 |
2001 BMW 7-series
2000-12-20 - By ciaran
After months of spy photos and speculation, BMW is putting its troubles aside and is preparing to unleash a high-tech new 7-Series.
The new uber-Bimmer aims to reclaim a slice of the luxury action currently dominated by the Mercedes S-Class. The new car is due out in the autumn of 2001, following an official introduction at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It will be priced to compete directly with the big Benz saloons.
Munich has worked hard to create a 7-Series that could once again be the enthusiast's choice among the booming luxury car ranks. The newly developed model is said to offer the performance and chassis dynamics to challenge the class-leading S-Class while taking on newcomers like the Volkswagen D1 and Jaguar X350 (the new XJ8), as well as Audi's second-generation all due on sale within two years. The new 7-Series is the first to show the full influence of design boss Chris Bangle, and picks up a number of traditional design cues like the double rounded headlamps, kidney grille, V-shaped hood and "Hofmeister kink" in the C-pillar. It's much more rakish than before, with an extended wheelbase, wider tracks and shorter overhangs providing a balanced stance. The most dramatic feature is the rear-end styling, which borrows heavily from the Z9 concept car, including the triangular tail lamps. The brake lights vary in intensity depending on pedal pressure.
It not only on the outside that BMW has brought about major changes. The new car also receives new high-tech interior cues once again taken from the Z9. Its clean, simple lines mark a departure from the cluttered arrangement of today's 7-Series and are aimed at answering criticisms that the current car lacks the ergonomic efficiency and clarity of its keener rivals. BMW has embraced high-tech features including the latest in telematics, that promises to make the big new saloon one of the most advanced cars ever to go into mass production. Rotary and push controls, located between the driver and front passenger seats, operate in tandem with a large screen mounted high on the dashboard. That displays a range of information on features including the ventilation, satellite navigation, hi-fi and optional Internet access. The new interior offers not only increased functionality, it at least in the features a range of high-quality materials, including aluminium surrounds for the outer vents and wood trim. Improved packaging and considerable weight savings have been made possible by the adoption of a fibre optic electrical system. One main computer powered by a new 42-volt system controls and co-ordinates all the major functions. The 7-Series will be launched with a 3.0-litre base engine. This new engine, which was unveiled at January's Detroit Motor Show, is the first in a new family of modular in-line six-cylinder engines developed under the codename M54. It has 231 hp, as well as lightweight valve gear, and acts as a replacement for the 2.8-litre in-line six. Further up the range will be lightly worked-over versions of the 3.5-litre and 4.4-litre V-8 engines used in today's 7-Series. Changes bump power output up to 260 hp and 320 hp respectively. Emissions have been cut to meet the forthcoming North American and European requirements.
 Topping the line-up will be an all-new the first in a whole new generation of engines being developed in Munich under the codename NGV. It is expected the new 6.0-litre engine will have four valves per cylinder, direct injection and variable valve timing. It will have more than 400 hp on tap, and forms the basis for compact new 4.0-litre and 5.0-litre V-8 powerplants that are expected to be available by the end of 2003 to coincide with the launch of the new 5-Series. Other engines include BMW's 3.0-litre in-line six and 4.0-litre V-8 turbodiesels. Both are undergoing modifications to accept a second-generation common rail system from Bosch, which raises their power to 193 hp and 250 hp respectively. Drive to the 7-Series' rear wheels will be handled by a new six-speed automatic gearbox which has been engineered to handle torque loads well exceeding that of the new V-12. The ZF unit, also to be used in the next generation of Rolls-Royces, has been constructed with low weight in mind, using a high percentage of magnesium.
BMW may eventually offer the next 7-Series in optional four-wheel-drive guise, using hardware from the X5. It is a means of matching the Audi A8 Quattro and the four-wheel-drive version of the S-Class rumoured to be waiting in the wings. Underpinning the new car is an all-new platform and aluminium intensive suspension. Buyers will be given the option of conventional steel springs or air springs. BMW will offer the latter in combination with a fully active arrangement that reduces roll and pitch on the more expensive versions. The system is linked to driver aids including the latest in stability and traction control, cornering brake control and radar-linked cruise control. These will be linked via a system called Integrated Chassis Management. One further change is a switch from the recirculating ball steering to a rack-and-pinion system with speed-sensitive power assistance.
|
|
|
Send to a friend
// -->