All sources indicate that the release of official images of this car will happen very shortly. Until then here is another spy shot to keep your palate ready for the main course, so stay tuned!
We also wanted to reiterate that since this version of the car will be built in Regensburg, Germany it will be the newest addition to the European Delivery program, and fill the spot the X3 will eventually vacate. So for a while there will be one more model available than currently. Initially it (like all new models) will come out of the dealers allocation of cars rather than the Euro Delivery allocation pool.
Pricing numbers have been rumored to be a modest increase to a huge jump placing it right alongside the Mercedes Benz SLK or Porsche Boxster. We can see the base model coming in around the low $40,000s and the show stopper loaded to the gills exceeding sticker on the normally equipped Boxster. This car will blend several niche markets and bring a great deal of new technology to the party, all of which add to the cost. Official numbers will not be released until right before the car hits the showrooms; notice we still do not have official word on the new 7 or even the 335d.
We are still quite a ways away from the release of the new 6er but it has already begun its testing. There are few facts about this car right now and a lot of speculation but we are fairly sure you can expect a folding hardtop, a DCT transmission and design cues from the CS concept.
We will of course keep you up to date with the latest news as we hear it.
The 2009 F01/F02 7 Series has begun serial production at BMWs Dingolfing Plant. The US market will not see this car until Spring but cars are now being produced for sale in other markets. There are a few production models already in the US used for training and marketing as PalBay spied a few days ago.
This past Sunday was the first annual Garage419 invitational. This karting endurance event was held at Grand Prix of New York, the newest and most advanced indoor karting course in the US. The event was to pair pros and “Joes” on teams all in an effort to raise money for Racing 4 Research and the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
Our friend Palbay was able to get some fine photos of an early production 750Li. This car was on its way to the BMW Performance Center when he snapped it. Not wearing any cover and actually sporting a model designation is a sign that this car is up to par and testing should be complete. A Spring launch is still expected for this new model and is eagerly anticipated by dealers and technology hounds around the county.
While we were initially not a fan of the more subdued styling in photos, the car looks much better in person and has some lines that will surprise you. You can check out the remainder of his photos here. Thanks to Palbay!
Last Thursday the New York Times published a review of the new iDrive. We did not link to it or even acknowledge its existence for several reasons. It was so poorly researched and contained so many falsehoods that we thought we would first like to review it and make some corrections. The thing is, our friend, Jonathan Spira at the BMWCCA was faster to the draw than we were. He made some corrections to the NYT piece and as always he drives home the same points we would.
The latest version of iDrive in the new 7 Series
As a public service, here are five key points where the Great Gray Lady got it wrong, with full clarification.
NEW YORK TIMES: Earlier iDrives were so slow to respond that changing any setting was best performed while the car was parked.
We say: While pre-4.0 iDrive systems set no speed records, this is simply not correct. While the Gen 1 iDrive (as introduced in September 2001 in the 2002 E65/E66 7 Series) was a bit of a laggard, it was also built on a platform that was discarded fairly quickly. Even this system was fast enough to be used when driving; its complex menu structure, however, did slow the driver down—but that is clearly not what The Times had in mind.
Starting with Generation 2 (introduced in the 2004 E60/E61 5 Series), iDrive, while not setting speed records, could not be characterized as slow, either. Subsequent software upgrades provided some improvement in speed, and the Gen 3 iDrive (introduced in March 2007) could even be considered snappy.
For Jonathan’s full public service announcement please click on over the BMWCCA forum here
With people taking deliveries of 2009 models with the new iDrive system some unannounced goodies are being found. The latest and most news worthy is that the system will play DVD movies. The movie will only play when the car is placed in “Park” and the hand brake is on. Not sure how often you would use this but the fact it is available is a plus.
Youtube video from: Ase2dais and his new US ‘09 ///M3
We had heard rumors of what company was producing the new iDrive system software (Becker) but really have been unsure of the hardware manufacturer. Now we know. BMW went to the source their top competitors, Audi and Mercedes Benz, utilize for hardware: Preh Inc.
Preh inc. produces climate control, radio units, and other electronics for current BMW models and will for the future 7 Series. This company has flown under our radar until now but we are very impressed with their product line and overall investment in future technologies.
The biggest surprise in this release is that the new controller utilizes ceramics to add weight and add a sense of coolness to the touch.
The next generation Z continues to lose some of its pasties as we get closer to the official release date. Anyone notice something about those hood lines? We have seen them before on a relative; GINA. Don’t be alarmed at the Monster Truck like ride height, BMW is celebrating Halloween a bit early and trying to scare us by leaving the shipping blocks in!
Looks good! As always you can click on the image for a larger version.
We reported earlier in the year that BMW and Daimler Benz were working on finalizing a deal that would allow the companies greater economies of scale in purchasing. The deal was said to incorporate items from third party vendors with both brands making purchases together of non-specific items. “We meet with suppliers, assess where we require equal parts and subcomponents, such as xenon ballasts and burners, heat exchangers and actuators of air conditioning,” said Draeger to the German Magazine Auto Motor und Sport.
Though no deal was officially announced, Draeger told the magazine that things were in motion and that no official deal needed to be announced for the two to see the benefits of furthering their economies of scale. Spokesmen from the companies followed up by saying that cooperation has not been finalized but both companies explore opportunities for joint purchasing continuously.
With all the debate about whether BMW should have brought over the smaller 3 Series diesel and the recent announcement of the 7 Series Active Hybrid we were happy to see this review from Business week.
Business Week recently had the opportunity to compare the Lexus GS 450h, MB S-class Blue-hybrid, and a new BMW 7. The 7 they compared to these hybrids was in diesel guise. It is interesting to read whether or not the hybrid makes the most sense for practicality and what the trade offs are between each car and engine configuration.
BMW and NXP semi-conductors have just unveiled a prototype of the world’s smartest key. It features contactless payment, personalized access control, a public transportation e-ticket and more. It can do this all thanks to a SmartMX security chip from NXP. In other words, it is a key with a built in Mobil Speed Pass with additional functions. An interesting concept. What if you lose your keys? You now have no car or money!
BimmerFile is dedicated to bringing you the most interesting news, links and reviews related to the BMW brand and it's vehicles.
We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
In short, we can't get enough of BMWs. This is BimmerFile.
Sections: E89 Z4 Roadster, European Delivery, Spy photos Oct 31st, 2008 7 Comments 
