On this episode of Head 2 Head Jonny Lieberman finds out which plus size super sedan is king of the hill. Can the rear-wheel drive BMW Alpina B7 take on the Quattro all-wheel drive of Audi’s S8?
The new 2013 7 Series arrives in U.S. showrooms in late summer 2012, except for the ActiveHybrid 7 which goes on sale in early fall.
In the States, prices range from $74,195 for the regular-wheelbase 740i to $140,200 for the long-wheelbase 760Li, including an $895 destination and handling fee.
The BMW flagship sedan model boasts a thinly revised fascia with available LED headlights, while the interior is enhanced with a redesigned iDrive system, and the availability of an optional Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound system and a customizable digital instrument display.
Under the sheetmetal, an 8-speed automatic transmission becomes standard on all models while BMW engineers also uprated the suspension.
For 2013, gasoline engine choices include the 760i with the same 537hp (544PS) 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 as before, the 750i with a tweaked 4.4-liter turbo V8 producing 444hp (450PS / +10%) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft / +8.5%), and the 740i featuring the new N55 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six delivering 315hp (320PS) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque.
There’s also the new ActiveHybrid7, in which the outgoing model’s 408HP 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 (465hp with the electric motor) has been replaced by the 740i’s 315hp (320PS) 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that works together with a 54hp/40kW electric motor. The system’s combined output is 349hp (354PS) with a peak torque of 500Nm (369 lb-ft).
Last but not least, the Alpina-branded B7 models that are sold in the States through BMW stores benefit from a revised 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbocharged engine with direct-injection chruning out 540-horses and 538 lb-ft, coupled to a new 8-speed automatic.
(vía Carscoop)
Not to be outdone by the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide or Audi A7, BMW will reportedly be building a production version of the Gran Coupe concept that debuted at this year’s Beijing Motor Show. It may be a late arrival to the growing segment of swoopy luxury sedans, but BMW will indeed poise the Gran Coupe to offer just as much in the way of technology and refinement as the lot of its competitors.
Based on the next-generation 6 Series, the Gran Coupe is set to launch sometime in 2012 and will share its powertrains with what we’re seeing in the 5, 6, and 7 Series BMWs, including a possible hybrid variant. Naturally, the production Gran Coupe will slot between the 5 and 7 Series in terms of size and price, and if the overall design doesn’t change too much, it’ll certainly be an attractive addition to the BMW lineup.
(vía Autoblog)
No. 3: 1997 BMW 750iL
(vía Top Speed)
(amé mal este carro, y el gadget era un Ericsson :3)
gabemax