German Car Zone

Last Friday me and my son (15) had a chance to visit BMW's Dingolfing fab, which is very close to where we live. It was VERY interesting to see how it all comes together , starting from the sheet metal to the final assembly of the cars. We saw the assembly line of the 5 + 6 series.

The assembly line for the 7 series was closed for visitors. After some discussion with the guide he told me (with very low voice and almost whispering into my ear ;-) they are already preparing the line for the new 7 series. I tried to convince him to 'extend his tour' and allow us to peek in...unfortunately he just gave me this 'knowing' smile..

But we had a great time anyways and my son was very impressed . They also had a RR Phantom body on display , which is also made here before its shipped to England

^ Correct.

They are preparing for FEP phases (one of the phases is Final Evaluation Production aka production test).

According to my info the FEP phases are about to start around Christmas / New Year holidays.
So production test, and stripped prototypes (with tape camo only).

Perhaps even before Christmas.

Not the most revealing pics, but am gonna post them anyways. Testing in dubai
http://www.gulf4cars.com/vb/attachme...d=11921954 47
http://www.gulf4cars.com/vb/attachme...d=11921954 47
http://www.gulf4cars.com/vb/attachme...d=11921954 47

I believe, the cars already with less camou on the roads

How much the weight will increase? 50 kg tops? the 760 stands at 2105kg, suppose that will be at 2200? i was hoping it decrease a bit, below 2000kg would be great...

The new 7er is the big launch for 2008. So there is a greater marketing emphasis on showcasing every aspect of this exciting new sedan from design to development - to production to launch , So along with prototypes expect a photography and film crew in every part of the world. In some of the most demanding areas of the world where this car is being tested. The development process for the 7er will be more stringent than the E65 as BMW aim to counter any problems that occur Before the car is released in July. prior to it's world debut in Paris next September.

And I believe you! Can't wait to see them on the net!!!



The F01 will set all kinds of new standards.

In this pic, you can see a bit more of the grill because of the lighter colour, and you can tell that this car is going to be the most aggressive 7er yet. Hopefully the FEP cars will get snapped soon, because I find myself checking this thread daily, in anticipation of seeing a glimpse of BMW's design direction, which I think , after seeing the concept CS, will shock everyone (in a good way).

Any reason why they're now testing in Dubai? I though BMW did their hot weather testing in Death Valley, California?

According to SCOTT (if i'm not mistaken), they're testing new 7er on all 4 sides of the world, in all places and climate conditions...Maybe funny, but should be true...