BMW have just unveiled the all-new 2016 7 Series. The 2016 7 Series marks the sixth generation of the marque’s flagship. Make no mistake, this is no mild refresh; the 2016 7 Series is a whopping 86 kilograms (or 190 lb) lighter than its predecessor and features a wealth of new and improved onboard technology.
Most of the weight savings are made possible due to BMW’s EfficientLightweight thinking – essentially, the use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic in combination with ultra-high tensile steel and aluminum. The ‘Carbon Core’ passenger cell technology is based on tech from the futuristic i cars (i8 and i3) and the 7 Series will be the first car to take advantage of BMW’s mass-produced CFRP with steel and aluminum combination.
A large part of a vehicle’s handling dynamics can be attributed to unsprung weight, and the 7 Series’s diet results in aluminum doors and trunk lid for the first time. The scorched earth approach to the lightening of the car also features lighter suspension, brakes, wheels, insulation, sound-deadening materials equalling unsprung weight reduction by up to 15 percent while lowering the 7 Series’ centre of gravity and maintaining the ever-important 50:50 weight distribution.
Engine options available at launch for the 2016 MYs feature something for every type of flagship buyer. More engine options for Canada will most likely be available as well. First up is the redeveloped 4.4L twin-turbo V8 powering the 750i xDrive. The new twin-scroll turbos – featuring trick flow-separated, bank-specific exhaust manifolds made from thin-wall castings – have been placed within the V between the banks of cylinders for weight balance and quick spool time. Engine efficiency is increased with a change in the compression ratio bump from 10.0:1 to 10.5:1.
The optimized engine cooling concept with separate flows through the cylinder heads and cylinder liners, includes a map-controlled coolant pump. The intake manifold has been partially integrated into the cylinder head allowing air-flow resistance to be decreased and maximizing air-flow volume – this is a first in a production car and BMW claims the 445-hp V8’s efficiency has been greatly improved with the newly designed V8.
Putting all that power to the ground comes by way of the new intelligent xDrive system that also features some efficiency updates, one of which includes an optimized oil supply for the transfer case.
