2016 BMW 7 Series (G11) Begins Testing! Will Usher in Carbon Fiber Era

[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

2016 BMW 7 Series (G11) Begins Testing! Will Usher in Carbon Fiber Era

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Less than one year after the LCI facelift update for the current F01 7 Series, the next generation 2016 7 Series (chassis code G11) has just begun testing!

Carbon Fiber / Aluminum Construction

The most anticipated aspect of the G11 7 Series is that will feature the latest in BMW construction technology - namely, an exotic mix of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) and aluminum which will be used heavily throughout the car's key areas - platform, structure and body panels. The G11 will represent the first mainstream BMW model to feature carbon fiber as a key material (after the niche i3 and i8 models). This was previously confirmed by BMW R&D chief Klaus Draeger.

With gas prices ever rising, emissions requirements becoming more stringent by the year, and vehicle weights bloating, increased efficiency without sacrificing performance is a goal BMW seems intent to accomplish, by reducing the weight of its vehicles through heavy use of carbon fiber technology. For this reason, the company started the joint venture with SGL Group in 2011 to take the carbon fiber production process mass scale.

The 2016 7 Series will come in both standard and long wheel base Li models, with the usual gasoline and diesel engine lineup. There may also be a new V12 hybrid model introduced.

The G11 will likely spawn the first 7 Series M Performance model, possibly badged as the "M770i xDrive."


Styling

As this is such an early prototype, heavy camouflage masks nearly all parts of the car. But, the G11 test mule appears to reveal one design aspect that would come as very welcome news to many - the hood shut line seems to have been moved to a much more attractive and natural position - to where the hood meets the kidney grilles. If true (and it's not just the camouflage playing tricks), this would hopefully be a signal that future BMW models (following the next 7 Series) will receive the same styling change.

Expect the next 7 Series to make its debut sometime in 2015.

2016 BMW G11 7 Series Prototype Begins Testing!

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[M3chaser]

BMW had better get this one right.
The current MB S-Class is already leading the pack and its upcoming replacement due this year will take things further......
Show them who's boss this time

[cipher5]

I love the "tow hook package"

[MrE71Guy]

I hope it looks better than the current F01/F02 model...

[ts61gogo]

To be honest, it looks like more of an evolutionary step. The belt and character line may be slightly different from the F01.
But overall, the body looks lower and the fascia sleeker

[MNm3]

Agreed. They need to get this right this time. IMO the 7 series has been a weak link for nearly the past decade.

[ThreeThirtyFiveI]

Kind of has a Bentley look?

[e92dave]

Has a more flagship model look to it than the past two generations. Long, low and sleek. I like what I see!

[bimmerJP]

G11!?

[MI6]

G11?????

WTF......?

It took decades for BMW to go through the E chassis and now in less than 10 years we are already done with "F"?

And what chassis were G1 through G10 then if the new "7" is already at G11?

[Mahzari]

Originally Posted by MI6

G11?????

WTF......?

It took decades for BMW to go through the E chassis and now in less than 10 years we are already done with "F"?

And what chassis were G1 through G10 then if the new "7" is already at G11?

My thoughts exactly. The only thing I can think of is the new models with CFRP will be Gxx while the steel/aluminum cars will remain Fxx.

[wdeerfield]

That was my thought too. What are the g01-g10 codes reserved for? Maybe they are taken with the i3, i8

[MSPORTWORLD]

Excited to see the future with CFRP and Aluminum

[bunker]

Originally Posted by Jason

But, the G11 test mule appears to reveal one design aspect that would come as very welcome news to many - the hood shut line seems to have been moved to a much more attractive and natural position - to where the hood meets the kidney grilles. If true (and it's not just the camouflage playing tricks), this would hopefully be a signal that future BMW models (following the next 7 Series) will receive the same styling change.

That would be a welcome change indeed. Fingers crossed...

[Mr Gunfun]

Originally Posted by Jason

The most anticipated aspect of the G11 7 Series is that will feature the latest in BMW construction technology - namely, an exotic mix of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) and aluminum which will be used heavily throughout the car's key areas - platform, structure and body panels. The G11 will represent the first mainstream BMW model to feature carbon fiber as a key material (after the niche i3 and i8 models). This was previously confirmed by BMW R&D chief Klaus Draeger.

With gas prices ever rising, emissions requirements becoming more stringent by the year, and vehicle weights bloating, increased efficiency without sacrificing performance is a goal BMW seems intent to accomplish, by reducing the weight of its vehicles through heavy use of carbon fiber technology. For this reason, the company started the joint venture with SGL Group in 2011 to take the carbon fiber production process mass scale.

The 2016 7 Series will come in both standard and long wheel base Li models, with the usual gasoline and diesel engine lineup. There may also be a new V12 hybrid model introduced.

The G11 will likely spawn the first 7 Series M Performance model, possibly badged as the "M770i xDrive."

I know Jason is an admin here but where do you get these sources? Are these valid?

[cotmfk]

Originally Posted by MI6

G11?????

WTF......?

It took decades for BMW to go through the E chassis and now in less than 10 years we are already done with "F"?

And what chassis were G1 through G10 then if the new "7" is already at G11?

+1! E90 is just replaced, and we're already at G!

[chrisny]

Probably a dumb question, but does this use of carbon fiber mean a decrease in safety? Clearly they wouldn't do that, so my real question is how does carbon fiber maintain strength?

[MY13E92M3]

Originally Posted by MI6

G11?????

WTF......?

It took decades for BMW to go through the E chassis and now in less than 10 years we are already done with "F"?

And what chassis were G1 through G10 then if the new "7" is already at G11?

I was thinking the same thing!

[makdeniss]

We need Scott26 to approve.

[bimmerjph]

It actually doesn't look that much bigger than the current model. Unless that is the standard wheelbase model. If thats the case prepare for a F10 sized 3-Series.

[atopa2002]

Originally Posted by chrisny

Probably a dumb question, but does this use of carbon fiber mean a decrease in safety? Clearly they wouldn't do that, so my real question is how does carbon fiber maintain strength?

CF > steel regarding tensile strength.

Me thinks the car looks lower because of test equipment on broad

[SamS]

Nice scoop! The chassis code G11 is the biggest news, IMO.

Even though the car has heavy camo, it actually looks closest too the E65 style IMO.