What is it?
2002 BMW 7 Series
What's special about it?
Completely redesigned, the 2002 BMW 7 Series is scheduled to arrive in America this January chock-full of innovative technology and luxury trimmings.
The new Seven will be initially available as a regular-wheelbase 745i or a long-wheelbase 745iL. Powering each model is a 4.4-liter V8 with bi-VANOS dual variable valve timing and Valvetronic (a world first, Valvetronic continuously varies the length of the intake runners while underway). This V8 makes 325 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and BMW says fuel economy is improved by 14 percent. A six-speed automatic transmission utilizing shift-by-wire technology is controlled using a selector lever on the steering wheel. Initially, automanual shifting (Steptronic) will not be offered in the U.S. Acceleration to 60 mph is expected to take just over 6 seconds for the 745i.
About a year after the 745 debuts, a 760iL will land on our shores, sporting a 6.0-liter V-12 making 408 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. It will also feature direct injection technology, allowing BMW to maximize power, torque and fuel economy simultaneously.
An all-aluminum suspension with Automatic Ride Stabilization (ARS) and continuously adjustable Electronic Damper Control (EDC) is standard. ARS keeps the new Seven's cornering stance flat until 0.50g of cornering force is surpassed, and then the system dials body roll in up to 4 degrees at 1.0g to let the driver know adhesion levels are progressively weakening. The rear suspension features automatic load-leveling.
Safety is ensured by numerous airbags, including a head protection system for front and rear passengers. Front seats feature active headrests.
Optionally available is an Active Cruise Control (ACC) system. ACC works similarly to intelligent cruise control systems offered by Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti; it monitors the distance between the 7 Series and the car ahead and adjusts speed accordingly to maintain a safe distance.
While this is all well and good, the most important innovation contained in the new Seven is the iDrive system. BMW feels the traditional ignition key and shift lever are obsolete, and that all elements needed for driving should be arranged on and around the steering wheel. iDrive controls on-board telematics, including GPS navigation, Internet access and the new ASSIST system (similar to TeleAid technology from Mercedes-Benz and OnStar from General Motors), as well as climate and stereo functions. A stubby rotary push-button dial (dubbed The Controller) mounted in the center console and a control display screen mounted to the top-center of the dash allegedly allow the driver to operate these functions without taking his or her eyes away from the road. According to BMW, iDrive "gives the driver intuitive, safe control of his car and comfortable access to the world of ConnectedDrive, [thus] networking the various communication, information and navigation technologies." Yeah, we'll believe it when we see it.
What is ConnectedDrive? BMW says it "uses and links innovative technologies in the three areas of telematics, online services and driver assistance systems." By networking all of the new Seven's electronics systems together, BMW aims to provide as serene and safe a driving experience as is possible in a modern automobile by offering technologies that come very close to doing the driving for you. Examples of what BMW has in the pipeline include the following: Adaptive Light Control (by consulting the navigation system, the headlights track curves before you see them), Active Steering Wheel (again using navigation, steering will help keep the car on the intended path, but the driver will easily be able to overcome the "assistance") and Active Gas Pedal (the accelerator will exert force against the driver's foot when the car determines that it would be prudent to slow down. Navigation mapping and road conditions would determine when this system engaged, but the driver could easily defeat it). Also coming is Bluetooth linking technology, allowing the new 7 to communicate with PDAs, computers and mobile phones.
Why should you care?
Quite possibly, the new BMW 7 Series will be the most technologically sophisticated automobile ever built. But we don't like all this weirdness associated with the car steering, slowing and illuminating the roadway based on mapped software in a navigation system. Too often we've found that the programming powering your typical navigation setup is flawed. There is no substitute for a competent, alert, sober driver who can read a map. And we can live without checking e-mail every 20 minutes. What should people be doing in their cars? Driving, period. We thought BMW understood that. — Christian Wardlaw
2002 BMW 7 Series
What's special about it?
Completely redesigned, the 2002 BMW 7 Series is scheduled to arrive in America this January chock-full of innovative technology and luxury trimmings.
The new Seven will be initially available as a regular-wheelbase 745i or a long-wheelbase 745iL. Powering each model is a 4.4-liter V8 with bi-VANOS dual variable valve timing and Valvetronic (a world first, Valvetronic continuously varies the length of the intake runners while underway). This V8 makes 325 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and BMW says fuel economy is improved by 14 percent. A six-speed automatic transmission utilizing shift-by-wire technology is controlled using a selector lever on the steering wheel. Initially, automanual shifting (Steptronic) will not be offered in the U.S. Acceleration to 60 mph is expected to take just over 6 seconds for the 745i.
About a year after the 745 debuts, a 760iL will land on our shores, sporting a 6.0-liter V-12 making 408 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. It will also feature direct injection technology, allowing BMW to maximize power, torque and fuel economy simultaneously.
An all-aluminum suspension with Automatic Ride Stabilization (ARS) and continuously adjustable Electronic Damper Control (EDC) is standard. ARS keeps the new Seven's cornering stance flat until 0.50g of cornering force is surpassed, and then the system dials body roll in up to 4 degrees at 1.0g to let the driver know adhesion levels are progressively weakening. The rear suspension features automatic load-leveling.
Safety is ensured by numerous airbags, including a head protection system for front and rear passengers. Front seats feature active headrests.
Optionally available is an Active Cruise Control (ACC) system. ACC works similarly to intelligent cruise control systems offered by Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti; it monitors the distance between the 7 Series and the car ahead and adjusts speed accordingly to maintain a safe distance.
While this is all well and good, the most important innovation contained in the new Seven is the iDrive system. BMW feels the traditional ignition key and shift lever are obsolete, and that all elements needed for driving should be arranged on and around the steering wheel. iDrive controls on-board telematics, including GPS navigation, Internet access and the new ASSIST system (similar to TeleAid technology from Mercedes-Benz and OnStar from General Motors), as well as climate and stereo functions. A stubby rotary push-button dial (dubbed The Controller) mounted in the center console and a control display screen mounted to the top-center of the dash allegedly allow the driver to operate these functions without taking his or her eyes away from the road. According to BMW, iDrive "gives the driver intuitive, safe control of his car and comfortable access to the world of ConnectedDrive, [thus] networking the various communication, information and navigation technologies." Yeah, we'll believe it when we see it.
What is ConnectedDrive? BMW says it "uses and links innovative technologies in the three areas of telematics, online services and driver assistance systems." By networking all of the new Seven's electronics systems together, BMW aims to provide as serene and safe a driving experience as is possible in a modern automobile by offering technologies that come very close to doing the driving for you. Examples of what BMW has in the pipeline include the following: Adaptive Light Control (by consulting the navigation system, the headlights track curves before you see them), Active Steering Wheel (again using navigation, steering will help keep the car on the intended path, but the driver will easily be able to overcome the "assistance") and Active Gas Pedal (the accelerator will exert force against the driver's foot when the car determines that it would be prudent to slow down. Navigation mapping and road conditions would determine when this system engaged, but the driver could easily defeat it). Also coming is Bluetooth linking technology, allowing the new 7 to communicate with PDAs, computers and mobile phones.
Why should you care?
Quite possibly, the new BMW 7 Series will be the most technologically sophisticated automobile ever built. But we don't like all this weirdness associated with the car steering, slowing and illuminating the roadway based on mapped software in a navigation system. Too often we've found that the programming powering your typical navigation setup is flawed. There is no substitute for a competent, alert, sober driver who can read a map. And we can live without checking e-mail every 20 minutes. What should people be doing in their cars? Driving, period. We thought BMW understood that. — Christian Wardlaw
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