BMW to finally introduce an M7 ?
05-29-09, 07:06 AM
#1
BMW to finally introduce an M7 ?
Mercedes-Benz has been offering AMG performance versions of its flagship S-Class sedan for years with no real response from cross-country rival BMW. However, BMW will reportedly strike back with an M version of its latest 7-Series sedan.
Earlier today our spies spotted this prototype of what is to become the M7, equipped with a typical M-style front bumper with huge air-intake underneath the lamp units. The rear skirt appears to be modified, too, but more interesting is the fact that the new M7 will receive a front hood made of aluminum to improve handling and weight-balance.
Under that alloy hood we expect to see the either the X6 M’s bi-turbo V8 or the 5.0L V10 from the M5 and M6. Whichever motor it ends up with should be good for 550-600hp. That would in fact be an enormous plus in power over the current 407-hp 750i, but also over the Alpina B7 (507 hp) and even the most powerful Porsche Panamera delivering 500 hp.
Earlier today our spies spotted this prototype of what is to become the M7, equipped with a typical M-style front bumper with huge air-intake underneath the lamp units. The rear skirt appears to be modified, too, but more interesting is the fact that the new M7 will receive a front hood made of aluminum to improve handling and weight-balance.
Under that alloy hood we expect to see the either the X6 M’s bi-turbo V8 or the 5.0L V10 from the M5 and M6. Whichever motor it ends up with should be good for 550-600hp. That would in fact be an enormous plus in power over the current 407-hp 750i, but also over the Alpina B7 (507 hp) and even the most powerful Porsche Panamera delivering 500 hp.
05-29-09, 07:57 AM
#2
Lexus Champion
I've never really thought BMW was missing an M7.
If you've driven an M5 next to an E63 there's a huge difference in the way they drive. The E63 is a bruiser. The torque is ridiculous, acceleration is brutal and effortless, and handling is good but not good enough to make you want to take it to the auto cross. The E63 feels like a regular E class given a ton of steroids.
The M5 on the other hand has a much more sprightly feeling. Far less torque, far higher revving engine, far more nimble handling. It feels like you took a 5 series and put it on a diet while letting formula 1 engineers fine tune everything. I don't think the M5 actually weighs less than the regular 5-series, but it feels like it does.
Because of that difference in tuning, I just don't think an M version of the 7 series would make sense. It's likely nearly impossible to make that car that big and heavy handle in a satisfying way without making it ride terribly. So their only choice would be to keep the comfort and just make it a straight line rocket ship like the S-class AMGs already are. But then that would be BMW straying from their traditional M formula and mimicking the AMG formula. Is that really necessary?
If you've driven an M5 next to an E63 there's a huge difference in the way they drive. The E63 is a bruiser. The torque is ridiculous, acceleration is brutal and effortless, and handling is good but not good enough to make you want to take it to the auto cross. The E63 feels like a regular E class given a ton of steroids.
The M5 on the other hand has a much more sprightly feeling. Far less torque, far higher revving engine, far more nimble handling. It feels like you took a 5 series and put it on a diet while letting formula 1 engineers fine tune everything. I don't think the M5 actually weighs less than the regular 5-series, but it feels like it does.
Because of that difference in tuning, I just don't think an M version of the 7 series would make sense. It's likely nearly impossible to make that car that big and heavy handle in a satisfying way without making it ride terribly. So their only choice would be to keep the comfort and just make it a straight line rocket ship like the S-class AMGs already are. But then that would be BMW straying from their traditional M formula and mimicking the AMG formula. Is that really necessary?
05-29-09, 08:20 AM
#4
Between the V12 and Alpina B7, it could be debated that there is no need for an M7. Maybe after BMW saw how awful looking the B7 was, they decided they had to do something different.
05-29-09, 08:43 AM
#7
Lexus Champion
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05-29-09, 08:51 AM
#9
Not necessary LS-F, but at least create more engine choices. I never drove the new 7 series, but I could imagine that its twin turbo 8 is a complete beast. If you take the current S550 and compare it to the LS460, the LS just feels sluggish and underpowered. I know they run similar 0-60, but S550 just feels so much more powerful. For those of us who like brute power, Lexus simply offers nothing, except the IS-F.
05-29-09, 09:19 AM
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
I hope they build it "Just because". No one tracks a S63/65 but the car in the flesh is just something. its for the "this is FLAGSHIP BUDDY" crowd 
and I love it. The M7 needs to join this over the top crowd b/c damnit sometimes life isn't about logic.
Burn the X5 M and X6 M please and attach them to the space shuttle and send them to a black hole where they cannot escape gravity and will be crushed beyond out thoughts. We deserve a M7, not those things.
LS F-sport parts should debut this fall. I would love to see a LS-F again, "just because".
and I love it. The M7 needs to join this over the top crowd b/c damnit sometimes life isn't about logic. Burn the X5 M and X6 M please and attach them to the space shuttle and send them to a black hole where they cannot escape gravity and will be crushed beyond out thoughts. We deserve a M7, not those things.
LS F-sport parts should debut this fall. I would love to see a LS-F again, "just because".