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The BMW 7-Series started back in 1977 and has gone through five generations since then. The BMW 7-Series is only available as a sedan and is powered by three gasoline and two diesel variants, along with xDrive all-wheel drive. The engines are mated to either a six-speed automatic transmission or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 4.4L twin turbo V8 produces 400/440hp and 450lb-ft of torque while the 4.4L V8/Electric Hybrid gets 455 net hp and 516 net lb-ft of torque. The giant 6.0L twin turbo V12 pushes out 535 hp and 550lb-ft of torque. BMW Alpina B7 will debut in Geneva
 
BMW makes a M3 and a M5, but it doesn’t make an M7. That’s where Alpina comes in with the B7. The tuner has a long standing close relationship with BMW, so now that there is a new 7-Series out, the new B7 close on its heels. In fact, reports now say that the car will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The new Alpina B7 should be powered by a modified version of BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering around 507HP (7 hp more than the current B7).
BMW X6 Hybrid and 7 Series Hybrid into production in 2009
BMW brought its hybrid program to the Detroit Auto Show this year. While the BMW X6 Hybrid and the new BMW 7-Series Hybrid are nothing new, the announcement was: BMW will have these hybrid cars in U.S dealerships by the end of this year. The "two-mode" hybrid system for these Bimmers was developed in conjunction with General Motors and Chrysler. So we’ve seen this system before in cars like the Dodge Durango Hybrid we had in our fleet. The BMW 7 Series Hybrid should use a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that delivers 407 hp and 442lb ft, working in combination with an AC electric motor that can add another 20 hp and 155lb ft of torque. We don’t have as much detail yet on the X6 hybrid, but we do know it will use a V8 gas engine partnered with an electric motor. Both cars will also likely take advantage of stop/start technology and regenerative braking to boost milage and power.
2009 BMW 7-Series pricing announced
 BMW announced the US pricing on the 2009 7-Series that made its world debut at the Paris Auto Show. The base price for the 750i is $81,125 and the 750Li is $85,025 (including $825 for destination and handling). Both models began production in November and will arrive at BMW Centers in the spring. On the other hand, BMW announced that starting January 1st, 2009 all the price for all the models sold in USA will be increased by 0.7 percent. The new BMW 7 Series is entering the market with a V8 and a straight-six gasoline engine both featuring Twin Turbo technology and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection). The eight-cylinder developing maximum output of 407 hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm in the BMW 750i, for example, is the most efficient engine in its performance class and the only engine of its kind worldwide with the turbochargers fitted in the V-space between the two rows of cylinders.
Hamann wheels for BMW 7-Series
If last week we showed you a new set of Hamann wheels for the new Maserati GranTurismo, today is time for the new generation 7-Series to get the same minor treatment. As with the Maserati, the German tuner did not reveal any details about what/if we’ll see for performance modifications for the Bimmer, but at least we know that with these black wheels (combined with the black body in the picture,) the criminal underworld will continue to ride in style.
BMW M7 renderings?
Now that BMW has given the 7-Series a much needed redesign. Now it may be time to improve the engine department by offering a M7 version. The top-version of the current 7-Series is the 750i powered by a V8 engine that delivers 407 hp. Later there will be a 760i, but an M-model has not been officially announced.
2009 BMW Individual 7 Series
BMW launched today the special edition Individual 7 Series that will be sold exclusively on the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. It will be limited to only 31 units, in honor of the 7 Series’ 31st anniversary, each priced at $160,000. This special edition is based on the BMW 750Li and will be powered by the all-new V-8 engine with direct injection and twin turbochargers rated at 400 hp. It includes iridescent Diopside Black metallic paintwork and BMW Individual Champagne Merino full leather. Even the smallest details - contrast piping and trim - are customized. The automobile is accented with interior Piano Black trim elements and BMW Individual steering wheel in Piano Black finish with wood ring insert and BMW Individual branding. This is not the first time the German company teamed up with the upscale retailer. In 1995 the Christmas catalogue helped launch the Z3, and then again in 2006 BMW sold a limited edition M6 convertible through the Christmas Book. Full story
BMW will bring first hybrid model in the summer of 2009
When unveiling the new BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid, BMW also announced the first hybrid model from the company will come in 2009. It’s main competitor should be the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID. The BMW ActiveHybrid technology featured in the concept car reduces both fuel consumption and emissions by 15% versus the same car with a combustion engine. The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid combines an eight-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor developing 20 hp and maximum torque of 155 lb-ft as a mild hybrid concept. Electric power is generated by a more powerful variant of Brake Energy Regeneration already featured in the BMW Group’s regular production cars. The energy generated in this way is then stored in a lithium-ion battery fitted beneath the luggage compartment.
BMW 740 drifting
Erick Mahle, from team FULLOPP, is taking his daily driver BMW 740 for a spin... so you will never have to.
2009 BMW Concept 7-Series ActiveHybrid
BMW will unveil at the Paris Auto Show the 7-Series ActiveHybrid, a concept that comes with hybrid components tailored precisely to the character of this unique saloon, offering driving comfort, everyday motoring qualities and driving safety of the supreme standard only the BMW 7 Series is able to provide.  In addition, the BMW ActiveHybrid technology featured in the Concept Car reduces both fuel consumption and emissions by 15% versus the same car with a combustion engine and offers a standard of driving dynamics clearly exceeding all series models with hybrid technology presented so far. The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid combines an eight-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor developing 20 hp and maximum torque of 155 lb-ft as a mild hybrid concept.  Electric power is generated by a particularly powerful variant of Brake Energy Regeneration already featured in the BMW Group’s regular production cars. The energy generated in this way is then stored in a lithium-ion battery fitted in accordance with the package of the car beneath the luggage compartment. Press release after the jump. Full story
BMW 7-Series new video released
BMW revealed new official video of the 2009 7-Series that will make its world in October at the Paris Auto Show. The 2009 7-Series will be powered by a V8 engine that delivers 407 hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm in the BMW 750i. For the BMW 740i, output of the six-cylinder Twin Turbo has been raised to 326 hp at 5,800 rpm. The newly developed six-cylinder diesel in the BMW 730d, in turn, develops maximum output of 245 hp at 4,000 rpm. Get the Flash Player to see this player. Get the Flash Player to see this player.
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