Although you may have seen photos purporting to show the next 7-Series
BMW elsewhere on the Net, this is the first photo of the actual car
undergoing hot-weather testing in the Nevada desert.
At first glance, this may appear ordinary, but upon closer examination,
clues as to the next-generation 7-Series are just under the surface.
Riding on a wider track and lengthened slightly, the new 7-Series has a
completely redesigned A-pillar that appears to "float" into the
hood. The hood, which may be false, is raised almost 2 full inches.
Although the headlamps may appear to be stock to the casual observer,
they are actually heavily camouflaged to conceal a new and larger design.
Sources tell us the all-new 7-Series will be introduced in early 2000
and will be packed with enough technology to enter the millennium in
style. Features believed to be in test mode include
"intelligent" brake lights that vary the intensity of the light
based on the pressure placed on the brake pedal.
In addition, sources say BMW is combining ESP (electronic stability
program) with GPS (global positioning system) to develop a system that
"thinks into the future." The system will know the car's current
position, driving conditions, current speed, and — most interestingly
— what road hazards may be ahead. If the on-board computer
"sees" sharp curves ahead and the driver's speed exceeds the
computer's recommended speed, the speed will automatically be reduced. BMW
states that this system would "avoid dangerous situations before they
even arise, rather than helping the driver to manage a dangerous
situation."
Offerings will include the 728i with a near-200-hp six-cylinder engine,
the 735i with 235 hp, and the 740i pushing 290 hp — the latter two with
V-8 engines. An all-new 12-cylinder 330-hp 750i will also be available.
