Photo: BMW
It seems that BMW is aiming to place an M badge on the 7-Series, with the next generation of the car, which will belong to the 2015 model year, set to receive one. However, the new vehicle will be included in the carmaker’s new M Performance range, rather than being offered as an M7.
According to Automobile Magazine, the go-fast version of the next-generation 7-Series will use the M770i xDrive designation and will be powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine delivering 482 hp and a peak torque of 480 lb-ft (650 Nm).
You might be wondering why BMW would release a car that’s so far behind the current S63 AMG in terms of power - the Merc produces 544 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. The answer seems to be that the Bavarians want to focus on cutting weight and offering an impressive handling.
Thus, the M770i xDrive will use carbon fiber for the hood, roof and boot lid, as well as for the brakes and the seats, with the list of goodies offered by the car also including 20-inch wheels and a tweaked 8-speed gearbox.
In fact, the entire 7-Series range will make use of aluminum and carbon fiber, with the goal being to offer a weight reduction of around 450 lbs (204 kg), compared to the current model. As for the engine range of the standard model (we only have info on the petrol side of it) this could include a four-cylinder unit with 260 hp, a straight six with 345 hp, a 460 hp V8, as well as two plug-in hybrid versions that would use the first two engines.
Via: Automobile Magazine
Our Say: we’re not buying the “less weight means we can neglect power” story, we think BMW will up the M770i xDrive ante on the muscle front too.
You might be wondering why BMW would release a car that’s so far behind the current S63 AMG in terms of power - the Merc produces 544 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. The answer seems to be that the Bavarians want to focus on cutting weight and offering an impressive handling.
Thus, the M770i xDrive will use carbon fiber for the hood, roof and boot lid, as well as for the brakes and the seats, with the list of goodies offered by the car also including 20-inch wheels and a tweaked 8-speed gearbox.
In fact, the entire 7-Series range will make use of aluminum and carbon fiber, with the goal being to offer a weight reduction of around 450 lbs (204 kg), compared to the current model. As for the engine range of the standard model (we only have info on the petrol side of it) this could include a four-cylinder unit with 260 hp, a straight six with 345 hp, a 460 hp V8, as well as two plug-in hybrid versions that would use the first two engines.
Via: Automobile Magazine
Our Say: we’re not buying the “less weight means we can neglect power” story, we think BMW will up the M770i xDrive ante on the muscle front too.
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