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The new BMW 7 Series points the way forward to the future of the top automobile
category: with a progressive exterior and interior design, an innovative
vehicle control concept and a multitude of technological highlights,
it sets new standards in the balance of performance, dynamism, safety,
luxurious comfort and economy within the segment of luxury performance
vehicles.
The BMW 7 Series
celebrates its world premiere at the IAA 2001 in Frankfurt and is
launched throughout Europe with the models 735i and 745i in November.
Benchmark
in driver orientation and comfort: the iDrive concept
With iDrive
in the 7 Series, BMW presents a new, pioneering concept of driver
orientation and motoring. Along with a unique array of functions
there is also a drastic reduction and reorientation of the control
elements. In the course of this uncompromising step into the future,
the central gear lever and conventional ignition key were found
to be technologically obsolete. The few elements of real importance
for driving are located in and around the steering wheel, and a
few frequently used basic functions are to be found at the centre
of the instrument panel. Most of the other functions - including
all telematic services such as navigation, ASSIST and the WAP-supported
BMW Internet portal, which can be personalized according to the
customers' needs, are the first functions worldwide that can be
activated via a controller which is located on the centre console
and operated intuitively. The controller is connected to a control
display. For the driver, iDrive means simple safe operation and
convenient access to the world of ConnectedDrive with the networking
of communication, information and navigation technology.
Benchmark in fuel consumption and performance: revolutionary 8-cylinder
with the world's first 6-speed automatic transmission.
The most outstanding
technological highlight is a new generation of the 8-cylinder engine.
With virtually all the relevant parameters being continuously variable
- such as valve timing (Bi-Vanos), valve stroke (VALVETRONIC) and
- for the first time ever - intake tube length, they can be adapted
to all requirements with a level of perfection hitherto unknown.
With this uncompromising type of engine control, the BMW 8-cylinder
set new standards: fuel consumption is reduced by around 14%, whilst
maximum output increases by around 14%. There is a choice of a 3.6
litre engine with 272 bhp (200 kW) and 360 Nm in the 735i and a
4.4 litre with 333 bhp (245 kW) and 450 Nm in the 745i.
Power transmission
is effected by the first serial production 6-speed automatic transmission
in the world. This highly efficient and compact unit with integrated
Shift-by-Wire technology is operated by a novel selector lever at
the steering wheel and by Steptronic keys in the steering wheel
rim. Outstanding performance figures are possible with this innovative
drive train. The spurt from 0 to 100 km/h is taken care of in only
7.5 or 6.3 seconds, with maximum speed in both cases at 250 km/h.
Fuel consumption according to EU overall criteria is at an unbeatably
low level for this class of 10.7 or 10.9 litres per 100 km/h.
Benchmark
in driving dynamics and safety
of driving culture in the 7 Series derives from a whole bundle of
progressive technologies. For example, the fully aluminium chassis
available with the new active chassis Dynamic Drive and for the
first time a continuously variable Electronic Damper Control function,
as well as pneumatic suspension with automatic self-levelling for
the rear axle.
An increase
in passive safety is ensured amongst other things by the further
developed ITS side head airbags, new active headrests at front and
the extremely fast ISIS network. It takes care of the exchange and
transmission of all crash-relevant safety data with a decentralised,
intelligent sensor concept which controls the activation of the
individual components with greater speed, precision and selectivity.
These innovations
and numerous new developments are combined in the new BMW 7 Series
to make an automobile which provides a new interpretation of pure
driving pleasure.
The new saloon
will be launched in Europe on November 17th 2001, in the USA and
in the other markets in the spring of 2002, coinciding with the
launch of the long versions.
Australian deliveries
are due to commence in the second quarter of 2002. The Australian
model line-up, pricing and specifications are yet to be determined.
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