Audi BMW

The folks over at Autoblog.nl continue their video reviews with the new 760Li, BMW’s flagship. The new BMW 760i and 760Li are powered by a completely new 6.0-liter V12 all-aluminum engine with Twin-Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection with fuel injected directly into the combustion chambers, and to BMW’s infinite double-VANOS camshaft adjustment as well as the eight-speed automatic transmission featured for the first time in a BMW.

The V12 engine outputs 544 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 533 lb-ft at 1,500. The wheelbase has been extended by 5.5 inch providing more passenger space and comfort. BMW 760Li runs from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and it offers improved fuel consumption over the previous model by 4.5 per cent.

BMW 760i and 760Li will be offered in both rear-wheel-drive but also all-wheel-drive.

The exterior design has been slightly modified to differentiate the 760 models from the others, the kidney grille for the radiator boasts an extra-wide chrome frame in slightly concave design as well as bars extending powerfully to the front. The 19-inch wheels are only available on these models and together with the V12 model designation on the chrome-plated gills with their integrated side direction indicators at the transition point between the front side panel and the driver’s and, respectively, front passenger’s door likewise help identify the high-end 7 Series.

Insure.com, quoted by eGMCarTech and Jalopnik, posted their Top 20 list of most expensive cars to insure. As somewhat expected, three of the BMWs at the higher-end of the pricing scale, made this top as well.

The BMW M6 Convertible takes the 12th place with $2689.13 price to insure annually. The 17th and 18th places are occupied by the BMW M6 Coupe, respectively BMW 760Li, the most recent BMW flagship. While the M6 Coupe’s annual insurance figure is exactly $2627.27, the more expensive 760Li follows with $2565.59.

Clearly, the top is dominated by some of the sportiest and fastest cars out there: the 2010 Porsche Carrera GT2 with $2943.78 annual insurance price, the Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG with $2863.03 or the Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe, $2851.89.

Mercedes-Benz is by far “the winner” of this top with 7 mentions.

As a fun fact, our 2008 335i has a premium insurance price of $1560 in the beautiful, but always windy Chicago.

Most Expensive:

1. Porsche 911 GT2: $2943.78
2. Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG: $2863.03
3. Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe: $2851.89
4. Porsche Panamera Turbo: $2837.39
5. Dodge Viper SRT10 Roadster: $2815.90
6. Mercedes-Benz CL600: $2754.80
7. Audi R8 V-8 Coupe: $2751.55
8. Porsche Panamera S: $2744.78
9. Mercedes-Benz SL600: $2715.86
10. Porsche 911 Turbo: $2706.04
11. Mercedes CL65 AMG: $2699.74
12. BMW M6 Convertible: $2689.13
13. Mercedes S600: $2667.48
14. Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series: $2655.15
15. Mercedes SL65 AMG: $2653.53
16. Mercedes CL63 AMG: $2646.92
17. BMW M6 Coupe: $2627.27
18. BMW 760Li: $2565.59
19. Jaguar XKR Portfolio SC: $2537.79
20. Jaguar XKR Supercharged: $2533.48

Okay, maybe not the most appropriate review since the Porsche Panamera was thrown in there with the “big boys”, but our buddy Jason at Automobile Mag puts up a good show and a funny, but still informative review.

Let’s have a look.

“The BMW 760Li, the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, and the Porsche Panamera Turbo each enter the saloon with at least 500 horses of firepower tucked away beneath a façade of formality. They look benign enough, but when the dust starts flying, there are few steeds that can match their speed. They may all hail from Germany, but there’s something distinctly Wild West about these three sedans. And so we took them to Palm Springs, their natural habitat, for a gunslinging showdown.

The idea that a luxury sedan should be able to dice with a sports car is a relatively new one. Acceleration is relatively easy to achieve – just add more engine – but getting a big, cushy, heavy car to dance through the corners like a light sports car isn’t. And the very essence of a sports car – the lovely sounds, the tight body control, the connected steering – is exactly the opposite of a luxury sedan. Or so you’d think.

Thanks to computer-controlled suspensions, brilliant engineering, and colossal powertrains, these three Germans break all the rules. They’re do-everything machines – large, gilded cruisers with first-class interiors and all the latest techno-gizmos, and yet they can pull off sports car moves with almost no penalty to comfort. On the surface, the BMW, the Mercedes, and the Porsche are very similar: They cost the same. They’re all similarly powerful – and have so much brute force at their disposal that they start out in second gear unless you request otherwise. And yet, in the details, they couldn’t be more different.

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BMW 760LI

THE GOOD
You could describe the BMW 760Li as angelic. If ever there was a divine luxury sedan, this would be it.

It may not be the most visually stunning car in the world, but nothing about the 7-series’ design will offend you, either. In fact, the 7-series seems as though it were designed to be the least offensive car on the planet. That’s really no surprise: BMW certainly knew where it stood as far as the last 7-series was concerned – its design and user interface generated almost ceaseless commentary. And although its creators denied any and all wrongdoing, they obviously listened very closely, because they addressed every complaint. In stark contrast to its predecessor, the new 7-series is subtle and understated in every way. Except, of course, for its exceptional performance.

With a curb weight of more than 5000 pounds, the 760Li is no lightweight, but a number of factors conspire to hide that mass. First among them is the absolutely ludicrous thrust provided by the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 under the hood. At peak, 535 horses trample the pavement, but far more impressive than what this engine does at its pinnacle is what it can sustain: 550 lb-ft of torque available from 1500 rpm all the way to 5000 rpm. That means warp-speed acceleration is easily available with a twitch of a right toe; no big downshifts needed, no big revs required. And no notice given – the V-12 is barely audible from either inside or outside the car.

Full review

UK based publication, Car Magazine one of the first automotive outlets to test drive the new 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost, the recent addition to the high-end luxury family. Let’s find out their impression on the car.

This is the new Rolls-Royce Ghost, a £192k British-built luxury limo. Find the majestic Rolls-Royce Phantom a bit gauche? Some potential owners do, says Rolls, so the smaller, more demure and slightly more affordable Ghost is the answer. Read on for CAR’s verdict on the new Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Demure? Surely the whole point of having a Rolls is to make a statement.

We’d have thought so too, but some potential buyers wanted all of the luxury of the Phantom in a package that they could leave on a parking meter without attracting undue attention. The more restrained presence and £192,500 list price (£80k less than the Phantom) means 80 percent of Ghost buyers will be new to the brand. And over half of those are likely to come from Bentley, not something the Crewe concern will be happy to hear.

So Rolls just chopped a chunk out of the wheelbase and made the grille smaller?

No, this is an all-new car. Well, all-new if you discount the BMW 7-series with which the Ghost shares some mechanical components. The Phantom is constructed around an aluminium spaceframe but the Ghost’s chassis is a steel unibody. Aluminium chassis are chunky affairs so sticking with steel allowed Rolls to endow the Ghost with interior space not far short of the Phantom while keeping the footprint much smaller. The 5399mm Ghost is 435mm shorter, 42mm narrower and 82mm shorter than a Phantom with the standard wheelbase.

So it’s just a 760i in a posh dress?

No, it’s a very different car with its own personality.

Continued here

The January issue of Car and Driver suggests that the 8-speed ZF transmission will highly likely going to replace the current 6 speed automatic transmission across the BMW line-up.

While we don’t have an official confirmation on this, we reported in the past that BMW is considering replacing the six speed auto with the more power and fuel efficient eight speed ZF automatic transmission. The change will take over the course of the next two-three years and by 2012, the entire line-up will feature the new ZF transmission.

Car and Driver goes ahead and gives a great review to the new 8-speed gearbox, confirming what we knew already: almost near perfection shifting, always in the right gear and higher fuel efficiency.

The ZF 8-speed automatic made its debut on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and 760Li, and will also appear on the Bentley Mulsanne and Rolls Royce Ghost models. It was named recently the 2010 Automotive News PACE Award Finalist.

For a while, the ZF 6-speed was regarded as one of the best automatic transmissions featured in a production car, but the new ZF 8-speed takes it a bit further. It is not based on the 6-speed ‘box with two extra gears, but rather an all-new design, similar in size to a 6-speed automatic, with fewer parts.

The modular design allows for integration into hybrid vehicles, simply by replacing the torque converter with an electric motor, resulting in a fuel economy improvement of approximately 25 percent when compared to the ZF 6-speed, and still weighing the same – 200 lbs. It also has an optional wet multiplate clutch pack like the new E63 AMG.

According to the company, their goal was to develop a new transmission that improved fuel economy by at least 6 percent over the current-generation of 6-speed automatic, while also improving the power-to-weight ratio, shift speed and quality, while increasing torque load. It can handle up to 738 lbs-ft of torque.

All the new 2011 BMW 5 Series models will feature the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and all the details can be seen in the excerpt below taken from the official press release:

All new BMW 5 Series models will feature an 8-speed automatic transmission, which brings smooth shifting, sportiness and efficiency to new levels of perfection. Compared to the exemplary 6-speed automatic offered in past BMW models, the 8-speed’s “taller” cruising gears make a significant contribution to reduced fuel consumption and emissions, as well as quietness. And its wider spread of ratios from lowest to highest gear enhances acceleration and response across the range of driving speeds.

Technically speaking, this new automatic’s attributes have been achieved via an innovative concept that provides the two additional ratios (7 and 8) with no increase in bulk or weight. In an arrangement not heretofore employed in an 8-speed automatic, four planetary gearsets and five clutch packs are controlled in a way that no more than two of the five clutch packs are freewheeling at any given time. The modest increase in the number of mechanical elements allows the new transmission to achieve unusually high efficiency: the so-called “gearing efficiency” is higher than 98% in all eight gears. In 6th gear, it’s highest of all because that is direct drive, with no gearing reduction at all. Combine this with reduced friction and the ability to keep the torque converter “locked up” more of the total driving time, and the transmission becomes very much a part of the new 5 Series’ overall efficiency concept.

Two additional gears mean threefold progress: quicker shifts, greater smoothness, enhanced efficiency.

The wider spread of ratios allows the engine to run at lower speeds, mainly in the “tallest” gear, 8th. Yet even with this wider spread, the steps between adjacent gears are reduced; in turn this means a stronger, smoother flow of power during acceleration.

And for the same reason, faster shifts are a further benefit because only one clutch pack is disengaged to shift up or down by one or two gears. On the other hand, downshifting more than two gears is accomplished as a direct shift. For example, a downshift from 8th to 2nd gear is made with only one clutch pack disengagement, and thus occurs without stepping down through the intermediate gears. Thus at one instant the driver can be enjoying the quiet, fuel-efficient low rpm of 8th gear, and in the next instant getting maximum acceleration.

It is interesting and at the same time, pleasing to see that BMW decided to go down this route with the new 5 Series since Mercedes-Benz offers the four-cylinder E-Class with the lower-end 5-speed transmission.

As far as the next generation M5, there are several reports out there mentioning a similar 8-speed automatic replacing the current M-DCT, but we’ll keep this at a rumor level for now.

As we enter 2010 and new models are being unveiled, we will learn more about BMW’s future plans.

Top Gear returns with a new episode and for us, the BMW fans, it gets quite exciting. Top Gear decides to compare the all new BMW flagship, 760Li, against Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. The  BMW 760i and 760Li are powered by a completely new 6.0-liter V12 all-aluminum engine with Twin-Turbo Technology.

The V12 engine outputs 544 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 533 lb-ft at 1,500.The engine is matted to an 8-speed automatic transmission and the 760 runs from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

Now, let’s take a look at the Mercedes Benz S63 AMG. The S63 uses a 6.3-liter V8 engine which outputs a hefty 456 lb-ft. of torque on tap and 518-horsepower. The engine is matted to AMG-modified seven-speed automatic.

Who takes the crown? Let’s watch this great video from Top Gear.

The folks over at Automobile Mag got their hands on the new 760Li, BMW’s newest flagship, the $137,000 high-end luxury sedan. Before we jump into the review, let us give you a quick summary on the new 7er.

The new BMW 760i and 760Li are powered by a completely new 6.0-litre V12 all-aluminum engine with Twin-Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection with fuel injected directly into the combustion chambers, and to BMW’s infinite double-VANOS camshaft adjustment as well as the eight-speed automatic transmission featured for the first time in a BMW.

The V12 engine outputs 544 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 533 lb-ft at 1,500. The wheelbase has been extended by 5.5 inch providing more passenger space and comfort.

While we’re anxiously waiting for our own test car, let’s take a look at their review.

That’s right – not only does the 760Li have power to spare, it has an abundance of gears, too. Between the enormous engine and the abused rear tires lies a ZF automatic transmission with eight forward speeds – the most ever in a BMW. First gear is used only in Sport mode and at the risk of leaving behind a cloud of tire smoke. Eighth is superlong for relaxed cruising – the engine turns over at an almost inaudible 3600 rpm while oozing down the autobahn at its governed top speed of 155 mph. Allowed to run free, the 760Li could attain another 50 mph or so, and it’s precisely these tremendous performance reserves that make the BMW flagship seem so relaxed even in the fastest traffic.

Double-glazed windows ensure that only a whisper of wind noise enters the cabin. Equipped as standard with almost every option available on lesser 7s, the 760Li is a rolling technology showcase whether you’re up front or in the capacious rear seating area. Many of BMW’s newest driver-assistance systems – blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, rear- and sideview cameras, high-beam assistant, and a head-up display – are included in the price of entry. Integral active steering (which varies the steering ratio in addition to using the rear wheels to steer the car) is also standard.

Full Review Continued

BMW 760Li Photo Gallery

Another BMW model to debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show was the all new BMW 760Li, Individual edition. Some of you might remember that BMW Individual was established in 1991 as a division of M GmbH with the goal of leading the trend towards more individuality by concentrating on customers who were looking for made-to-measure solutions and making tougher demands on their BMW in terms of distinction, design and function.

Therefore, BMW decided to combine the exclusivity of the Individual division with the brand’s flagship, the new 760.

BMW 760i and 760Li are powered by a completely new 6.0-litre V12 all-aluminum engine with Twin-Turbo Technology,  High Precision Injection with fuel injected directly into the combustion chambers, and to BMW’s infinite double-VANOS camshaft adjustment as well as the eight-speed automatic transmission featured for the first time in a BMW.

The V12 engine outputs 544 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 533 lb-ft at 1,500. The wheelbase has been extended by 5.5 inch providing more passenger space and comfort. As expected, the BMW 760 runs from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and it offers improved fuel consumption over the previous model by 4.5 per cent.

The exterior design has been slightly modified to differentiate the 760 models from the others, the kidney grille for the radiator boasts an extra-wide chrome frame in slightly concave design as well as bars extending powerfully to the front. The 19-inch wheels are only available on these models and together with the V12 model designation on the chrome-plated gills with their integrated side direction indicators at the transition point between the front side panel and the driver’s and, respectively, front passenger’s door likewise help identify the high-end 7 Series.

While the interior design of the new 7 is already at the highest standards, the 760Li Individual takes it to a new level with even more refined interior parts.

Just days ago, BMW dealerships across the country reported that the new 2010 BMW 760Li is available to order. With a base price of $136,000, the 760Li is far from being considered a bargain, but so far the media reviews have been unexpectedly positive.

Even though the new 760Li doesn’t differentiate itself by much from the regular 750Li, the technology and performance available in this new model is quite impressive and unique. The top of the line 7er is powered by an all new 6.0 liter V12 Twin-Turbo engine which produces 535 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque.

For the first time, the new ZF eight-speed automatic transmission is featured in a BMW model, beside the upcoming 550i GT.

Autocar UK has given the 760Li a fairly positive review and today, our friends at Motor Trend are sharing their thoughts on the 760Li:

John Dillinger, the Chicago gangster, passed away 75 years ago this month. It was he who was said to have written to Henry Ford to compliment him on the excellence of his getaway cars. Okay, the letter, in the Henry Ford Museum, is now thought to be a fake, but were Dillinger still with us, we’d suggest a BMW 760Li might be the perfect replacement for the aging Dearborn jalopy.

For the rest of us, it’s a little hard to spot the point of the 760Li. Does anyone consider the current top Seven, the twin-turbo V-8 750Li, too slow? Too unrefined? Doesn’t BMW look a little flat-footed for launching such an engine into today’s constricted market?

Well yes, the engine (it’s pretty much all-new) was given the go-ahead in better times. Times when it was envisioned the now canceled — or at least stalled — concept CS coupe would have provided another home for the V-12.

But on the other hand, the BMW engineers don’t hide the fact that much of the base engine and its production line are shared with the unit in the forthcoming Rolls-Royce Ghost, which helps defray the cost. And of the 760i and 760Li, global output is expected to be a respectable 10,000 units annually. That’s not a bad little trade. About a quarter of those BMW V-12s will go to the USA and another quarter to China. You read that right: equal sales for the USA and China.

But who are those buyers? People who want the best, says BMW.

Continue reading at Motor Trend

While European journalists are currently enjoying the new BMW 760i and 760Li, BMW has decided to publish the official press release filled with all the information around these two new models. To spoil us even more, a series of videos have been posted as well, showing us the interior and exterior design of BMW’s most expensive production road car - the 760Li sells for $136,000 in the U.S.

Here is the press release along with 65 pages of information, technical details and ….more information.

Supreme motoring culture and luxurious comfort in perfection: The new BMW 760i and BMW 760Li twelve-cylinders mark the pinnacle of the fifth-generation BMW 7 Series. Superior powertrain technology, generous space and comfort, and unique features all round create an incomparable driving and traveling experience impressively confirming BMW’s leading position in the global market of luxury performance cars. Two body variants and a wide range of customization options provide a huge margin of freedom for enjoying the exclusivity of this twelve-cylinder luxury saloon in your own, very personal style. Together with the BMW 760i, the BMW 760Li with its wheelbase extended by 140 millimeters or 5.5″ and particular emphasis on rear-seat comfort is also entering the market as the absolute climax in motoring luxury.

The newly developed V12 power unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, -High Precision Injection and double-VANOS infinite camshaft adjustment delivers maximum output of 400 kW/544 hp from engine capacity of 6.0 litres and develops peak torque of 750 Newton-meters/553 lb-ft from just 1,500 rpm. A masterpiece in modern engine technology, the all-aluminum twelve-cylinder power unit stands out through its effortless surge of power, unique acoustic and vibration-damping qualities, and a level of efficiency never seen before in this performance class. Naturally, both the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li comply in full with the EU 5 emission standard.

Both the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li come with brand-new eight-speed transmission featured in these outstanding models for the first time. With its innovative gearset configuration, the new transmission offers additional gears while maintaining the dimensions and weight of a conventional six-speed automatic. This makes the eight-speed automatic transmission an ideal match for the power and performance characteristics of the new twelve-cylinder, bringing out the comfort and dynamic qualities of the V12 in particular style. And at the same time the new transmission enhances the all-round efficiency of the car to an even higher standard never seen before.

Full Press Release / PDF