Deutsch

The next incarnation of the 7 series is due in just 3 years... hard to believe.

BMW_Dude

Really, I can remember when the E65 7er came out, it doesn't seem that long ago!

I hope the new 7 will move technolgy and designs on just as the E65 did!

I will hopefully be an awesome car!

Deutsch

I'm more interested to see how it looks. BMW is a believer in useful tech, not piling on tech to make a point or showing that they're the best in the industry, they prove their best when you take a seat behind the steering wheel and drive. Not that you didn't know that, but just adding.

Centurion

It's not that suprising. The current 7er came 2001-2002 so if a new one comes out in three years(2008) then the current one will have lived for 6-7 years which is pretty normal lifespan.

Deutsch

Right, but it's just funny to sit back and look at how fast the time has gone by since the introduction of the E65/66, really wasn't all that long ago, and the design still looks very fresh, probably still will by the time the new 7 gets here(E67/68?). Gotta love growing up w/ the times.

Mr. Mercedes

That’s arguable Stuttgarter, elements of the 7-series design actually made the car more difficult to use, and was a major complaint when the car was introduced. For example In some markets they even had little booklets directing valets on how to start the car and drive off. Something once so simple was made more difficult. Sure users would get used to it, but why make it more complicated in the first place. The controls for the seating etc. also seem unnecessarily complicated. I would argue that in terms of the useful application of driver assistance technology, Mercedes is a little ahead.

Another example I noticed is when I was driving my aunts 3 series. The parking sensors have to be activated every time after a certain speed is exceeded and the automatic wipers reactivated each time you use the car. A bit counterproductive I think, when the whole point of these technologies is to meant to make life simpler.

EnI

Next 7er is coded as F01 (SWB) and F01 (LWB). Yes, BMW is starting labeling new models in development with "F" codes. X6 will be the last one wearing "E" code (E7?).

Here are some news from scott26 about next 7er:

Deutsch

Sounds like it will be even more good to look at from Scotts' description, I'd most definately put some money towards an M7 for sure, no doubt. It's also interesting to hear about the design differentiation between the logn and short wheel base models, I dont know that I like this concept. But who knows? Scott26 may be right on the money? Another really cool big I'm finding in BMW news/rumors is the use of turbocharged technology in it's cars, ultra exciting to hear. Can't get enough of that low end torque.

bmwownage

I wonder how the guy knows so much... it sounds like as if he has seen the actual car while designs are probably not even finalised!

I dont' think BMW will match the new S, the new S is just too special, it is just too good and BMW will not be able to make a product to challenge it properly... this fact is the same as how MB never made a product to challenge the 3series properly...
A 2009 release sounds fine since a 7-8 years lifespan is OK..

EnI

I guess new 7er will be better than W221 S-class. It will be lighter due extensive use of light weight materials, interior materials quality will be further improved, it will come with extra powerful turbo engines, enhanched gearbox, modern design, latest hi-tech features, much improved iDrive.

Taking different styling and also engineering directions for SWB and LWB will allow BMW to make SWB much more sportier than S-class and A8, and the LWB much more comfortable and luxurious.

But again, when next generation of A8 will come out, it will beat both, 7er and S-class. It's just a characteristic of techincal progress.
3er segment is another story, because it's more diffucult to reacha perfect balance between sportiness, comfort ride, space, etc.

About Scott26: the guy has an access to many internal BMW information. Therefore I suspect he works either in a marketing or PR department.

But you should mind the info he dispetches to us are not official press material, but working material - and so an object to change.

I guess BMW have issued an internal paper "Project F01 / 02" where some design proposals are illustrated, engineering goals, marketing goals are listed, etc.

New car development is a dynamic proces - where difficulties may occure: of engineering, design, legislation, marketing, financial nature. An issue have to be addressed quickly, and changes have to be made.

It's 2-3 years too early to know how exactly new 7er will look like, and what it will feature. But again, Scott26's info give us an idea what BMW is aming to.