New Generation BMW 7 Series Breaks Cover - VIDEO FEATURE
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The new 7 Series will make its North American premiere at the Los Angeles International Autoshow in November, 2008 and is expected to be in U.S. authorized BMW centers by spring 2009.
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Highlights
• Fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series; a completely
new interpretation of style, luxury and driving pleasure. The U.S. market
will receive the 750i and, with its wheelbase extended by 140 mm/5.5 in.,
the 750Li.
• The attributes of these vehicles are expressed visually
by their design, which radiates a natural presence, inherent sportiness and
an elegance born of precision in concept and execution. A whole new
generation of V-8 engine with direct injection and twin turbochargers
expresses BMW EfficientDynamics at the highest level of performance.
Weight-efficient construction and innovative chassis technology contribute
to provide the platform for dynamic driving qualities that are unique in
the world of luxury automobiles. New, exclusive BMW driver-assistance
systems and comfort-related features further add to the truly exceptional
driving and riding experience these automobiles deliver.
• An unmistakable look, confident and proud in its character, expresses typical
BMW sportiness in its most elegant form. Viewed from various angles, the
design is composed of energetic proportions; a graceful silhouette;
sculptural surfaces that embody modernism; the large, vertical, yet low-set
BMW “kidney” grilles; and a rear aspect that communicates a
wide stance, muscular substance and clarity of line.
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• An entirely new generation of BMW’s pioneering iDrive presents features and functions in a larger (10.2-in.), high-resolution color display. More intuitive operation is ensured by an optimized menu structure; a new controller enabling function selection and activation via turn, push and tilt motions; direct-select keys; and eight freely programmable Memory Keys. The standard GPS Navigation system is newly enhanced with topography and functionally improved; the audio system gains a hard drive.
• An all-new engine powers both models in the U.S. Recently introduced in the X6, it’s a 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 delivering 400 hp and 450lbs-ft of torque over an amazingly broad rpm range. Fuel efficiency promises to be class-leading too, though official EPA ratings are not yet available.
• A 6-speed automatic transmission with optimized shifting smoothness and speed, also promotes enhanced fuel efficiency. • All-around weight-efficient construction within the BMW EfficientDynamics concept: extensive use of multi-phase and hot-rolled steels in the body/chassis’ load-bearing structures; aluminum roof, doors, hood and front fenders; aluminum front spring towers; aluminum-block engine, aluminum differential housing.
• An entirely new suspension system, engineered for dynamic handling and a refined ride. The new 7 is BMW’s first passenger car (i.e. not Sports Activity Vehicle) with multi-link double-wishbone front suspension. At the rear, the new Integral V rear suspension also contributes to EfficientDynamics via extensive use of aluminum. On the 750Li, self-leveling air suspension is standard. Rack-and-pinion steering with variable ratio and hydraulic power assist continues, but with a new-type hydraulic pump that delivers assist only when called for, thereby saving fuel. Also new, and a world premiere: Integral Active Steering, which adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering to BMW’s proven front Active Steering system. This is included in U.S. models’ Sport Package.
• The suspension system features further development of BMW’s Dynamic Damping Control. With standard Driving Dynamics Control, the driver can choose between four settings for shock-absorber firmness, transmission shift characteristics, engine-throttle response, power-steering assist: Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. In Sport mode, the default settings can be adjusted by the driver. In Sport Plus, the traction-and-stability system Dynamic Stability Control switches to its Dynamic Traction Control setting (reduced traction intervention), which is suitable for track-style driving. Active Roll Stabilization, BMW’s system of reducing body lean in cornering, continues as part of the optional Sport Package.
• An array of innovative driver-assistance options that’s unique in the luxury segment (asterisk indicates new, or new to 7 Series) Active Cruise Control with new stop-and-go capability; Lane Departure Warning*, Active Blind Spot Detection*, Head-up Display*, High Beam Assistant*, BMW Night Vision with new Pedestrian Detection, Side View* and Back-up Cameras.*
• Maximum occupant protection via optimized body structure and a comprehensive range of passive safety systems, electronically controlled and coordinated according to actual impact or threatening conditions. As is customary in all current BMWs, 3-point safety belts are employed at all seating positions, the front of which are equipped with pretensioners – although, in the new 7 Series, the pretensioners use electric motors rather than pyrotechnics to pre-tension the belt an anticipation of impact. The passive safety systems of the new 7 Series are rounded out by front side and impact airbags, front/rear head protection airbags, active head restraints on the front seats and knee airbags. Via the standard BMW Assist system, automatic emergency calling is newly enhanced to include accident severity analysis.
• A wide range of comfort functions and innovative entertainment features: audio amenities include new hard-drive music storage, multi-channel amplification and speaker outputs, auxiliary audio input; available 6-disc DVD changer and iPod/USB ports. Further optional or standard luxuries include 4-zone climate control with “draft-free” vents, Active Seat Ventilation, Active Comfort massaging seats, newly enhanced telematics, an innovative new moonroof concept, and a first-ever Integrated Owner’s Manual.
Luxury and dynamics harmonize as never before: The new BMW 7 Series.