an investigation (not a recall) into BMW 7 Series models made from 2002 through 2008. The reason? A 2006 BMW 7 Series rolled away when it was parked, and NHTSA wants to make sure this was an isolated incident. After all, we don't want to see more unintended activity involving any of the 120,000 units sold between that time period.

We're not going to worry just yet, however, as the lone incident resulted in no injuries or an accident. Still, there are a few other reports of folks experiencing a randomly rolling 7 Series, and NHTSA is examining the electronic transmission shifter. The unit is designed to place the vehicle in park when the engine is turned off.

Once we hear more with regards to the mysterious case of the roving 7 Series, we'll let you know.

BMW 7 Series under investigation for roll-away issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 7 Series nip/tuck spotted

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW, Luxury

Spy Shots: BMW 7 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

The current-generation BMW 7 Series, or F01 to you Bimmerphiles, was launched in 2009. After the German luxobarge hit the streets, Audi and Jaguar decided to launch their own redesigned flagship sedans. Mercedes-Benz will soon step out with an updated S-Class, and that means BMW will need to give its 7 Series a touch-up. Spy photographers managed to capture a camo-clad 7 hiding some of the newly updated exterior features.

If you look at the photographs closely, you can see that BMW will add an LED strip above the headlights. The front bumper has been redesigned, and the turn signals now sit on the side mirrors. Out back, a revised rear bumper wraps up the exterior upgrades. As the camo tape eventually comes off, we expect to find more nuanced updates before a lightly re-skinned production version hits an upcoming auto show stage.

BMW 7 Series nip/tuck spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Individual teams up with Steinway for 7 Series Composition

Noah Joseph — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:37:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW, Luxury

BMW 7 Series Composition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Some may deride it as dressed-up plastic - and in some cases it is exactly that - but piano black lacquer trim is now regularly seen in luxury automobile interiors. BMW's custom-appointment division, however, has taken things a step further.

Teaming up with Steinway & Sons, BMW Individual presents the 7 Series Composition. The unique trim level can be ordered in either an ebony or ivory finish with a special three-layer clearcoat. A gold pinstripe and special 20-inch wheels further distinguish the exterior, while the passenger compartment is decked out in merino leather (black or white to contrast, not match, the exterior), lambswool carpets, Alcantara headliner, special embroidery, and, of course, piano black trim.

Though the images in the gallery below show a hybrid model, BMW Individual will similarly equip any car in the 7 Series range for the big concerto. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: BMW 7 Series Composition

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW Individual teams up with Steinway for 7 Series Composition

BMW Individual teams up with Steinway for 7 Series Composition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi bringing four-cylinder A8 in 2012

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Automakers are always looking to add a tinge of green to their fleets, and Audi is reportedly ready to drop a few cylinders on its flagship sedan. The 2012 Audi A8 will be offered as a hybrid, with a four-cylinder gasoline engine being paired with an electric motor. The A8 Hybrid will likely be offered after Audi has launched a front-wheel drive six-cylinder diesel version, both of which should provide quite a different driving experience compared to the 372 horsepower 4.2-liter V8 currently available.

The move to a smaller cylinder count comes as automakers begin to prepare for tougher CAFE standards. Audi, not wanted to be left behind, sees that Mercedes-Benz and BMW are already moving to more efficient powertrains. Mercedes, who already launched its S400 Hybrid, is also adding a four-cylinder version of its flagship model - a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel in the S250 CDI model. BMW has a different take on how it will produce more efficient luxury sedans. Rather than reducing the number of cylinders, BMW will add electric motors to its six and eight cylinder engines, so for the time being there are no plan to put a four-cylinder in the engine bay of a 7 Series.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Audi A8

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Audi bringing four-cylinder A8 in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lumma Design increases its carbon footprint with BMW 7 Series package

Noah Joseph — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, BMW, Luxury

BMW 7 Series by Lumma Design - Click above for high-res image gallery

No matter which way you look at it, the latest BMW 7 Series is leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessor in terms of styling. But if you're looking for something a little more aggressive, Lumma Design has an answer for you: A lot of carbon fiber ought to do the trick.

Much as it has done for just about everything else made in the Fatherland, the German tuner has released a raft of carbon bits for the flagship Bimmer. Included in the package are a new grille, door handles, door mirror housings, front bumper with integrated LEDs, a quad-tip exhaust and massive 22-inch wheels riding on ultra low-profile rubber.

Lumma being more into design than engine tuning, the mechanical bits of the car remain untouched, but you can get a closer look in the gallery below.

Gallery: BMW 7 Series by Lumma Design

[Source: OmniAuto.it]

Lumma Design increases its carbon footprint with BMW 7 Series package originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 BMW Alpina B7 breaks the luxo-barge mold

Rex Roy — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW, First Drives, Luxury

2011 BMW Alpina B7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Alpina is as familiar to German enthusiasts as Shelby, Hurst, Saleen and Yenko are to American gearheads. And like its American counterparts, Alpina has made a business out of taking the best vehicles from one marque and making them substantially better than anything rolling off the assembly line.

The relationship between BMW and Alpina started in 1962 when a German enthusiast named Burkard Bovenseipen realized his BMW 1500 had plenty of untapped potential. Bovenseipen developed a dual carburetor kit for the 1500's four-cylinder, and as the carbs flew off the shelves, he realized there was a serious market for BMW-based performance parts. Mr. B formed ALPINA Burkard Bovenseipen KG in 1964 and in the decades since, the company has become known simply as Alpina.

But while the name has changed, its mission remains the same, and its line of upgrades have grown considerably since its inception. Bovenseipen's team continues to recognize the potential in almost every new BMW product, and the small but competent company, now managed by Bovenseipen's son Andreas (his staff calls him Andy), delivers better, less compromised, higher-performance versions of BMW production cars.

In Europe, Alpina offers variants of the 3 Series, 5 Series and 6 Series, dubbed the B3, B5, and B6, respectively. However, production constraints (and some concerns about M cannibalization, we're sure) prevents sales of these hotted-up Bimmers in the States. That's a crime, because the Alpina B7 - the only Alpina available in the U.S. - is easily the best 7 Series we've driven.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 BMW Alpina B7

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 BMW Alpina B7 breaks the luxo-barge mold

First Drive: 2011 BMW Alpina B7 breaks the luxo-barge mold originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #178: GM Profit, Civic Redesign, 40 mpg Fiesta

Dan Roth — Tue, 18 May 2010 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., BMW, Ford, GM, Earnings/Financials

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

Our iTunes feed for the Autoblog Podcast is still busted, thanks to the TV Squad debacle with an update gone wrong. We're still waiting on resolution of the issue, and the real fix may involve each and every one of you having to resubscribe. We'll let you know.

In the meantime, if you subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast via iTunes, you may not automatically receive this week's episode. The easiest workaround until we get this fixed is to use the link below to download the MP3 file directly and drag it into iTunes. We're terribly sorry for the inconvenience, thanks for your ongoing patience.

For Episode #178 of the Autoblog Podcast, Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, and Dan Roth cover GM's profit announcement, the delayed Honda Civic redesign, the 40 mpg fuel economy rating for the Ford Fiesta, and wistfully pine to have been part of our recent sports car comparison test. It starts with the Autoblog Garage and ends with a couple questions, with 82 minutes between snippets of theme music. See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #178: GM Profit, Civic Redesign, 40 mpg Fiesta

In the Autoblog Garage:

BMW 750Li
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
Toyota Tacoma

Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Dan Roth,
Runtime: 1:22:04

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #178: GM Profit, Civic Redesign, 40 mpg Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi may have passed Mercedes in Q1 global sales, but BMW is still #1

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz

2010 BMW 750i - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi outsold Mercedes Benz globally in the first quarter of 2010; a big deal considering it was the first time the four-ringed automaker had ever accomplished such a feat. But while Audi was finally able to pass its crosstown rival in sales, the German automaker is still longing for the title of the top luxury brand in the land.

Automotive News reports that BMW announced final Q1 sales of 265,809 vehicles, besting Audi by an anorexic 1,709 units for the three month period. BMW saw a global sales increase of 14 percent compared to the same period of 2009, buoyed by strong sales of its new X1 crossover and a 56 percent increase in 7 Series sales. BMW sales boss Ian Robertson said in a statement that the company intends to improve sales across the globe, adding, "We are back on our growth track in nearly all the automobile markets." And BMW isn't just hoping the market improves - the automaker is counting on an increase in sales courtesy of its new 5 Series lineup, which was launched overseas last month and arrives in the U.S. in June. BMW also has a refreshed 3 Series coupe and convertible on the way as well. With single digit growth, BMW intends to sell 1.3 million vehicles in 2010.

But while BMW pulled out the slimmest of victories in Q1, we're thinking Audi's performance during the first three months effectively puts its German competitors on notice. With a very good product lineup and a considerable foothold in China, Audi may well achieve its goal of becoming the largest luxury car maker on earth by 2015 a lot earlier than most people expected.

Gallery: Review: 2009 BMW 750i

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Audi may have passed Mercedes in Q1 global sales, but BMW is still #1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #168 - Geneva Eve

Dan Roth — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:10:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Kia, Lamborghini, Lexus, Porsche, Suzuki, Volkswagen

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

The Shunk, Nunez, Abuelsamid and Roth quartet reconvene for Episode #168 of the Autoblog Podcast with the Geneva Motor Show now underway. Our first order of business is a stop at the Autoblog Garage, occupied this week by the Suzuki Kizashi, Kia Sorento, BMW 750Li, and Cadillac SRX. Anticipating the massive auto show that's just about to start, we dive right in. Starting us off is the awesome electric-green Lamborghini 570-4 Superleggera. Jumping from Italian exotics to the ultimate SUV, we talk about the 2011 Porsche Cayenne before segueing cleanly into a discussion of the crack-pipe pricing for the Volkswagen Touareg hybrid. Before we leave the VW/Porsche sphere, we talk about how insanely cool the Porsche 918 Spyder concept car is. The Ford Focus station wagon is one of those things we'll see in Geneva, but likely not in the U.S., while the Lexus CT200h is making its way to the shores of North America. BMW's 5 Series Active Hybrid Concept keeps up the cavalcade of alternative propulsion by the big Swiss lake, and it's our last topic before calling it a night. Thanks for listening!

Direct fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #168 - Geneva Eve

Autoblog Podcast #168 - Geneva Eve originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2010: BMW ends three year Alpina B7 drought for 2011

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW Aplina B7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not only will BMW not make an M7, but they even stopped making the incredibly-close-to-an-M Alpina B7 a few years ago. That car could hold its head high against competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, Audi S8 and Bentley Flying Spur Speed, with extra horsepower, refined handling and unique looks setting it apart from standard 7 series fare. Sadly, that car was only produced from 2007-2008 and since '09 there's been nothing to fill the void.

Today in Chicago we saw a bright light on the horizon. Just in time to do battle with the upcoming Jaguar XJR, Porsche Panamera Turbo and the like, BMW unveiled the 2011 Alpina B7. Functional front and rear fascias and spoilers, 20-spoke, 21-inch Alpina wheels, hand-stitched "Lavalina" leather and Alpina badges and sills differentiate this from lesser 7s.

Underhood there's a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque - 100 hp and 66 lb-ft better than the 750i, with a 0-60 dash of 4.5 seconds. Available in short wheelbase for $122,875 or extended wheelbase at $126,775, it's a helluva car for helluva lot scratch. Press release after the jump and live gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 BMW Alpina B7

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Chicago 2010: BMW ends three year Alpina B7 drought for 2011

Chicago 2010: BMW ends three year Alpina B7 drought for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wald International takes on Rolls, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW and Infiniti... all at the same time

Noah Joseph — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Japan, BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Porsche Panamera with body kit by Wald International - Click above for image gallery

Tuners typically roll out one package at a time. When a big tuner show like SEMA comes around, maybe a couple at a time. But Japanese tuning firm Wald International is launching five body kits for some of the most desirable top-of-the-line luxury sedans, all at the same time.

Included in Wald's plans are aero kits for the Rolls-Royce Ghost, Porsche Panamera, Infiniti M, Jaguar XJ and BMW 7 Series. Throw in a Quattroporte, Mercedes CLS, maybe a Bentley and the Aston Martin Rapide in there and they'd have the whole kit and kaboodle covered. Not much in the way of details available as of yet on this quintet of modified luxury wheels, but from the looks of it, each has been lowered and mounted with new front fascias, side skirts and big ol' alloys. Check 'em out for yourself below.

Gallery: Wald International luxury sedan body kits

[Source: Wald International via CarScoop]

Wald International takes on Rolls, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW and Infiniti... all at the same time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW Alpina B7 comes in two spicy, pricy flavors

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW Alpina B7 - click above for high-res image gallery

Problem: BMW will not make a M7. Despite making the M5 Wagon and the X6 M, the boys from Bavaria want no part of the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, S65 AMG, Audi S8, (soon) Jaguar XJR, Porsche Panamera Turbo or Bentley Flying Spur Speed market. Odd, yes, especially from the company that discovered a new segment between the 5 Series wagon and the X5. Anyhow, no M7 for you.

Solution: the Alpina B7, as its an M7 in everything but name. Some of you might want to argue the point that no way is the Alpina B7 good enough to wear a vaunted M badge. To which we say... you might have a point. So think of it as the 750CSI. Either way, this here new Alpina B7 is going to be a pretty worthy competitor to all them big, fancy super sedans up above. Here's why.

From the outside the changes include front and rear fascias and spoilers that not only set the B7 apart from lesser 7 Series but are functional. The front spoiler provides 30% more downforce while the rear tacks on an additional 15%. Not only that, but the front spoiler provides specific cooling to new transmission and oil coolers. Also impossible to miss are the 20-spoke, 21-inch Alpina wheels. Inside nearly every surface gets covered with hand-stitched "Lavalina" leather (whatever that might be) and Alpina badges. The areas not swathed in Lavalina get treated with Alcantara. There's also a heated steering wheel and illuminated blue Aplina door sills.

Of course, what's underneath matters most. Specifically the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 gets pumped up to 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque (as opposed to the 750i's 400 hp and 450 pounds of twist). The press release notes that all that torque is, "available across an unusually broad engine range, from 3,000 to 4,750 rpm," which is either wool-over-the-eyes PR hype, or a typo. We'll go with typo, as the regular strength 750i makes its 450 pound-feet from 1,800 to 4,500 rpm. Either way, the Alpina B7 can hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. And now, the kicker: the short wheelbase B7 costs $122,875 and the extended wheelbase B7 will set you back $126,775. Both prices are before the $875 destination fee. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 BMW Alpina B7

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading 2011 BMW Alpina B7 comes in two spicy, pricy flavors

2011 BMW Alpina B7 comes in two spicy, pricy flavors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CAR catches up with designer Chris Bangle - Will he resurface after March 2010?

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Design/Style

There's little question Chris Bangle is one of the greatest designers of his generation. His cars were rarely pretty, but their influence resonated around the automotive world like a pipe bomb in an echo chamber. Much like cutting edge graphic design is born inside art school graduate schools years before it's ready for massive public consumption, Bangle's Bimmers were ahead of their time. And they changed nearly everything. Controversial? Of course, but that's how the public digests new design. Skittishly at first, before becoming so used to the flavor that it's hardly noticed anymore.

Case in point: The Toyota Camry, probably the most conservative car in the world, and one that attempts to appeal to as great a cross-section of buyers as possible, uses the rear end (a.k.a. Bangle Bustle or in the parlance of our times, Bangle Butt) from the 2002 BMW E65 7 Series. Again, you don't have to like Chris Bangle's work, but to deny his influence is to be willfully ignorant. This past February, Mr. Bangle retired from both BMW and the car industry as a whole. And to our knowledge he's been laying pretty low. That is until Britain's Car caught up with him at his design studio/vineyard in northern Italy.

How's he doing? Well, he seems to be the big art school nerd he was before he was able to retire to the Italian country side. In other words, he talks about a car's inherent "carness," as well as stuff like, "It is about creating a different type of relationship between design, design's outcome, the product and the people who use and enjoy it." A big however, however, is in order because we get treated to a more critical, dare we say, unrestrained side of Chris Bangle.

"I feel incredibly motivated to find out how design can overturn this horror of a world," Bangle tells Car. That's one way of taking design to the next level. Bangle also lays some wood into the current state of car design. "You can always argue that the generation before didn't have the constraints that we have, but that's crap." As you can see, it's a fun read. As for the big question - whether or not Chris Bangle will once again design cars after his non-compete clause expires in March of next year, let's just say... maybe.

[Source: Car]

CAR catches up with designer Chris Bangle - Will he resurface after March 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: 2011 BMW 740 brings six-cylinder power back to the 7

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 740i - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the latest generation of BMW's big 7 Series went on sale in the U.S. early this year, buyers had a choice of either the marvelous twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 400-hp 4.4-liter V8 or the supremely impressive twin-turbo, 535-hp V12. A hybrid version of the 7 also goes on sale here in a few months, still mated to the V8. Since day one, European drivers have also had a pair of six-cylinder options fueled by either gasoline or diesel. BMW still hasn't committed to a 7 Series diesel for the U.S., but today has confirmed will be getting the sweet gas-powered I-6.

The 740i and 740LI both come to the U.S. market in spring 2010 powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six. In 740 trim, the six cranks out 315 hp and 330 pound-feet, up a bit from the 300/300 ratings in the smaller 335i. The 740 engine does retain the direct injection and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust. This new model also marks the U.S. debut of brake energy regeneration on a non-hybrid BMW. Interestingly, BMW has opted to retain the 7's 6-speed automatic transmission rather than upgrading to the new 8-speed found in the hybrid and the new 5 Series.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 740i

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: 2011 BMW 740 brings six-cylinder power back to the 7

Detroit Preview: 2011 BMW 740 brings six-cylinder power back to the 7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid runs (almost) silent, runs deep

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Sedan, BMW, Luxury

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

BMW isn't taking any chances with its reputation for dynamics with the 7 Series Active Hybrid. To its 449-hp and 479-lb-ft 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 heart it adds a 60-pound, 35-cell lithium-ion battery in the boot. The battery doesn't take too much away from the trunk since it replaces the rear-seat air-conditioning unit from the standard 7.

The battery boosts maximum torque to 516 lb-ft when everything is really humming, and that gets the huge-ish hybrid to 60 in 4.9 seconds rowing through the eight-speed automatic. The battery, a judicious foot, and hybrid stalwarts like brake energy regeneration can get you 25 mpg. Until Brad and Angelina finish with their Hydrogen 7, this is your best bet for a caring Bavarian luxo-barge.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid runs (almost) silent, runs deep

Frankfurt 2009: BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid runs (almost) silent, runs deep originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X6 Hybrid to be world's most powerful gas-electric vehicle?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Crossover, BMW

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

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.

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REPORT: BMW M boss Segler says no M7 model is forthcoming

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW

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.

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