Zafiro
Supreme Roadmaster
Luxury car buyers should expect to see the new 7-Series from BMW at dealerships in April 2009, which is when production of the new sedan is expected to begin. The 7-Series will be riding on an all new chassis that will underpin, not two, but three different, large sedans, including the much-rumored "small" Rolls-Royce, Leftlane sources say.
The first, referred to internally at BMW as "F01," will be the regular 7-Series sedan (see recent spy photos). Supplier sources tell us to expect a dramatic change from the current styling with a much sportier look and somewhat less controversial trunk/rear design.
BMW to differentiate regular, long 7er with styling
The second sedan, referred to internally at BMW as "F02," will be a long wheelbase version of the 7-Series. The LWB model will not start production until fall or Winter of 2009. This would probably make it a 2010 model year car. Supplier sources have indicated that the styling between the regular 7er and LWB 7er will be more differentiated that we're accustomed to with the current models. Expect the larger 7-Series to be more conservative in its styling.
Powertrains for the two 7-Series sedans should be largely unchanged from the current lineup, with the 4.8L V8 and the 6.0L V12 returning for duty. We've heard rumors of an additional twin turbo V8 good for 400 horsepower being available with the 7er, but so far we don't have information on a TT V8 to bet the farm on it.
New Rolls-Royce
The third sedan that will be built on this new chassis is the surprise. Rolls-Royce will utilize the 7-Series platform to build a less expensive luxury car. Of course, "less expensive" in this case means the $150,000 to $200,000 range.
Rolls-Royce will be hoping to take a bite out of Bentley's Continental Flying Spur with this new model. Production timing and styling still remain a mystery, however, we may get the first clue at the upcoming 2008 NAIAS.
Parent company BMW and Rolls-Royce have admitted a smaller Roller is in the pipeline, but they have not disclosed technical details.
Rolls-Royce CEO recently said the new model will be "unmistakably a Rolls-Royce" and should "more than double our overall sales."
Leftlanenews-
The first, referred to internally at BMW as "F01," will be the regular 7-Series sedan (see recent spy photos). Supplier sources tell us to expect a dramatic change from the current styling with a much sportier look and somewhat less controversial trunk/rear design.
BMW to differentiate regular, long 7er with styling
The second sedan, referred to internally at BMW as "F02," will be a long wheelbase version of the 7-Series. The LWB model will not start production until fall or Winter of 2009. This would probably make it a 2010 model year car. Supplier sources have indicated that the styling between the regular 7er and LWB 7er will be more differentiated that we're accustomed to with the current models. Expect the larger 7-Series to be more conservative in its styling.
Powertrains for the two 7-Series sedans should be largely unchanged from the current lineup, with the 4.8L V8 and the 6.0L V12 returning for duty. We've heard rumors of an additional twin turbo V8 good for 400 horsepower being available with the 7er, but so far we don't have information on a TT V8 to bet the farm on it.
New Rolls-Royce
The third sedan that will be built on this new chassis is the surprise. Rolls-Royce will utilize the 7-Series platform to build a less expensive luxury car. Of course, "less expensive" in this case means the $150,000 to $200,000 range.
Rolls-Royce will be hoping to take a bite out of Bentley's Continental Flying Spur with this new model. Production timing and styling still remain a mystery, however, we may get the first clue at the upcoming 2008 NAIAS.
Parent company BMW and Rolls-Royce have admitted a smaller Roller is in the pipeline, but they have not disclosed technical details.
Rolls-Royce CEO recently said the new model will be "unmistakably a Rolls-Royce" and should "more than double our overall sales."
Leftlanenews-
