The fifth generation of BMW 7 Series limousines features three new engines that are claimed to be more frugal, clean and powerful than their predecessors.These new EU5 emission compliant engines will power the new 740i and 750i and will be joined at launch by long-wheelbase versions in the 740Li and 750Li, which have a wheelbase extension of 140mm, giving even more rear seat passenger room.The top of the range BMW sedans have greater visual presence and aerodynamic efficiency.They have been designed using BMW EfficientDynamics systems which, the company claims, ensures the new Series makes the lowest possible impact on the environment.The new BMW 7 Series has a more prominent, sporty frontal aspect, with enlarged trademark kidney grilles to allow for the extra cooling needs of the new engines.The interior offers the latest in BMW luxury with a new arrangement of functions that brings driver controls close to hand and driver and passenger shared function controls to the centre of the dashboard.The interior is sophisticated, with gently curving surfaces covered in high-quality materials.
The driver-oriented cockpit has a Black Panel technology display complemented by the electronic selector for the automatic transmission close at hand on the centre console, next to the Dynamic Driving Control unit and BMW iDrive.The multi-function steering wheel is further updated for the new generation 7 Series.An extended range of functions can be controlled through the buttons, giving the driver more control over their environment.The new 7 Series' iDrive control system is coupled to a new, larger display boasting high-resolution graphics, and a new optimised menu.The new iDrive Controller has direct selection buttons and, for the first time, freely programmable favourite buttons.BMW has introduced a pair of new engines starting with a V8 twin turbo petrol engine with direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection) producing 300kW and 600Nm of torque.This engine pushes the 750i from 0-100km/h in just 5.2sec and uses 11.4litres/100km on the European combined cycle.Importantly, it emits only 266g/km of CO2, remarkably low for a big V8.The iconic BMW straight-six petrol engine, the power-optimised Twin Turbo and High Precision Injection 3-litre, now delivers 240kW and 450Nm of torque.This engine accelerates the 740i from 0-100km/h in 5.9sec and uses 9.9L/100km while emitting 232g/km of CO2.All models are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission controlled by way of the electronic gear selector.Weight has been contained by using multi-phase steel and heat-formed steel profiles in the body structure. The roof, doors, bonnet and side panels are made of aluminium, while aluminium pressure-cast suspension supports at the front, and a final drive with an aluminium housing, work towards keeping overall weight as low as possible.The three engines also are made from aluminium.The all-new suspension optimises ride and handling with a particular accent on comfort.
The new BMW 7 Series is the first BMW Sedan with a double-arm front axle and the exclusive BMW integral V rear axle.The front and rear axles are made largely of aluminium, while air suspension at the rear is standard on the BMW 750Li and BMW 740Li.Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with an on-demand steering assistance pump joins the world debut of Integral Active Steering, a combination of Active Steering on the front axle and speed-related rear-wheel steering (available as an option).New driver assistance features such as Dynamic Damping Control including Dynamic Driving Control are standard. The dampers, gearshift dynamics, as well as the throttle and steering assistance map are varied by the Dynamic Driving Control button on the centre console.This offers the choice of COMFORT, NORMAL, and SPORTS settings.
A special traction mode and SPORTS+ setting with reduced or de-activated DSC control is available for drivers wishing to experience a particularly sporting style of motoring. Dynamic Drive, anti-sway control is also available as an option.An exhaustive combination of driver assistance systems come as options.These include cruise control with Stop & Go, Lane Keep Assist including speed limit indicator, Lane Change Warning, Head-Up Display, High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision (available for the first time with detection of individual persons), Side View and reversing cameras.There are three-point inertia-reel seatbelts on all seats, side airbags and side head airbags, crash activated headrests at the front, runflat tyres, and a tyre defect indicator.Bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime lights function, fog lamps and two-stage brake lights, Adaptive Headlights and Variable Light Technology are standard.There is an audio system with a hard disc memory, while an AUX-in sleeve is standard. A USB port, multi-channel audio system, a rear DVD system, a rear-seat iDrive Controller for operating entertainment, telecommunication and navigation functions from the rear seats, four-zone automatic airconditioning, active seat ventilation, massage seats and contoured sliding roof optimised for noise control and design, are optionsThe new BMW 7 Series will make its international debut later this year with arrival in Australia due in 2009.Australian pricing follows closer to launch.

The new BMW 7 Series comes with one of the most luxurious interiors of any premium car. In addition to a new iDrive controller and larger 10.2-inch screen, owners will be able to programme frequently selected radio stations or navigation destinations on favourite buttons located on the centre console. For the first time on a BMW the instrument cluster comprises a high-resolution colour display with Black Panel technology. This new style of display makes for greater character clarity and, when not in use, forms a smooth, homogenous black surface that gives the interior an added level of modern elegance.
The 7 Series is the first BMW to enable a customer to upload their favourite music to be stored on the vehicle courtesy of an 8Gb hard drive. In excess of 100 albums can be saved in this way for the driver’s enjoyment. Four-zone automatic air-conditioning is fitted as standard while, for the first time, the 7 Series can have a rear seat ventilation system combined with massage function. The air-conditioning system feeds cool air to the seat squab and backrest, while 12 massage bubbles gently knead the occupants’ upper body.
The BMW 7 Series comes with BMW ConnectedDrive. This facility features elements such as a dedicated call centre with a concierge service, automatic fault awareness and BMW Assist, the electronic safety net that automatically dials the emergency services in the event of an accident, free of charge for three years.
The BMW 7 Series goes on sale in the UK on 15 November, 2008. Prices will be announced in due course.

Ground Clearance – 180mmYou will be wondering why I am talking about the dimensions of the Nano, since all of you know that it is a rather compact and tiny machine. It is because I have good reason to talk about the dimensions. You see, the Nano is going to be faced with Maruti 800 as its main rival. But you could throw in the Alto and Zen Estilo to mark out some design and packaging aspects. Just to get things in perspective, Nano is over 230mm shorter than 800 in overall length but the wheelbase advantage of 155mm over the offering from Maruti makes sure that the Nano is more accommodating than the 800. Tata has managed to squeeze out a 60mm advantage in width and Maruti 800 falls short of about 100mm in height. So in essence, you get more legroom, better shoulder room and room more than enough for a turban, if you wear one! But before you enter inside, you are bound to gape in admiration at the beautifully crafted curves of this micro car. I personally feel that the front has a lot of Zen Estilo written on it, but manages to look really funky and cool.

The mono-volume design establishes a sea of change from the two-box layout of the 800. What it ensures the Nano with is extremely short overhangs and tight packaging. For a car of this size and image, the Nano is an extremely sexy looking car with futuristic design cues. The bonnet line is steep and unites together with the bumper in a seamless way. Though there is no ‘grille’ per se, the front has a smiling look which accentuates the ‘happy’ feeling. The fog lamps are incorporated in the bumper which has a distinct air dam running across in between them. In profile, the Nano resembles Mitsubishi’s latest small car ‘i’. The rear of the Nano is somewhat recognizable. The tail lamps are inspired from elder sister, Indica. So this is a very compact hatchback, yes? No my friend, you are massively wrong. Even I was dumbfounded when I discovered that the Nano cannot be called a hatchback – a word so true to the way the small cars are. The reason for this is because it does not have a hatch! The tail gate cannot be opened owing to it being joined together with the boot sill. This makes accessing the engine a pain in the bottom. But a hatchback it will be called still. The back side of the Nano is made attractive by the mid mounted exhaust pipe which peeps out of the aggressively designed bumper.