View Single Post
      02-23-2012, 04:03 PM   #40
SCOTT26
Major General
SCOTT26's Avatar
5305
Rep
5,824
Posts

Drives: A big F-off German Truck.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: WORLDWIDE

iTrader: (0)

Because the next generation of 7er will sustain not only BMW's but also the next generation of Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost and their relevant variants.
BMW have instigated a specific structure that can not only be decreased and increased depending on what model as will the modular chassis.

The structure is mainly aluminium but features a mix of press-hardened steel and CFRP at the non-load bearing structural elements. The resulting weight-loss is highly significant against the current F01 7er. The modular chassis is also now aluminium-intensive for the maximum 50/50 weight distribution.

Because of the investment eventually the modular structural skeleton will also feature as the range goes from model to model, allowing each BMW to become lighter than todays models.

Because of BMW's significant investment into CFRP manufacturing and production in mass volume. This is BMW's advantage over its competitors.
CFRP (for BMW) will be more widespread and cost effective to use on a wide variety of next generation models.

The first mainstream BMW to use CFRP panels as outer "skins" will be the next generation 7er. In which to take advantage of the growth of luxury cars in the second half of the decade will expand it's model base. With BMW admitting that the 7er cannot just do it alone by itself at the top end of the BMW range and envisions further variants. They key being a possible return to the CS Concept - A BMW that embodied luxury , sportiness and exclusivity over a conventional Coupe which BMW felt was no longer needed, given the 6er and its ability to fill the role of the large BMW Coupe. Although the BMW 6er Gran Coupe arose from the wreckage of the CS Concept. BMW still envisions a four door Coupe flagship to sit above the Gran Coupe.

With the BMW 7er being the flagship and the incubator for technology.
The interior takes cues from the BMWi8 and will feature the largest fixed navigation monitor alongside some very advanced ConnectedDrive features.
Such as intensive Head-up display for driver and passenger and dashboard touchpad. If you think the Vision ConnectedDrive is just science-fiction?
Then in 2015 you will see the possibilities.

With the 7er, BMW are aiming that the bootlid , bonnet , doorskins and roof panel will be CFRP giving BMW a main advantage in the use of CFRP in a luxury car. Because the BMWi incubator will also bring CFRP to the M Division with the first car to receive the material technology as extensive lightweight body panels being the M4 Coupe.
__________________
The M850i is evidence that BMW have got their mojo back when it comes to dynamic sports cars...
Appreciate 0