German Car Zone

I don't know about the side: it surely will improve when integrated in the whole car, with the real boot and bonnet.

And I am sure the front will look quite different from the FEP: we see that the ebay bumper has a strong V-shape around the kidneys, so i draw two conclusions: one, the lights will be sharper than in the PS we saw, and two, the area around the kidneys will look way better than in the FEP, where the camo makes the whole quite square. No PS seems to have integrated these facts correctly yet.

That is why i don't say anything definitive untill I see the real deal. The camo is still way heavier than it appears, masking key areas of the car.

Interior looks already great!!

You can see Ascariss' impression here:

2009 BMW 7-Series - Page 39 - CarSpyShots

Sry mate, I can't. Damned ... I'm feeling like a lying toad ...

Can anyone please find these pics again A lot of members haven't seen them yet

You don't have to… I can really understand, that those are some confidential informations! I think, we will all see the new 7-series etc early enough!

Expect from Audi to push the new A8 in even further into luxury waters. IMO shortly exceeding instant luxury experience of 7er. Yet 7er will have deeper character - as BMW cars always do. And do not forget a new flagship is coming, and the Silver Ghost from RR as well. So, the line from 7er, new Z8, to 8er 4dr GT, and further to baby Rolls have to be very clean & precise. Without gray areas.

I'm sure when Porsche cuts even deeper in VAG guts the results will be seen sooner or later: presenting more focused products, and less cannibalizing within the Group. Right now some models of certain brands (or even within the same brand) are positioned to closely together.

But ... S-class still has THE image in this segment, but I'm afraid that's all what will left to S-class.

A8 ... double-attack: on new 7er's agility & sportiness, and S-class' comfort & luxury experience.

The insiders say Audi is putting enormous resources in this car ... Since they are determined to be #1 luxury brand - image & experience wise (not necessary sales wise). With all the VAG & PAG support, they have great chances to succeed. Yet neither BMW nor MB are not standing still. But ... will that be enough?


****


BMW are aware they can't win this race ... therefore all the resources are directed into EfficientDynamics: to position BMW as the greenest & cleanest, and most dynamic brand (cars as well) among luxury brands.


Btw, my birdies say (rumors from suppliers) the new A8 will be a bit too aggressive (completely overdone) in appearence for the large luxury sedan segment. Some say Audi may make a step too far. Like BMW did with E65: stirring the automotive world completely.

I'm very eager to see that car.

Thanks, Ree - good to hear/read. As you know, I'm no member of the BMW CM team and my sources are not anonymous - they are close friends. I'm getting cold feed - that's the reason why I have to protect them.

´

so this could actually be bmws ass in the sleeve, that they are leaning in the other direction. which in my opinion is the right way - the mass is going radical even a ford KA has dynamic lines everyhwere. so the eye of the customer is becoming used to alot of busy shadows and reflextions on an average car - in other words, it is nothing special anymore to have a flame surface
exciting design times

"Reduced design" ... "Zen-like design" ... "Evolutionary revolution"



Yes, while others are going BMW-like frenzy, BMW are shifting back to clean & simple lines. Yet very sharp lines & sharp details. To stand out again.

The styling (flame surfacing) won't change much - more refinement & clean cuts are the keywords, the design will be much more elegant & sleek (which has more to do with engineers & marketing guys than designers).

But do not expect "back-to-the 90's" shift. It won't happen.