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BMW 7-series spied (2008)
By
Georg Kacher
Spy shots
03 October 2006 09:42
New BMW 7-series: the lowdown
This is the world's first set of spyshots of BMW's all-new 7-series. The limousine is due on sale in late 2008, and this is the first time a prototype wearing the new body has hit the road. While the 2001 7-series introduced BMW's radical new design language – a look described as 'maybe too courageous' by BMW’s outgoing R&D chief Burkhard Goeschel – the new Seven will finally draw the line under the 'flame surfacing' era. The new car will have a sleeker, more refined design. Power comes from an updated range of petrol and diesel engines, and there'll even be a hybrid version. Read on for the full story.
New 7-series: how it looks
The new 7-series will be a ground-breaking model, for its design, chassis and powertrain. It's appropriate that the new car's codename begins with an F, with BMW having exhausted its series of 'E' designations, introduced in 1968. The F01 will look more sleek and sporty than today's battleship, with its boot on which you could land a Harrier. Check out the prototype's proportions. The roofline is faster, the glasshouse more coupe-like and the overall look more compact and dynamic. Most of the details remain closely guarded, but the wraparound nature of the lamps is clearly visible. Sources say the boot is better integrated (although padding disguises this) and the sheet metal is less hyperactive. Naturally, the front end is classic BMW, with a big kidney grille and twin bulbs. The headlamp graphic is said to be all-new.
