Fan Comes up with BMW M7 Rendering, Bavarians' Still not Interested

In yet another case of 'too-much-time-itis', a reader of our Dutch friends at Autblog.nl has come up with a new fantasy rendering of the BMW M7 - a car that has never been confirmed, and most probably never will. Using a blacked out 7-Series as a base, the artist photoshoped an "M" style bumper, lowered the car a few inches and added a set of... Brabus alloy wheels. Even though the German saloon looks pretty menacing here, we reckon that if BMW ever decided to build an M7, it would look far more aggressive than this proposal.

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Autojunk.nl

All-Important BMW 730Ld Goes on Sale in the UK

We're guessing that you're wondering what's so special about the long-wheelbase diesel version of BMW's new 7-Series. Well, consider this; according to the Bavarian automaker, the 730d and the 730Ld are predicted to account for a whopping 85 percent of all 7-Series sales in the UK during a full year. The 730Ld is priced in the UK from £56,790 (OTR), or £3,060 more than the standard wheelbase 730d.

Aside from offering an additional 14cm (5.5-in) of legroom for rear seat passengers, the 'L' variant also gets a self-leveling rear suspension, chrome rain channels in the roof, illuminated interior rear vanity mirrors and an electrically-powered sunblind for the rear window.

Optionally, the long-wheelbase specification can be enhanced with multi-adjustable Comfort Seats for both front and rear seat passengers, complemented by individually heated and air-conditioned seats that can also be fitted, in the rear, with a massaging capability.

Like the 730d, the new BMW 730Ld is powered by an all-aluminum 3.0-liter straight-six cylinder diesel engine that produces 245HP at 4,000rpm and a peak torque figure of 540Nm from 1,750rpm through to 3,000rpm. This results in a 0 to 62mph time of 7.3 seconds and a 153mph top speed while achieving a combined consumption figure of 38.7mpg UK (7.3 lt / 100km or 32.2mpg US).

Insider: BMW Alpina B7 gets 507HP Twin-Turbo V8, Debut Set for Geneva

Carscoop's insiders have learnt that the all-new Alpina B7, a souped-up version of BMW's latest generation 7-Series sedan, will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Furthermore, we also managed to find out that the 2009 Alpina B7 will use a modified version of BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering around 507HP, or 7HP more than the previous B7 that was fitted with a supercharged 4.4-liter V8. While Alpina has yet to release any official details or pictures, a teaser sketch of the new B7 was leaked into the internet in December 2008, giving us a first glimpse of the sport sedan.

Spy Shots: Could this be a BMW M7 Prototype?

True, BMW officials have said many times in the past that they will not produce an M version of the 7-Sereis. But then again, that's what they said about the X5 and X6 Ms, both of which were recently confirmed through a set of official videos. These spy shots -courtesy of Motor Tips- of a lightly masked 7-Series that hints towards an M variant were scooped in about 100km west of BMW's headquarters in Munich, Germany. Noticeable features of the prototype model include the larger black alloys wrapped in low profile tires, and the visible quad exhaust outlets with the trapezoidal tips. Of course, it could just be some sort of M Sport package that BMW is readying for the new 7-Series. Guess we'll have to wait for an official confirmation from BMW to be certain.

Via: Worldcarfans , Source: Motor Tips

2009 BMW Alpina B7 Teaser Sketch

A teaser sketch of Alpina's forthcoming B7 model based on the latest generation BMW 7-Series sedan, has appeared on the net. There's no information whatsoever on the car, but the drawing reveals that the new B7 will feature a subtle bodykit that includes Alpina's characteristic front lip spoiler, rocker panels and a discreet rear spoiler complemented by the German firm's multispoke alloy wheels.

If the previous B7 model with its supercharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that produced 500HP and 516 pound-feet of torque for a 4.8-second sprint to 60 mph (96 km/h) is anything to go by, then Alpina's take on the new 7-Series should be an exciting toy for those that feel the need to stand out from the crowd.

Via: BMW Blog

Hartge's New Alloy Wheel Design for the 2009 BMW 7-Series

In anticipation of its pending tuning program for the latest iteration of the BMW 7-Series, Hartge has decided to release a new alloy wheel design for the Bavarian luxury sedan. The Hartge Classic wheel set is available in 22-inches and is combined with 265/30 ZR 22 tires up front and 295/25 ZR 22 tires on the rear axle. Pricing has yet to be announced.

Hamann Releases New Alloys for 2009 BMW 7-Series and Maserati Granturismo

The crew over at Hamann Motorsports has developed a new series of aluminum wheel designs for the 2009 BMW 7-Series sedan and the sinfully beautiful, Maserati Granturismo. In particular, Hamman introduced two different alloy wheel designs for the Bimmer and one set of 21-inch alloys for Italian coupe, all of which are available exclusively in a black finish. Hamann has yet to release further details but expect to see the German tuner providing an array of styling and mechanical upgrades for both vehicles in the very near future.

Nissan Maxima Modded Into a BMW 7-Series!

As much as we would like to believe that we always know why people do the things they do, fact is that sometimes we don't have even the slightest idea. Take this monstrously modified Nissan Maxima for example. It's as if the owner of the Kuwaiti licensed plate vehicle went into an automotive supermarket randomly picking out accessories and parts for the mix. Here's a shortlist of his "groceries": BMW 7-Series fascia, BMW M3-like front bumper, Lamborghini style front scissor doors, two-part hood, gullwing rear doors and a Supra-like rear wing are just a few of the countless items that he added to the poor Maxima. What can we say...

Kudos for the tip Allen! Pic Source: Flickr

2009 BMW M7 Rendering: Think They'll Build One?

Sure we could have built a nice story around the above rendering that was created by Autojunk member Mac90, but if you want our opinion, the answer to the question is most likely 'nein'. See, while there has been talk over the years for the introduction of an M7 that would target the Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG and Audi S8 models, BMW officials have never actually taken the matter seriously and from the looks of it, they probably never will. -Continued

Plus, let's not forget that the Bavarian automaker has already admitted that it is working on a production version of the CS four-door-coupe concept that was previewed at last year's Shanghai Auto Show in China. It wouldn't make much sense for BMW to have both the CS and the M7 in its lineup.

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Autojunk

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Neiman Marcus BMW 750Li to Hit Christmas Stores at $160,000

Like every year, Neiman Marcus has introduced its Christmas catalog in October for those who get a kick of early holiday shopping. This year’s list includes a special edition version of the all-new 2009 BMW 7-Series that has been carefully customized by the team over at BMW’s Individual department. We can’t but help wonder if this is the right time to launch a $160k car but we guess Neiman Marcus and BMW probably know better. -Continued

Based on the 750iL that’s equipped with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the Neiman Marcus Limited-Edition BMW Individual 7-Series has been treated among other things with special iridescent ‘Diopside Black’ metallic paintwork and ‘Champagne Merino’ leather interior with contrasting piping and trim. BMW’s Individual team also accented the interior with Piano Black trim elements and a new steering wheel.

In honor of the 7 Series' 31st anniversary, only 31 of the personalized 750iLs have been built. The Neiman Marcus customers who buy the car will be able to take delivery of the luxury sedans from the BMW Welt center in Munich, Germany in April 2009. But the treat doesn’t end there as they will also be granted insider access to BMW before hitting the road for a ‘short trip’ to Monaco, Nice and Cannes after which their cars will be shipped to the States.

Picture modified by Carscoop

BMW 750i Active-Hybrid 427 HP: Official Details and 22 High-Res Photos

While we’re still trying to figure out what’s so efficient and ‘hybridish’ about a saloon the size of the 7-Series that’s equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 petrol engine, let us tell you that 7-Series ActiveHybrid concept car that will make its debut at the Paris Show in October previews BMW’s first production hybrid model that’s set to go on sale this time next year. Largely based on the new 750i, the ActiveHybrid is equipped with the same mild hybrid system as the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID. And if you’re wondering why, the system was co-developed by BMW, Merc and GM. -Continued

The 7-Series ActiveHybrid uses the 750i’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers 407 HP with peak torque of 600 Nm or 442 lb-ft combined with an electric motor fully integrated in the transmission housing, developing maximum output of 15 kW/20 hp and peak torque of 210 Newton-metres/155 lb-ft (just like in the case of Merc’s S400 BlueHYBRID).

Electric power is provided by BMW’s latest variant of Brake Energy Regeneration. The energy generated this way is then stored in a high-performance lithium-ion battery. But unlike Mercedes which managed to house the battery in the engine compartment, BMW integrated it in the luggage compartment. As with most BMW’s today, the ActiveHYBRID also features an auto-start-stop function that prevents the combustion engine from running in the idle mode.

BMW has yet to announce official performance or consumption figures for the 7-Series ActiveHYBRID, but the Bavarian automaker did say that the drivetrain technology featured in the concept car combines enhanced driving dynamics together with a reduction of fuel consumption and emissions by 15 per cent in the EU test cycle versus the conventional 750i.