We’re usually not huge fans of rumors, unless they make a lot of sense and have a high probability of becoming a reality. Well, a BMW X7 SUV may sound like speculation, but a high-end luxury SUV from the German automaker is a genuine possibility.

With the BMW X1 landing in the U.S. this fall, the German automaker will now have X-variants for its 1, 3, 5, and 6 Series models. Noticeably missing from the lineup is a BMW X7, a potential SUV based off of its top-of-the-line 7 Series sedan. And with both Bentley and Lamborghini entering the SUV markets with high-luxury offerings, it now makes sense for BMW to flex its expertise with an X7 model.

There’s no doubt that the Bentley EXP 9 F SUV Concept leaves a bit to be desired in the design department; and many would argue that the Lamborghini Urus just looks out of place. BMW’s experience in the SUV market would give it an upper hand in developing an attractive X7 model and it’s believed that the thought has crossed the German automaker’s mind several times.

A sleeker, larger SUV based on the X5′s design could be a great addition to BMW’s model lineup and could be a reality by 2017. There’s without a doubt a new market developing for high-end luxury SUVs, and BMW is more than willing to play with Bentley and Lamborghini in that department.

[Source: BMW Blog]

Used to aid performance and improve efficiency through reduced weight, carbon fiber is increasingly finding its way into modern vehicles. Holding back a more mainstream adoption of the high-tech material is its price.

It should come as little surprise then that BMW isn’t too concerned, especially when it comes to spendy luxury barges like the BMW 7 Series. That said, it’s even less of a surprise that the German automaker has now confirmed carbon fiber elements will make an appearance on the next-generation of its flagship sedan.

In an interview, BMW R&D boss Klaus Draeger commented that following the extensive use of carbon fiber in the i3 and i8 models, the 7 Series will be the first “mainstream” Bimmer to use weave. Previously, only exotic M models, like the all-new 2013 M6, saw the use of carbon fiber components; used for the roof in this circumstance.

While no confirmation has been given, look for the roof, hood and trunk lid to be made of carbon fiber, when the next 7 Series arrives some time around 2015.

[Source: AutoCar]

With the passing of the Volvo V70 and VW Passat in North America, European wagons are becoming harder to come by. But BMW is considering bringing the 5-Series Touring back to our shores to make up for disappointing 5-Series Gran Turismo sales figures.

Nothing has been confirmed, however some sources have learned that the comeback may be a strong possibility. Sales of the 5-Series GT haven’t been particularly exceptional, but the model outsold the previous 5-Series Touring since its arrival last year, even with its controversial appearance and mundane reception.

GALLERY: BMW 5-Series Touring

[Source: Autoblog]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into 120,000 BMW 7-Series vehicles. The issue is regarding the car not shifting securely into park and rolling away. The affected model years include 2002 to 2008, after receiving a complaint regarding a 2006 model that rolled away after the owner parked and exited the vehicle. The car that rolled away was equipped with BMW’s electronic access and ignition system, and an electronic transmission shifter with a gear selector mounted on the steering column. A BMW spokesman said the automaker is unaware of accidents or injuries related to this issue.

A preliminary investigation is the first step in a process that may lead to a recall if the NHTSA determines that there is a safety concern. NHTSA said no issues have been identified yet for any incident reported.

Oh Mansory, you’re like our favorite recovering celebrity. Some days we absolutely adore you, and other days we can’t help but to shake our head in disgust. Mansory’s latest creation, their rendition of BMW‘s new flagship 7-Series sedan, shows exactly why automotive manufacturers don’t mix and mingle SUV styling with luxury sedans.

For whatever reason, Mansory didn’t really go digging into the creative department when it came to styling BMW’s redesigned 7-Series. Instead, they reached right up on their shelves, pulled the same front bumper off their X5 M and X6 M packages, and got it to fit nice and snug on the 7-Series. The result isn’t so fantastic, given that we’re so used to seeing that front styling on an SUV and not a luxury sedan. Regardless, the bold and open front end design looks absolutely out of place on a luxury sedan that really sports conservative bodylines.

The front kidney grilles are also swapped out for horizontally-slitted carbon fiber variants, which is strange considering BMW’s are known to have vertically-slitted kidney grilles and the change again, looks odd and out of place. The rear features a new bumper with diffuser fitted for a quad-tipped exhaust system, presumably Mansory’s own. Roof and trunk spoilers seems to also be part of the package.

As for what’s left on the outside, Mansory paired up the 7-Series with a fittingly bad set of chrome wheels, really rounding out the lack of thought put into the package.

GALLERY: Mansory BMW 7-Series F01

Looks like the matte paint styles are being taken to a new level. With the introduction of affordable vinyl wraps, car owners are able to change the look of their car’s exterior on a budget, with the ability to revert it back to factory with ease.

Last year Vivid Racing took a customer’s BMW 750LI and covered it with a very flashy gold vinyl wrap for the 2009 Gumball 3000. There’s no doubt the reflective gold did its job for Gumball, but clearly the owner wanted something… more subtle for the streets. So Vivid Racing rewrapped the car with matte green vinyl giving it a bit of an army theme. We’re actually surprised at how subtle and clean it looks. That’s not to say that we love it, but we don’t hate it either.

The 750LI also got a smoked taillight treatment, lowering springs from H&R and a set of 22-inch EXE Wheels wrapped with Nitto Invo tires. Vivid Racing seems to be making a name for themselves  in vinyl wrap jobs, so if you’re in the Arizona area and want one yourself, make sure to look them up.

GALLERY: Vivid Racing Matte Green BMW 7-Series

[Source: Vivid Racing]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

BMW is bringing the twin-turbocharged six-cyinder 7 Series to North America.

The 2011 BMW 740i and BMW 740Li will be available for sale in the United States in Spring 2010. Both are powered by twin-turbo 3.0L inline six engines with a claimed power output of 315 hp and 330 ft-lb. of torque.

The 740i and 740Li join the V8 750i/750Li and V12 760Li in BMW’s flagship line in North America.

Another example of BMW’s EfficientDynamics “virtual displacement” concept, the twin-turbo inline six promises the power of a V8 but the fuel consumption of a six-cylinder engine.

Other EfficientDynamic features include all-aluminum construction, direct fuel injection, double-VANOS variable camshaft technology and brake energy regeneration.

Both the BMW 740i and BMW 740Li will be available with all 7 Series options including the M Sport, driver assistance, luxury seating, rear entertainment and BMW Individual Composition packages.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 740i / 740Li

Official release after the jump:

The 2011 BMW 740i and 740Li Sedans

Six-Cylinder BMW Power Returns to the 7 Series in North America.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – As an exciting example of its EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy, BMW announced the North American debut of the 7 Series with a twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine. Featuring BMW’s award-winning inline-6 engine that produces V-8 power on six-cylinder fuel consumption, the new BMW 740i and BMW 740Li achieve a remarkable balance of power, efficiency, and sporty driving dynamics. Both models will go on sale in the United States as 2011 models in Spring 2010. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

In 1977, the original BMW 7 Series was launched exclusively with inline-6 propulsion. The United States first met the BMW 7 Series in the 1978 model year as the 733i Sedan. The 733i featured a 3.2-liter inline-6 engine rated at 197 horsepower. The 733i remained on sale in America until it was replaced in 1985 by the BMW 735i Sedan. The 735i, which featured an updated inline-6 engine producing 218 horsepower from 3.4 liters, enjoyed a production run that lasted through the end of the 1992 model year. The 735i was joined by the extended-wheelbase 735iL in May of 1988.

A keystone of BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy is “virtual displacement,” the notion that BMW’s modern engines of smaller displacement can equal or exceed the outputs of traditional engines of larger displacement and more cylinders. This principle is already seen in the BMW 750i model, which features a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine performing at the level of BMW’s previous-generation V12 engine. Virtual displacement provides the power of a larger engine with the fuel efficiency and low CO₂ emissions signature of a smaller engine. The 2011 BMW 740i and 740Li feature BMW’s internationally acclaimed twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine with up-rated output of 315 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque from 1600-4500 rpm. All-aluminum construction, High Precision direct fuel injection, Double-VANOS variable camshaft technology, and Brake Energy Regeneration are a few of the technologies used under the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy to place the 740i and 740Li among the most powerful six-cylinder luxury sedans in the world. Delivering power to the rear wheels is BMW’s 6-speed automatic transmission, well-known for fast, smooth gearshifts and an ability to intelligently adapt to the driver’s style.

Both models will be available with the full complement of well-known 7 Series options and packages, including the M Sport Package, Driver Assistance Package, Luxury Seating Packages, Rear Entertainment Package, and even the BMW Individual Composition Package.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes.  The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 89 MINI passenger car dealers, and 31 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwgroupna.com

www.bmwusanews.com

www.press.bmw-motorsport.com

For the first time ever BMW will offer all-wheel drive on the 7 Series, starting this Fall. The xDrive system will be optional on both the 750i and 750Li models, increasing BMW’s range of 7 Series cars to five.

The xDrive system as found in the 7 Series will give sure-footed stability while also delivering performance, as it will be able to send up to 80 percent of the power to the rear wheels, which should help limit understeer significantly. BMW’s Integrated Chassis Management system will then work to control throttle input while adding brake in the rear (somewhat like a limited slip differential) to give “perfectly neutral handling.”

BMW promises that additional enhancements will help the all-wheel drive 7 Series models be some of the most nimble AWD sedans in the market.

Additionally, BMW has officially announced the introduction of an M Sport Package for the 7 Series which includes an M steering wheel, a lift-reducing aero kit, 19- or 20-inch wheels and Active Roll Stabilization (on rear-wheel drive models only). A special Carbon Black Metallic color will also be offered.

Official release after the jump:

BMW 7 SERIES XDRIVE MODELS TO DEBUT THIS FALL.

Enhanced xDrive All-Wheel Drive System Available for the First Time on BMW’s Range-Topping Sedan.

In the continuing development of BMW’s flagship 7 Series line, BMW today announced xDrive all-wheel drive versions of the 750i and 750Li. When combined with the previously announced V12-powered 760Li, the 7 Series range grows to five variants for model year 2010.

BMW’s acclaimed xDrive all-wheel drive system has been enhanced for these new models to ensure that the 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive set a new benchmark for handling characteristics among all-wheel drive sedans. BMW’s Integrated Chassis Management, using the remarkable speed of its FlexRay on-board network and the quick-responding xDrive hardware, is able to identify and limit understeer by shifting torque rearward (up to 80% to the rear axle) while preserving the stability for which xDrive has been so widely recognized.

As a second step, the Integrated Chassis Management system can then apply a precise combination of throttle and individual rear-corner braking in order to maintain perfectly neutral handling in a corner – regardless of road surface conditions.

These key enhancements to xDrive ensure that the 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive will be two of the most nimble all-wheel drive sedans available in any vehicle segment.

For driving enthusiasts, model year 2010 also marks the debut of the M Sport Package for all 7 Series models. The M Sport Package includes an M steering wheel, lift-reducing aerodynamic kit, Active Roll Stabilization (RWD only), Shadowline trim, Anthracite headliner and 19″ wheels with ultra-high performance tires. 20″ wheels with ultra-high performance tires are available at additional cost. Carbon Black Metallic exterior paint is available with the new M Sport Package.

As it turns out the spy photos that were reported to be an M version of the new BMW 7 Series were actually of a 7 Series M Sport. Rather than a high-performance model, this 7 is more tuned towards aesthetics – although the new M Sport wheels are certain to be lighter weight models and may come with more rubber attached to them.

Up front the bumper gets a slight redesign, as does the rear and inside a new M Sport steering wheel is included.

No pricing is available as BMW has yet to officially released details on the car. And while we’re a little upset there won’t be an M7, with 400hp and 450 ft-lbs of torque in the 750i, an M version really isn’t necessary.

GALLERY: BMW 7 Series M Sport

[Source: CarThrottle]

Thanks to the folks over at WorldCarFans we have these spy photos of an upcoming high-performance version of the new 7 Series. Likely to be called the M7, BMW isn’t being shy about it as the vehicle was caught out testing without any real camouflage.

A new front bumper reveals significantly-sized air intakes and a bulge in the hood indicates there is some serious horsepower under the the hood. The bulge or “power dome” is much like the one found on the M3 – increasing the possibility that this will in fact be called the M7.

The M7 will compete against bruisers from Mercedes, including the S63 and S65, however, it is not known which engine will power the super saloon. There are, however, two strong possibilities.

One option is the twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine found in the new 760, with 554hp and 553 ft-lbs of torque. We’d wager, however, that the car would be powered by the same engine as in the X5 M and X6 M, a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that makes 555hp and 500 ft-lbs of torque.

Expect to hear more about this car at the Frankfurt Auto Show this Fall – if not sooner.

GALLERY: BMW M7

[Source: WorldCarFans]