Photo: SB Medien
The fact that today’s BMWs are pretty much on the heavier side of things is no longer a surprise. That being said, we should also point out that the company is aware of the status it gained recently and wants to get rid of all sorts of nicknames people will give it.
The biggest step in this endeavor was creating the i sub brand and everything that comes with it. Through the research needed for this launch, the company managed to develop new materials that are lighter and cheap enough to make on a larger scale, therefore coming up with CFRP and new high-strength light alloys.
For the 2016 BMW 7 Series, everything they know at the moment will be used. The current model weighs around 2 tons, depending on the version you choose to place on the scale. That’s simply unacceptable by today’s standards for a couple of reasons.
The most important one, by far, is the fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels. Carrying around so much dead weight can’t lead to anything else but increased numbers in these areas. After all, the engineers can’t make them fly, right? Well, maybe in the future but not now.
In this regard, according to German publication Auto Zeitung, the new model will be losing, on average, 170 kg (375 lbs). The weight saving will come from extensive usage of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer, aluminum and high-tensile lightweight steel.
Based on the Vision Future Luxury Concept, we might see CFRP being used in all sorts of key places like the pillars or the all too familiar bonnet/boot. Organic LEDs will be used for the taillights and headlights detailing while LED technology will be standard up front with laser light being the optional feature, all in the search of making everything lighter.
However, that’s because BMW’s flagship limousine is 7 years old by now and in desperate need for a replacement. The new G11 model will also bring impressive improvements inside as well as on the outside.
For the passengers there will be a new iDrive system with touchscreens all around that can communicate between them. For example, the co-pilot can send navigation info and other useful items to the driver with a swipe of the finger while augmented reality will help him figure out where to go next.
As for the driver, the BMW will offer driving characteristics worthy of the blue and white roundel as well as advanced assistance systems. One of them will allow the car to be parked using just the key fob. It’s all shaping up to be quite interesting.
For the 2016 BMW 7 Series, everything they know at the moment will be used. The current model weighs around 2 tons, depending on the version you choose to place on the scale. That’s simply unacceptable by today’s standards for a couple of reasons.
The most important one, by far, is the fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels. Carrying around so much dead weight can’t lead to anything else but increased numbers in these areas. After all, the engineers can’t make them fly, right? Well, maybe in the future but not now.
In this regard, according to German publication Auto Zeitung, the new model will be losing, on average, 170 kg (375 lbs). The weight saving will come from extensive usage of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer, aluminum and high-tensile lightweight steel.
Based on the Vision Future Luxury Concept, we might see CFRP being used in all sorts of key places like the pillars or the all too familiar bonnet/boot. Organic LEDs will be used for the taillights and headlights detailing while LED technology will be standard up front with laser light being the optional feature, all in the search of making everything lighter.
Taking on worthy rivals
Life for the 7 Series won’t be easy though as it will have to deal with the brand new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8 and they aren’t easily pushed aside. The Merc, for example, is absolutely stunning and the undisputed leader in the segment for now.However, that’s because BMW’s flagship limousine is 7 years old by now and in desperate need for a replacement. The new G11 model will also bring impressive improvements inside as well as on the outside.
For the passengers there will be a new iDrive system with touchscreens all around that can communicate between them. For example, the co-pilot can send navigation info and other useful items to the driver with a swipe of the finger while augmented reality will help him figure out where to go next.
As for the driver, the BMW will offer driving characteristics worthy of the blue and white roundel as well as advanced assistance systems. One of them will allow the car to be parked using just the key fob. It’s all shaping up to be quite interesting.
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