German Car Zone

The new ZF 8-speed will be launched in late 2009 afaik. It will then have integrated Auto-Start-Stop.

Highlights from the pressrelese:



- With standard Driving Dynamics Control, the driver can
choose between four settings for shock-absorber firmness, transmission shift
characteristics, engine-throttle response, power-steering assist: Comfort,
Normal, Sport and Sport Plus.

- Integral Active Steering, encompassing not only the original variable-ratio front
steering, but also, new rear-wheel steering. Acting as an overall system, the two
capabilities deliver a new combination of handling ease, maneuverability and
unrivaled stability in dynamic driving conditions: Integral Active Steering is
included in the optional Sport Package.

- A 2nd generation of iDrive sets new standards for ergonomics,
efficiency and logical functionality with its larger, higher-definition Control
Display. New, uniformly structured menus and an optimized control strategy for
the display and console-

- The new 7 is the first in its segment to
offer a Head-up Display, which projects relevant driving information onto the
windshield in front of the driver. The HUD is a stand-alone option on U.S.
models.

- With the new 7, BMW’s newly developed Active Blind Spot Detection makes its
debut. Its function is to warn the driver – by vibration in the steering wheel plus
a blinking LED on the exterior mirror – upon initiating a lane change when there is
an unseen vehicle in the blind spot or when there is a vehicle –not yet in the
blind spot- but is closing in at a rate that could result in a collision if the driver
changed lanes. Active Blind Spot Detection will be offered together with the
Lane Departure Warning, a familiar BMW option but new to the 7 Series. By
alerting the driver (also, via a vibrating steering wheel) when a lane change is
initiated without the turn signals, the driver is assisted in avoiding potential
accidents.

- BMW Night Vision continues as an option in the new 7, and adds a new
capability: recognizing and indicating individual pedestrians on or near the
roadway.

- At the front, headlights include BMW’s distinctive use of the “corona rings” for
Daytime Running Lamps, and are accented at the top by a light band that
visually unifies the traditional dual headlights on each side. The BMW “kidney
grilles” – another traditional element, appearing here in new form – are notable
for their boldness, verticality and low placement.

- With its center stack lightly angled
toward the driver, the control center promotes the driver’s intuitive mastery of
the vehicle: this is always a hallmark of BMW interior design. And yet this interior
isn’t only for the driver; its concept, layout, technology and

- The new 7’s instrument cluster combines classic elements and new solutions
into a complete, harmonious presentation of driving information. For the first
time in a BMW, the entire cluster is a high-resolution Black Panel display, in which
four classic circular instruments are most prominent; other driving-relevant
displays and readouts – including GPS Navigation, vehicle-monitoring functions,
upcoming service requirements and other information – also appear here in their
various (and function-related) graphic forms.

- In “dormant” state, this display is a mostly blank black form defined by its
chrome-toned periphery and including only pointer needles, scale markings and
the tachometer’s red warning zone within it. The circular instruments’ numerals,
as well as, the integrated displays for current fuel economy and range on
remaining fuel, are entirely electronic and not visible until a door is opened.

- While retaining the E-Shift concept first introduced on the predecessor – no
mechanical linkage from shift lever to transmission – the new 7 moves its
transmission selector from steering column to center console.

- With its 10.2-in. monitor, the new iDrive system doesn’t just outdo all other
graphic displays in automobiledom to date; its 1280 x 480-pixel resolution
means remarkably true-to-life images. It’s a system appropriate to the vehicle
it’s in, achieved via up-to-date hard- and software. White-on-black menu lists;
effective symbols and icons; contemporary graphics; and clear, consistent colorcoding
are among the elements that enhance, not only function, but also
esthetics.

- 750i, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 sec.

- When the driver “kicks down” the accelerator, the transmission can
downshift by as many as four gears – just as quickly as if it were shifting down
only one gear.

- The 7 Series’ Integral Active Steering now also includes rear-wheel steering
capability. Via a steering spindle and an eccentrically positioned servo motor, the
rear wheels can be steered up to a maximum of 3°. At low speeds, they are
steered oppositely to the front wheels; depending on vehicle speed, the turning
circle can be reduced by up to 27.5 inches – which, combined with the front
wheels’ reduced steering ratio, dramatically improves maneuverability.
Varying the rear-wheel steering according to vehicle speed, the system steers them in
the same direction as the fronts at higher speeds, which enhances the more
important attribute of stability at these speed. A further, and perhaps less
expected, benefit is that the rear-wheel steering reduces the yaw rate in a given
road-speed maneuver, which would be perceived by rear-seat passengers as an
improvement in riding comfort.

- A new Electronic
Limited-slip Differential function comes into play in vigorous driving when DSC is
completely de-activated.

- Compared to the predecessor’s body
shell, the new models are approximately 20% more rigid in torsion

- Novel in the 7 Series’ market segment is its brand-new combination of a steel
main structure and aluminum roof: The light-metal roof saves approximately 7
kg/15 lb., and because this savings is at the vehicle’s highest point, lowers the
center of gravity and further contributes to vehicle dynamics. The doors are also
aluminum, saving a further 48.5 lb. As on the predecessor, the hood and front
fenders are also aluminum, making for a significant contribution to these
automobiles’ overall weight efficiency.

- It probably goes without saying that Xenon headlights are standard on the new
7; but these are just the beginning of an extensive array of advanced, beneficial
and enjoyable features that enhance these cars’ forward illumination.
For example, the luminous “Corona Rings” that have become a BMW identifier in
recent years are now utilized for the Daytime Running Lamps, adding visual
distinction to a safety precaution favored by many drivers. Adaptive control
swivels the headlights according to steering input, yaw rate and vehicle speed to
aid forward illumination around curves; and for the first time, the lights’ autoleveling
takes into account road topography (such as hill crests, tunnels, steep
ramps) and adjusts their aim up or down as appropriate to avoid blinding
oncoming drivers. At low speeds, cornering lights help the driver “see around”
city corners; for backing up, on U.S. models both cornering lights (left and right)
illuminate.

- World premiere: BMW Night Vision with enhanced recognition.

- The new 7 comes standard with a 40-GB hard drive, which provides fast access
to navigation data and space for approximately 13GB allocated to music
storage.

- World’s first Integrated Owner’s Manual.

Interesting document

I did not see a mention of the DPC system that was introduced in the X6,
also no mentioning of optional LED headlights
no 8 speed transmission mentioned
no new 'revolutionary' Efficient Dynamics features....(Start/Stop function should be introduced with 8 speed tranny)

I thought they called them angel eyes...

What do they mean by this?

The manual is present in the i-drive itself.

OMG...fantastic I. Need. Pics!!!!

Awesome too. That screen is huge. I hope it'll come with Blu Ray in the future, that screen is pretty high res

Tbh it ain't a stunner, the kidneys are well to big, front bumper is well to boring, hood has a weird design, rear lights a to big and don't fit in right oh and the rear wings are to chubby for the sleek design


I hope it looks a lot better irl

Honestly,car looks good..but,thats all..I was expecting more boldness from BMW design team..especially on rear end..Why the Hell they didn´t put CS-Concept rear lights on 7 series ?With it,it would look soo much better overall..

New infos from AutoBild:

For the first time , selected control knobs can be (optionally) ordered in ceramic (i-Drive controller, transmission controller, aircon knobs)

These ceramic elements have been used in recent concepts (CS I think)

Something has to left for the 760i & 760Li.

8-speed tranny, LED headlights, xDrive, mild-hybrid version & new engines are coming later.

Regarding DPC ... Hm, it seems the "active rear differential" is actually e-diff like the one in 135i. I have always thought "active rear differential" is DPC, and nothing else. Strange.