It won't ship until late 2010, but the 2011 Audi A8 looks really good. The all-new fourth-generation A8 full-size luxury sedan has a 372 hp 4.2-liter V-8 with eight-speed transmission under the hood, and all-wheel drive.
This 8-minute video includes driving scenes and exterior shots, plus close-up detail shots.
The $75,000 car will compete with the Mercedes-Benz S-class, Maserati Quattroporte, Lexus LS460, Jaguar XJ/XJL, BMW 7-series.
The ActiveHybrid X6 will be BMW's first hybrid to run on all electric power.
(Credit: BMW)BMW announced today the production versions of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and ActiveHybrid 7, two very different hybrid models with very different drive trains. Both vehicles will make their world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The Hybrid X6 will reach U.S. BMW Centers in fourth quarter 2009; and the BMW Hybrid 7 will reach America shores in spring 2010.
The BMW ActiveHybrid X6's power train starts with a 400 hp twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine and adds two electric synchronous motors delivering 91 hp/192 lb-ft and 86 hp/206 lb-ft, respectively. Maximum system output is 480 hp, and peak torque reaches 575 lb-ft.
Acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph happens in 5.4 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is improved by roughly 20%. EPA ratings will be available closer to the market introduction.
The ActiveHybrid vehicles' iDrive systems will feature drivetrain info screens.
(Credit: BMW)This X6 is BMW's first full hybrid model able to run exclusively on one of its electric motors up to a speed of 37 mph or a range of 1.6 miles. Exceed either of these parameters or push the go-pedal too firmly and the second electric motor will spin up the combustion engine automatically.
Three powerplants require a complex transmission. The Hybrid X6's two-mode automatic transmission features three planetary gearsets, four multiplate clutches, and seven speeds with a manual shift mode. That's all before the power reaches BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system where it is shifted between the front and rear axles.
The electric motors receive their energy from an NiMH battery pack positioned beneath the floor of the luggage compartment. This battery pack also feeds electric power to the vehicle's onboard network and is charged using regenerative braking by one or both of the electric motors.
The ActiveHybrid 7 will feature start/stop and electric assist, but not all electric motivation.
(Credit: BMW)Meanwhile, the ActiveHybrid 7 is powered by an upgraded twin-turbo, direct injection V8 engine from the 750i with electric motor wedged between the engine and the torque converter of the eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined power output is 455 horsepower and maximum torque of 516 pound-feet. The electric motor receives its supply of energy from a lithium ion battery developed specifically for use in this automobile.
The 7 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while delivering fuel economy approximately 15 percent better than the conventional 750i. Again, official EPA ratings will be available closer to the U.S. market launch.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is the first BMW with automatic transmission to feature Auto Start/Stop to maximize efficiency by avoiding engine idling when stopped. However, the Hybrid 7 doesn't appear to operate in a fully electric mode. A fully electric air conditioning and ventilation system, powered by the 120 volt lithium ion battery pack, means that the A/C remains fully operational when the gasoline engine stops.
Like existing BMW 7 Series models, BMW's ActiveHybrid 7 will enter the market in both regular and long wheelbase body variants.
(Credit:
BMW of North America)
BMW's flagship 7 Series will be updated for the 2010 model year with two all-wheel drive variants on the 750i and long wheelbase 750Li. In line with BMW's naming scheme, the new models will be known as the 750i xDrive and the 750Li xDrive.
The 7 Series xDrive models' all-wheel drive-system will be tuned for an emphasis on performance. Specifically, the system will identify and limit understeer and maintain neutral handling with a combination of torque shifting (up to 80 percent to the rear axle), throttle control, and rear-corner braking.
According to BMW, the "enhancements to xDrive ensure that the 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive will be two of the most nimble all-wheel drive sedans available in any vehicle segment." When you consider the size of the 7 Series, that's a pretty big boast.
The M Sport package adds a series of handling and aesthetic upgrades.
(Credit: BMW of North America)Additionally, the 7 Series will gain an optional M Sport package, which includes handling and aesthetic upgrades. Here's what you get:
"The M Sport Package includes an M steering wheel, lift-reducing aerodynamic kit, Active Roll Stabilization (RWD only), Shadowline trim, Anthracite headliner and 19" wheels with ultra-high performance tires. 20" wheels with ultra-high performance tires are available at additional cost. Carbon Black Metallic exterior paint is available with the new M Sport Package."
The 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive, as well as the M Sport package upgrade for all 7 Series models, will be available in fall 2009 as 2010 models.
LOS ANGELES--BMW AG is considering U.S. sales of a diesel version of its redesigned 7 series, the company's top U.S. executive says.
"It wasn't in our plans, but we'll look at it," Jim O'Donnell, president of BMW of North America LLC, said last week. Two weeks ago, U.S. dealers were in Munich to drive the redesigned 7 series, which goes on sale in the United States in March. About half the group drove a diesel.
"They all told me they wanted it," says O'Donnell. "One or two didn't even know they were driving a diesel, and they were honest enough to admit it."
Dealers also drove the 730d with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine. "This isn't even a diesel engine that we're bringing into the States," O'Donnell says.
But Friedrich Eichiner, BMW board member in charge of corporate and brand development, says bringing a 7-series diesel to the United States is "a possibility."
The 7-series diesel, with highway mileage of about 45 mpg, would help BMW address not only future corporate average fuel economy regulations but also a growing demand for more fuel-efficient cars in the United States, Eichiner says.
BMW's new clean diesels, the 335d sedan and X5 xDrive35d crossover, go on sale in the United States next month with engines that use urea systems to meet emissions standards in all 50 states.
(Source: Automotive News)
Freshly unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the BMW's 7 Series luxury sedan gets updates inside and out, with a new exterior aesthetic and an updated iDrive system.
Not wanting to be left out of the luxury hybrid market created by Lexus, BMW unveiled the ActiveHybrid 7 Series at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. A mild hybrid by definition, the electric motor exists only to assist the gasoline engine. We can't help but to wonder: how much electric assistance do you need with a 4.4 liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 under the hood?
- prev
- 1
- next
