I promised you more technical details on the new BMW 7 series.
In a nutshell: starting with July 2012 production, all 7 Series will receive an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, the V8-powered models get a 45 horsepower boost, and the Active Hybrid version gets an all-new powertrain with the twin-turbo six replacing the former V8 as the combustion engine component.
All models also benefit from Stop/Start technology.
Revisions to the suspension contribute to improved ride quality, and while I don't recall too many people complaining about interior noise in this car, greater use of sound-deadening materials, better weather-stripping and upgraded seals make it even quieter.
Perhaps the biggest improvement is an all-new iDrive system - so big a change that it seems BMW is even dropping that benighted term; it is now called 'MMI' for 'Multi-Media Interface', a term also used by other car manufacturers.
Designed to be easier to use and faster to respond, it also offers something BMW calls 'fuzzy search'. Not to be churlish, but when I recall the amount of cursing and swearing I've done trying to get the old iDrive to do anything at all, I'd say that being 'fuzzy' is nothing new...
Those exterior changes I said were minor? Optional LED headlights, reshaped twin-kidney grille with nine slats on each kidney instead of twelve (why didn't we stop the presses on this one?), turn signals integrated into the side-view mirror housings, and a chrome strip connecting the reflectors in the rear bumper.
And FYI, someone DID blow that 6:00 p.m. Friday embargo...
You forgot to mention the optional turret and 88mm Cannon ;)
Posted by: Symonsez | May 29, 2012 at 05:16 AM