The top brass from Munich have officially shot down any possibility for a future BMW 7-Series wearing an M badge. That role of a high performance limousine has traditionally been left to Alpina. But apparently, just the other day, spy photographers caught this stretched Bimmer that reportedly "really seems like an M version of the 7-Series." So the question is, what was it?
BMW representatives have said that the M image doesn’t fit in a limousine model, but just a short while ago, they said the same thing about the X5 SUV, a vehicle that is now part of their lineup. So, what’s the true story behind this camouflaged 7-Series.
A closer look at the prototype seen in the photo reveals plenty of M characteristics; like the larger big mouth front bumper and what could be a hood made from lightweight aluminum. If this is the case, and there is going to be an M7, it will most likely be powered by the same twin-turbo eight cylinder found in the BMW X6 M, with an expected output somewhere between 500 and 550 HP.
Check out the link below to see the rest of the spy photos.
BMW may be looking to lose some cylinders in the name of economy. Just like Audi, it seems BMW will drop high-revving engines in favor of turbocharging on its "M" model cars. AutoWeek is reporting that tough emissions standards worldwide and soaring manufacturing costs in Germany are behind the switch.
This reduces labor costs because BMW will be bolting turbochargers to engines that are already being produced on a large-scale. So now instead of producing a small number of V10 engines for the M5, the 2010 M5 will likely get a twin-turbo version of the 4.4-liter V8 that will deliver similar performance. One pleasing by-product of this downsize may be lighter engines, which will lead to lighter cars and better fuel economy.
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.
This matte black BMW Lumma CLR 500 RS was spotted in Abu Dhabi, and it looks much better than the orange version revealed by Lumma last year. Like yesterday’s BMW X6, some things just look much better in matte black.
The CLR 500 RS is powered by V10 engine that delivers 560 HP. Top speed is 203 mph.
Eco-minded car enthusiasts may no longer have to feel guilty for not trading in their M3 for a Prius. BMW is realizing that even the most powerful cars on the market need to get greener. After talking about a V6 turbocharged engines for future M models to cut CO2 emissions, BMW has now announced hybrid-drive is also under consideration.
According to the German carmaker, the current output combination of a gasoline and electric motor is still too low and cannot be used in high performance cars. But BMW is considering using technology from Formula 1 called KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). Just like in production hybrid cars, KERS uses a generator and battery to store energy during braking. But what makes this system unique is that it’s said to be five times smaller and about five times more powerful than systems in a conventional hybrid.
A BMW source has announced that the future M models may come with turbo-boosted engines. Until now they were coming with high-revolution, naturally aspirated engines.
The first one will be the next M5 that will debut in 2011. It will be powered by a twin-turbo V-8 instead of a naturally aspirated V-10.
"Variations of the twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 that powers the X6 premium SUV are on the test stand and generating "400 kW (536hp) and more of output," an insider said.
Infineon Technologies AG will help BMW develop Engine management systems for future BMW M cars. The Engine management system receives feedback from various sensors located in the engine and meters fuel accordingly.
“We are proud of our cooperation with BMW M GmbH. Our TriCore microcontrollers deliver real-time performance as yet unmatched by any other microcontroller today,” said Jochen Hanebeck, senior vice president and head of the Microcontrollers unit at Infineon’s Automotive, Industrial and Multimarket business group.
The Munich based company offers semiconductor and system solutions for automotive, industrial and multimarket sectors. Infineon’s main task would be to integrate its microcontroller chips into the BMW’s ECU . Its will also provide the required technical support.
Both the companies remained tight lipped on the financial details of the deal. As emission norms are becoming stricter, engines will have to be designed and built to satisfy the regulations. And this has to be done without compromising on the other factors like fuel efficiency, power, torque etc. Incorporation of advanced electronics has helped in this area and holds greater responsibilities in the future.
Watch out Porsche Cayenne Turbo! BMW X5 M is to be launched! Even if
BMW says it has no plans for a M-badged X5, spy photographers caught it testing in Nurburgring
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How about a M5 with even more power? 60 hp more? Sounds nice, no? This is what the guys from Evosport thought when they took a powerful car like the M5 and made it even more powerful.
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By far this is one of the coolest Z4 M-Coupe ever seen, a thoroughbred driving machine. Is true that at the moment is only a concept car, but I am sure when will go into production will be a success, even bigger than the BMW Z4 M Coupe.
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