Next generation BMW 7 series will be lighter by 170 kg - Report

Expected to be unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Earlier reports have concluded that the next generation BMW 7 series will be tech-laden with features like Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging, laser headlamps etc., but a report by Auto Zeitung claims that the car will be lighter as well, a point that was also highlighted before.

The report says the use of materials like carbon fibre on the 2016 BMW 7 series could shave up to 170 kg. Also, to keep the car more corner-friendly, the centre of gravity is set to be further lower than what it is on the current model. The article mentions that the whole tub (passenger compartment) won't be made out of carbon fibre.

To recapitulate, the 7 series (codenamed G11/G12) will come with a special key fob like the one for the i8 sports car, a Bower & Wilkins audio system, a touchscreen-based iDrive system, and a parking assist system which will allow the user to command the 7 series to park itself, reportedly.

The engine lineup for the vehicle will now include a 2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which will sit at the bottom of the range. Larger 3-litre straight six, and eight cylinder units will be positioned in the middle of the range, which will be topped by a V12 (shared with the Rolls Royce Ghost) that will make maximum power in the vicinity of 600 hp. The diesel engine range would consist of four, six, and eight cylinder units as well.

Also read: BMW Director says Alpina B7 makes up for BMW M7

Expected to debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the next generation 7 series is likely to reach the Indian market in 2016. Some of the aforementioned features will be showcased at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month.

Competitors: Jaguar XJ, Mercedes S Class, Audi A8
Expected Price: INR 1 crore upwards, ex-Showroom
Launch date: Early 2016 in Europe

[Source - Auto Zeitung]