BMW to debut production hybrid 7 in Frankfurt?

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]