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Woodcliff Lake, NJ – The newly updated 2013 BMW 7 Series will again set new benchmarks in its class for performance, luxury, efficiency and safety. The updates include significant powertrain upgrades for 740i/Li and 750i/Li models –including BMW’s 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, xDrive – BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system – now available for the 740Li, as well as a completely new powertrain for the ActiveHybrid 7. The new 7 Series boasts a revised exterior that features new technologies such as available LED headlights. The interior of the new 7 is similarly enhanced with a newly redesigned iDrive system and the availability of an optional Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound system. The new 2013 7 Series arrives in US BMW center showrooms in late summer 2012, expect for the ActiveHybrid 7 which arrives in early fall.

Powertrain upgrades offer better performance and improved efficiency

While the 760Li, with its 6.0-liter Twin Turbo V12, remains the pinnacle in the BMW 7 Series line, both inline-6 cylinder 740i/Li and V8-powered 750i/Li models receive significant enhancements, designed to deliver both better performance and greater efficiency. Every 7 Series model now features an intelligent 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that offers significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and the second-generation Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO mode offer additional potential for fuel-saving. The sunstantially revised ActiveHybrid 7 sets new standards for efficiency while still delivering on the promise of The Ultimate Driving Machine.

The 2013 BMW 740i/Li now feature BMW’s latest 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder (N55). Compared to the previous model, this new engine combines a single twin-scroll turbocharger, High-Precision Direct Injection and Valvetronic, BMW’s ground-breaking throttle-less intake system. This engine again uses Double-Vanos infinitely variable camshaft timing. The 740i/Li use a high-output version of this engine delivering 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque for power on par with the previous model. The engine is mated to BMW’s 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The performance of the previous model is maintained while efficiency is significantly improved.  US EPA mileage estimates are not yet available. However, in the EU test cycle, fuel consumption was reduced by about 20 percent. Another significant option for customers in the US is the availability of xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, for the 2013 BMW 740Li.

The 2013 BMW 750i/Li also receive upgrades to their powertrain that enhance performance while improving efficiency. The 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 has been updated with Valvetronic, BMW’s throttle-less intake system.  It works in concert with High-Precision Direct Injection and twin turbochargers, nestled on top of the engine, to deliver 445 horsepower, a 45 hp increase over its predecessor, and 480 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 30 lb-ft. This newly updated engine is mated to BMW’s 8-speed Steptronic automatic. Together, this combination yields even greater performance with a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds (preliminary), while consuming significantly less fuel. US EPA mileage estimates are not yet available. However, in the EU test cycle, fuel consumption was reduced by an impressive 25 percent.

Both 740i/Li and 750i/Li models benefit from BMW’s Auto Start/Stop System which shuts off the engine when stopped at traffic lights or in stop-and-go traffic to further maximize fuel savings.

New BMW ActiveHybrid 7: Inline 6-cylinder engine combined with full-hybrid power

As BMW continues the development of intelligent hybrid drive systems, the second generation of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is set to take a significant step forward for the 2013 model year. The updated model sets itself apart with lower fuel consumption and emissions, as well as innovative auxiliary functions. This latest evolutionary step uses BMW’s 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine. In this application it is the same 315 hp version as in the new BMW 740Li and replaces the V8 engine previously used in the ActiveHybrid 7. Other hybrid components include a 55 hp synchronous electric motor, hybrid-spec 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, a lithium ion high-performance battery and power electronics which run the intelligent energy management. The various components create a powerful and harmonious whole, giving the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7 an outstanding balance between performance and efficiency. With combined output of 349 horsepower and peak torque of 367 lb-ft, the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds (preliminary). At the same time, it delivers significantly improved fuel efficiency. US EPA numbers are not yet available. However, in the EU test cycle the new ActiveHybrid 7 yields efficiency gains of 14 percent over the new 740Li which itself sees an impressive improvement over its predecessor.

A host of innovative features enhance the car’s dynamics and ensure optimum efficiency of the hybrid drive system. For example, the electric motor provides an extra 155 lb-ft of torque through the boost function if the driver should need a quick sprint or to call on strong mid-range acceleration, when passing or merging for example. ECO PRO mode, with coasting function and proactive analysis, prepares the drive system in advance for upcoming situations on the road. Brake Energy Regeneration and the Hybrid Start-Stop system also work together to maximize overall efficiency.

The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 can also run purely on electric power. If the hybrid battery has sufficient charge and the driver goes easy on the accelerator, the car can cover a distance of up to 2.5 miles almost silently and without producing any tailpipe emissions. The top speed on  electric power alone is 37 mph. The new ActiveHybrid 7 will be available in the US as a long-wheelbase model only.

Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration, ECO PRO mode.

All new BMW 7 Series models come equipped with Auto Start-Stop which can cut fuel consumption by up to six percent as well as Brake Energy Regeneration. Generally the battery is only recharged when the driver is off the throttle, for example, when coasting or under braking. Driving Dynamics Control in the new 7 now includes ECO PRO mode which modifies the powertrain management as well as the programming of the heating and air conditioning, heated seats and exterior mirror heating to operate with optimum efficiency. It also offers tips for an efficient driving style. Taken together, ECO PRO can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent.

New Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO Mode

The new BMW 7 Series not only sets a new dynamic benchmark for luxury cars, it also raises the bar in its class when it comes to ride comfort. The driver can alter the overall character of the new 7 towards sportiness or comfort using Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO mode. Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO mode is standard for 740i/Li and 750i/Li models.

Driving Dynamics Control allows the driver to tailor accelerator response characteristics, engine response, power steering characteristics, and the Dynamic Stability Control thresholds. The Servotronic function, Integral Active Steering, automatic transmission and Dynamic Damper Control are also integrated into the system.

Using the rocker switch on the center console, drivers can choose between ECO PRO, COMFORT+, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes. Each mode activates different settings for the relevant powertrain and chassis components. The distinction between each of the modes is even more perceptible than before.

The addition of ECO PRO mode helps the BMW 7 Series driver maintain an efficient driving style. It does so by changing the accelerator mapping so that the same pedal travel delivers less power than in the standard mode. The control strategy for the automatic transmission is also modified to upshift sooner and downshift later, while intelligent energy and climate management reduces power consumption as well as the energy consumption of electrical systems such as heated mirrors and seats.

The biggest factor influencing fuel consumption, as always, is the driver’s own personal driving habits. In order to facilitate the most efficient driving possible, ECO PRO provides tips and incentives on how to develop a more efficient driving style for the situation at hand. Special displays in the instrument cluster let the driver know how well they are doing by indicating how much the driving range is being extended and by showing a history of their fuel consumption. In ECO PRO mode, average fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 20 percent.

New: coasting mode, proactive driving assistant and advance preparation of hybrid drive system.

The ECO PRO mode in the new BMW 7 Series includes the new coasting mode, which is designed to decouple the engine when coasting at speeds between 30 – 100 mph. In coasting mode, the engine in the new 7 Series freewheels on deceleration with no engine braking effect thereby reducing fuel consumption. Through proactive driving, the kinetic energy built up by the vehicle can be harnessed to achieve fuel savings of as much as five percent. The coasting function is shown graphically in the information display and can be switched off if desired.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 features a coasting mode which completely shuts off the combustion engine when coasting, allowing the ActiveHybrid 7 to glide along emissions-free. Intelligent energy management allows the ActiveHybrid 7 to analyze the driving situation ahead in order to prime the hybrid drive components for maximum efficiency. This is accomplished by integrating the power electronics with the navigation system. Based on data, such as route topography, speed limits or traffic levels, the vehicle can be prepared in advance and the available energy deployed as efficiently as possible. For instance, a longer downhill stretch can be used to recharge the hybrid battery so that the ActiveHybrid 7 can be driven on purely electric power through a residential area on the “home stretch”.

Dynamic Damper Control and Active Roll Stabilization: Dynamics and ride comfort to suit any situation

In addition to the new Driver Dynamics Control with ECO PRO mode, the new BMW 7 Series comes with Dynamic Damper Control. When equipped, it works in concert with. The 7 Series is the world’s first car to feature an electronically controlled damping system whose shock absorbers are adjusted individually at each wheel based on the condition of the road surface and the driving style.

Each wheel’s compression and rebound settings are adjusted continuously and independently from one another. For example, a stiff chassis setting can be combined with comfortable responses to unevenness in the road surface. The shock absorber settings can be preset by the driver using the Driving Dynamics Control switch.

Active Roll Stabilization, which standard on the 760Li and optional on other models, reduces body roll in high-speed corners and under sudden changes in direction. Sensors calculate the amount of body roll which is quickly counteracted by rotary actuators in the front and rear anti-roll bars. This system allows drivers to thread the car through corners with even greater agility and precision.

Integral Active Steering provides maximum agility and comfort.

Integral Active Steering is available for rear-wheel drive BMW 7 Series models, which combines the Active Steering system for the front wheels with rear wheel steering. The steering angle and power assistance are controlled at both the front and the rear with the help of electric motors. The optimized system control unit processes information on wheel rotation speeds, steering wheel movement, yaw rate and lateral acceleration to ensure optimum steering behavior for the driving situation at hand. Integral Active Steering also works with a variable steering ratio on the front wheels, which makes parking and maneuvering easier and enables impressive precision at higher speeds.

Dynamics made even more comfortable: double-wishbone front suspension and integral-V rear suspension with self-leveling air suspension.

The front suspension of the BMW 7 Series is based on the familiar aluminum double-wishbone construction which combines maximum rigidity and minimum weight. The patent-protected integral-V rear suspension of the BMW 7 Series is also made from aluminum. Modified ball joints, firmer shock absorbers, new rubber bearings and carefully tuned elastokinematics have enabled the engineers to minimize vibrations and improve ride comfort.

All BMW 7 Series models are now equipped with self-leveling rear air suspension, which keeps the car riding at a constant height no matter what kind of driving conditions it encounters and regardless of the loads on board. This automatic self-leveling suspension responds to any change in load by adjusting the suspension at the relevant wheel. This means that only small interventions are required in response to spring movements caused by road imperfections and cornering lean. This feature was previously available only on long wheelbase models in the US.

Design: Innovation and stylish presence

The BMW 7 Series has traditionally set the highest standards for aesthetic appeal and innovative technology. In the luxury sedan segment it represents the epitome of athletic elegance and sporty driving dynamics. The new BMW 7 Series reaffirms its stylish presence and sporting prowess through expressive new design features at the front and rear.

From the front, the long, broad hood of the BMW 7 Series gives it an elegant profile. The contour lines of the hood draw the eye to the upright new BMW kidney grille as they extend forward. The grille’s chrome surround is now larger, a change which – together with a new kidney grille design that includes nine slats in place of the previous 12 – gives it greater prominence and reinforces the car’s presence on the road.

A large, full-width air intake dominates the lower section of the revised front apron. It is now split into three sections, a pair of chrome bars marking its outer sections and adding further depth to the car’s sporty looks. Included is BMW’s innovative “air curtain” technology, which lowers fuel consumption at higher speeds by forcing the air to flow more aerodynamically around the front wheels.

Hallmark BMW proportions, such as a long wheelbase, short front overhang, long, sweeping hood and set-back passenger compartment with a coupelike roofline, define the sporting and elegant silhouette of the BMW 7 Series. The exteriors mirrors have been redesigned and now feature integrated directional indicators.

The powerful rear of the BMW 7 Series reflects its performance potential. The horizontal lines and subdivision of the rear into several levels visually lowers the height of the car. The design of BMW’s traditional L-shaped taillights, linked by an eye-catching chrome strip, remains unchanged. They are now richer in contrast thanks to differing shades of red. A second, delicately sculpted chrome strip draws a visual connection between the two slim reflectors in the rear apron. Another slim chrome bar between the four chromed tailpipe tips in the rear apron is a distinguishing feature of the V12 760Li flagship.

High-visibility innovation: Adaptive LED Headlights.

The new BMW 740i/Li and 750i/Li are equipped with standard Adaptive Xenon headlights. Adaptive LED Headlights, which are optional on those models and standard on the 760Li provide a fresh take on this established feature. In both cases, the Corona light rings for the parking lights and daytime running lights also featuring LEDs. The result is a stunning, distinctively BMW showcase for the innovative light technology. In addition, they also generate the low beam and high beam light from the two light rings. The result is the brand’s hallmark twin round headlight look being expressed even more strikingly – not only with the daytime running lights switched on, but also when the headlights are activated in the dark.

The Adaptive LED Headlights are, however, about more than just looking good; they also ensure the driver has optimum visibility. Their bright white light provides a bright and even illumination of the road ahead. From a color perspective, the light comes much closer to natural daylight than that created by conventional halogen or xenon headlights, lending even reflective objects far greater contrast. The cornering element of the Adaptive LED Headlights is also tailored to the car’s speed, steering angle and yaw rate, allowing the pivot of the headlights to adapt automatically to the line of the corner. Meanwhile, a light source positioned specially in the headlight housing generates the cornering light which, at low speeds, ensures illumination of the road surface in the direction the car is turning. LED technology is also deployed for the turn signal indicators, each of which consists of eight LED units arranged in a row underneath the light rings. As well as enhancing visibility in the dark, the Adaptive LED Headlights also significantly improve the signaling effect of the car’s lights.

Interior design combines a driver-focused cockpit with a first-class cabin.

The picture of stylish exclusivity and luxurious character is equally reflected inside the new 7 Series. A traditional feature of BMW interiors is the driver-oriented ergonomics. In the new 7, this includes newly designed, more slender front seats offering the best possible ergonomics, optimum lateral support and long-distance comfort. Dakota leather and Nappa leather can now be ordered in Ivory White or Veneto Beige upholstery. Multifunction seats are also available in place of the standard seats.

The new BMW 7 Series offers individual rear comfort seats as standard equipment on the 760Li and optional on other models. They can be adjusted to suit individual requirements. The backrest angle and seat position can both be varied, as can the position of the head restraints. The long-wheelbase 7 Series provides the ideal platform for long-distance comfort. All of the 5.5 inches added to the wheelbase of the standard-length 7 Series is used to create a first-class environment for the rear passengers. Changes to the roofline of long-wheelbase models create nearly half an inch of extra headroom in the rear.

The optional Rear Seat Entertainment Package now includes an iDrive controller and two 9.2-inch screens which, instead of being integrated into the front seats, appear to be “floating” on them. Their exclusive design takes its inspiration from the latest breed of flatscreen monitors, which gives them an extremely slight and lightweight look.

Enhanced interior soundproofing takes the BMW 7 Series another step towards perfection. Additional insulation materials in the B and C-pillars, skirts and trunk area team up with revised seals around the window frames and exterior mirrors to minimize ambient noise.

New ambient lighting for the interior creates a pleasant ambience, especially at night.  It includes footwell lights for the driver and front passenger and indirect roof liner illumination via lights integrated into the B-pillars. The color of the ambient light can be altered according to taste.

New Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound System: A new level of listening pleasure for the dedicated audiophile.

When it comes to delivering audio pleasure of the highest order, the Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System designed especially for the new BMW 7 Series hits all the right notes. Jointly developed by the Danish audio specialists and BMW, this system produces an exceptionally natural sound from 16 speakers distributed around the cabin. It is a fully active system featuring digital signal processing, which means the two bass speakers, seven mid-range speakers and seven tweeters all have individual amplifiers. This technology enables the targeted modification of any sound reflections inside the vehicle. The Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System uses Dirac Dimensions™ technology to recreate the acoustics of a reference listening room in the passenger compartment. All vehicle occupants therefore enjoy the same high-quality sound stage wherever they are sitting.

The electrical signals are converted into precisely defined sound waves using neodymium magnet drivers, and the mid-range speakers feature extremely stiff Hexacone diaphragms. The outstanding quality of the Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System is underlined by exclusive design features. The form and color of the advanced all-aluminum speaker grilles have been tailored precisely to the interior design of the new 7 Series. The special perforation pattern of the grilles is created using a very sophisticated drilling technique. The grille mounts are not visible from the outside, ensuring that the grilles stand out from their surroundings by appearing to float in a slightly raised position above the surface. This exclusive ambience is further enhanced by a discreet lighting effect, which showcases the contours of the sound sources with a subtly impressive effect. The B&O Acoustic Lens Technology element in the center of the instrument panel area adds both a visual feature and is an acoustic innovation. As soon as the audio system is activated, the central element containing the integrated mid-range speaker pops up, prompting the tweeter lens to be extended at the same time. The tweeter lens distributes its signals evenly at 180 degrees throughout the interior. This extraordinarily harmonious horizontal dispersion of sound is achieved through the special design of the lens, which also minimizes unwanted vertical sound dispersion.

New-generation navigation system: display and control in the third dimension.

The latest-generation navigation system features a revised design and honed operating system. The menu-driven navigation system has been augmented by new functions. The user interface includes revised graphics and now comprises 3D elements, while the entire architecture of the individual menus is now presented in virtual, three dimensional spaces. Its 1.3 GHz processor and dedicated 3D graphics card, bring new levels of animation and dynamic transitions.

Along with the menu presentation, the navigation displays have been revised and enhanced. The map displays and guidance information are now depicted with even greater brilliance and sharpness than before. Additional function bars allow the map view to be customized quickly and simply without having to leave the map. The new function bars are superimposed as an extension of the original map bar and open up additional options. This allows for Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) or weather updates to be superimposed, points-of-interest to be displayed, or the map to be quickly switched from top view to perspective view. Standardization of the control bars in the multimedia sphere facilitates operation of a wide range of audio sources.

The Pie menu: greater operating convenience at a click.

The interactive map view also comes with the option of selecting special functions directly from the map. Using the iDrive Controller, the driver can mark a spot in the interactive map to open the Pie menu. This radial menu offers quick and easy access to a host of options. Depending on the information stored, the driver can have points-of-interest in the area flagged, read up on any stored details, start navigation to any of the points-of-interest, alter the map view and have the current location or destination displayed. If further information on a point-of-interest – such as the telephone number – is also stored, the driver can instantly access it and make a call.

Split-screen display with more detailed guidance views.

The split screen in the central information display also adds new functions. While entering the destination by selecting the state, city and road, the chosen location is also displayed in the map view on the split screen. The zoom function can be used to verify whether the destination shown in the relevant section of the map is the intended one.

For the navigation process itself, the familiar arrow guidance in the split screen has now been joined by a high-level guidance feature. This is automatically activated when the driver reaches a certain point ahead of the next navigation instruction. From a specified distance, which varies according to the category of road, the arrow display turns into a schematic, perspective view of the surroundings. This gives the driver even better orientation thanks to an enhanced depiction of the location and precise lane guidance. For an optimal picture, the perspective view changes in stages to a top view of the junction or intersection as the vehicle approaches it, while a dynamic vehicle indicator pinpoints the car’s current position.

The new 3D city model offers another view of select cities to aid navigation. If the 3D representation is available, a highly realistic depiction of the surrounding streets and buildings makes it easier for the driver to find their way around.

The mobile office: dictation function, voice memos and voice control.

The latest-generation navigation system features a full speech recognition function and optimized voice control system to complete the portfolio of office functions offered by BMW ConnectedDrive as BMW. The full speech recognition system now includes the dictation function which gives drivers the opportunity to dictate text freely and compose short text-based messages simply by saying what they wish to write. Just a few seconds after dictation has been completed, the transcribed text appears in the display and can be read out if desired. Drivers also have a number of simple-to-use, speech-based editing tools available to them for putting the final touches to e-mails and SMS messages easily and, most importantly, safely. The multilingual system can recognize six languages including English and Spanish.

An additional speech-based option to enhance office functionality is voice memos which can be sent directly by email. The advantage to the driver is the ability to quickly store ideas or to-do items and send them to the relevant addressee(s) – without being distracted. The recorded memos can be stored on a USB stick for use outside the car.

The navigation system now allows additional menu functions to be called up through simplified voice commands. The system is able to recognize contact data irrespective of the format in which it is stored, and thus independently of first name and surname order. Additional submenu functions can now be activated or actions specified by speech input – from adjusting the radio and entering a destination to changing the route criteria. Voice control is becoming even easier to use.

Rounding off the new office functions is the enhanced facility for simultaneously pairing two phones to the car at the same time. The contact data of both phones are now transferred to a shared list which is then available for making phone calls and sending emails. High-performance hardware means that calendar and contact information is displayed without delay, ensuring that both telephones are quickly ready for wide-ranging use in the vehicle.

Enhanced Active Cruise Control brakes to a halt if required.

Enhanced Active Cruise Control builds on the current Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go. The full-range radar sensors are now supplemented by a front-mounted camera on the rear-view mirror providing a more in-depth read on traffic conditions. When driving in heavy-flowing traffic or traffic jams, the driver is able to safely move along with the flow and let the vehicle’s automatic systems handle the tasks of stopping and pulling away again as well as approaching junctions where there are already vehicles waiting ahead. Combining radar and video data improves detection of other vehicles and speeds the system’s reaction time. If a vehicle ahead brakes very sharply in free-flowing traffic, requiring action, the driver is prompted to do so by a two-stage warning. Simultaneously, the activation thresholds of the Brake Assist system are lowered, activating the brake priming function in the process. If the driver fails to react to the warning, Enhanced Active Cruise Control will intervene to decelerate the vehicle, even braking it to a stop as needed, depending on the situation.

Active Protection monitors the driver’s behavior at the wheel.

The BMW 7 Series now boasts an even more extensive Active Protection safety package thanks to the addition of the Attention Assistant. The system’s electronics analyze driving behavior on the basis of various signals such as steering angle, road speed and other engine parameters. If the system increasingly detects telltale signs of fatigue starting to build up, the central Control Display encourages the driver to take a break by displaying a coffee cup symbol.

At the start of every journey when the driver and front passenger fasten their seat belts, the Active Protection motorized belt retractors reduce any belt slack. If the car enters a critical pre-crash scenario, the driver and front passenger belts are pulled tight, and the side windows and sunroof are closed. Active Protection deduces that a collision is likely based on data from the front-mounted camera or radar, an emergency braking maneuver by the driver, or the onset of heavy understeer or oversteer. If a crash is unavoidable, the system will automatically brake the car afterwards without any intervention required from the driver. Following the initial impact, the car is slowed to a standstill with a maximum deceleration rate of 5 m/s² and its brakes are then locked for a further 1.5 seconds. This reduces the likelihood of – or even prevents – a secondary collision.

BMW Parking Assistant takes charge of maneuvering into parking spaces.

The available BMW Parking Assistant uses ultrasonic sensors integrated into the sides of the vehicle to help search for suitable parking spots. The system then helps the driver to maneuver safely and comfortably into parallel parking spaces. With the Parking Assistant activated and the car travelling at a slow speed of no more than 22 mph, a notification appears in the Control Display to alert the driver to suitable spaces that are around 4 feet longer than the BMW
7 Series as it passes them. During the parking process, all the driver has to do is change gears, operate the accelerator and brake, and keep an eye on the area around the car. The Parking Assistant then takes care of all the steering movements required to execute a precise reverse parking maneuver. A new bird’s-eye view of the vehicle in the Control Display works in unison with the Park Distance Control to clearly visualize the distance to other objects and make it easier for the driver to monitor the parking process.

Hands-free trunk opening makes access a little easier.

The BMW 7 Series now offers even easier access to the trunk with hands-free trunk opening. Standing behind the car, a quick movement of the foot under the center of the rear bumper is enough to open the trunk. The trunk then automatically unlocks and swings open. In order for the system to work, the key must be present.

Yet more unrivalled driver assistance systems and mobility services.

In addition to the highlights detailed above, BMW ConnectedDrive in the new BMW 7 Series encompasses additional features and technologies designed for the utmost in convenience and safety. These include the existing full-color BMW Head-Up Display, BMW Assist with enhanced Automatic Collision Notification with automatic vehicle location, rear view camera and Surround View, Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI), as well as the full range of infotainment features offered by BMW office functions for Blackberries and BMW Apps, the industry’s most advanced iPhone integration.

As has been the case with every generation of BMW 7 Series, the new 2013 model brings with it a host of innovations and enhancements all designed to ensure that, when it arrives in US showrooms this Summer, the BMW 7 Series will continue to set the standard for performance, efficiency, luxury and safety.

Cernobbio. The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este will once again host a spectacular world premiere in 2012 and, in so doing, build on its tradition as a gathering of the industry’s leading coachbuilders. The premiere in question will see the time-honoured Milanese coachbuilder Zagato team up with BMW to unveil the result of a unique collaboration: the BMW Zagato Coupé.

Zagato has worked in close collaboration to create an exciting and emotionally charged coupé in the finest tradition of automotive workmanship. The BMW Zagato Coupé embodies the unbridled fascination of cars and fuses the design DNA of the two companies into a fresh and desinctive whole. This one-off model is the product of many hours of skilled hand-craftsmanship and breathes new life into the tradition of coachbuilding.

It is hard to think of a better occasion for the premiere than the Concorso d‘Eleganza Villa d’Este, one of the most exclusive events in the world of classic cars and motorcycles. The vehicles shown on the banks of Lake Como are hand-picked, the number of entrants limited and the surroundings simply without comparison. The Concorso began as a get-together of coachbuilders presenting one-off hand-built creations, and the BMW Zagato Coupé follows very much in that tradition.

Made for the road.
The two partners settled on a realistic and applied approach to the development of the BMW Zagato Coupé. “Zagato has always provided its customers with ready-to-drive cars which can be sent into action on the road or race track without further ado – and the BMW Zagato Coupé fits the same template,” says Dr Andrea Zagato, who represents the third generation of his family to sit at the helm of the company. To this end, the car is registered for road use and meets all the legal requirements worldwide. “It is relatively easy to build a design study which is not intended for use on the road. Not having to meet any stipulations governing crash safety or pedestrian protection opens up a host of new avenues in terms of design,” he adds. “The challenge lies in injecting the emotional appeal of a concept car into a road-legal machine. And we think we have succeeded in doing just that with the BMW Zagato Coupé.” Indeed, the new creation has already cut a “bella figura” at high speeds during testing on the BMW test track.

Both partners can look back on a rich heritage, sharing as they do a passion for cars that stretches back over 80 years. Added to which, Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice-President BMW Group Design, and Andrea Zagato are long-time appreciators of each other’s work; indeed, Zagato took home the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award in both 2010 and 2011. However, this collaboration is about more than mutual respect.

Zagato chief designer Norihiko Harada and van Hooydonk have been friends for many years, so when Andrea Zagato proposed a collaboration, it wasn’t long before the decision was made to build a car at Zagato that embodies the two companies’ passion for cars.

BMW and the Italian design.
After sawing in 1939 the creation of the first BMWs sporting tailor made Italian metalwork, a coupé based on the BMW 328 for the upcoming race season and specifically for the Mille Miglia (where it triumphed in 1940), BMW was back to Milan in 1954 to buy from Renzo Rivolta, founder of ISO, drawings, license and tooling necessary for the production of the legendary Isetta.

Almost sixty years later BMW had the opportunity to re-establish a connection with the Rivolta family. As a matter of fact Marella Rivolta, wife of Andrea Zagato, is Zagato Art Director and responsible of BMW Coupé Zagato trim and colours.

The hands of Italian designers were also responsible for the eye-catching looks of the BMW 3200 Michelotti Vignale (1959), BMW 700 (1959), BMW 3200 CS Bertone (1962) and BMW M1 (1978) – all of which retain the status of design icons to this day.

The BMW Zagato Coupé heralds a new chapter in the tradition of cooperation between BMW and Italian designers. Much has changed since those earlier collaborations, however, with the advent of new working methods such as digital sketching, Photoshop and CAD/CAS tools opening the door to an entirely new way of working. Despite these advances in the design tools available, the human touch is still essential to the process. “Working with Zagato was a fantastic experience. It was extremely enriching for us to create something with people who share our understanding of good design and passion for cars,” explains Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles. “And that is what makes the car so special – the open and constructive dialogue with Zagato, their experience, craftsmanship and incomparable sense for forms. All of these gifts are wrapped up in the BMW Zagato Coupé.”

The body of the BMW Zagato Coupé has been built entirely by hand. As in the past, the new skin was tailored to fit the car’s mechanical architecture, tracing its lines yet giving it space to breathe. The Zagato experts spent many hours crafting the aluminium sheet metal by hand and meticulously moulding it to give the car its unique form.

The design – a BMW seen through the eyes of Zagato.

The BMW Zagato Coupé is a collaboration between auto enthusiasts – a BMW seen through the eyes of Zagato. This comes through in the design of the car, hallmark design cues from both companies merging to form an emotion-laden coupé in the best Zagato tradition. The brief for the car was clear from the outset: the BMW Zagato Coupé was to be a “Vmax concept”, a road-registered, aerodynamically optimised machine capable of achieving high speeds yet at the same time meeting all legal requirements and crash-related stipulations – a car that is ready and eager to be driven.

The proportions of the BMW Zagato Coupé alone exude the promise of a very special driving experience. The extremely long bonnet, greenhouse set well back and double bubble roof and Kamm Tail sum up the dynamic focus of the car as only a coupé could. The flowing roofline melts away into the compact, muscular rear, where the car’s power is transferred to the road. This sculptural and visually striking surface treatment is a Zagato hallmark and lends the BMW Zagato Coupé a distinctive and instantly recognisable personality. The surface treatment, on the other hand, is clearly inspired by BMW. The car’s dynamic silhouette sees precise lines forging a path over taut surfaces towards the rear. Surfaces moulded with eye-catching depth underline the sporting statement of the BMW Zagato Coupé. “For me, the BMW Zagato Coupé holds a very special magic. It exudes a certain spontaneity which, when combined with the type of unconventional solutions typical of Zagato, lend the car a very individual elegance,” says Zagato chief designer Norihiko Harada.

A striking front end.
The BMW Zagato Coupé is extremely three-dimensional, very wide and powerfully contoured at the front. The dynamically forward-surging front end dips down prominently towards the road and gives the car an agile sense of purpose, as if in mid-leap. A stunning interpretation of the classic BMW face – with its twin circular headlights, kidney-shaped radiator grille and BMW logo – marks the BMW Zagato Coupé out as a BMW without the need for a second glance. These extremely low, width-emphasising elements lend the front end an undeniably sporty appearance.

The contoured bonnet builds on this dynamic flair with its sweeping lines and taut surfaces. A pair of air intakes integrated into the bonnet send extra supplies of air into the engine compartment and highlight the presence of the high-performance engine beneath. The contours of the bonnet are picked up by the double-bubble roof as the lines of the body continue on to the rear of the car. These two domes built into the structure of the roof are a signature feature of Zagato design and reduce the front area. As well as providing greater headroom when wearing a helmet on the track, the double bubble (“doppia gobba”) roof also enhances the car’s aerodynamics and increases the roof’s torsional rigidity. The roof of almost every Zagato features this design.

Looking further down below the bonnet, the headlights of the BMW Zagato Coupé focus purposefully on the road ahead, and accentuate the car’s driver-oriented character and high-speed potential. Low down between the headlights is Zagato’s take on the BMW radiator grille, with matt kidney frames inspired by Buckmister Fuller geodetic structures A stand-out detail here is the use of countless small matt Zagato “z” letters to make up the kidney grille. Viewed from the front, the “z” letters appear to be floating within the kidneys. Close-up, it is clear that they are set against a collection of other dark-coloured “z”s positioned into octagons. Gleaming chrome “z”s are used only on the visible side of the octagons. This arrangement injects added depth into the kidney grating and gives the front end an extra touch of class.

The design of the front apron steers the eye to the wheels and the car’s broad stance. Large air intakes add low-set finishing touches to the car’s nose, their dynamic form and size hinting at the power of the engine under the bonnet.

Dynamic, powerful flanks.
From the side, the BMW Zagato Coupé displays the pared down, clearly defined distribution of visual mass for which Zagato is renowned, blended with the familiar surface treatment and design language of a BMW. Its coupé design also necessitated a new roofline, which highlights the car’s potential with impressive fluidity and dynamic élan.

The long, sweeping bonnet sends the greenhouse a long way back towards the rear and the car’s visual focus is therefore also pulled rearwards, in traditional Zagato 2 seater style. The rear end itself is cut almost vertically in another Zagato cue, which enhances aerodynamics. The flanks, meanwhile, adopt the classical BMW Roadster lines, imbues them with extra tautness and extends them into the muscular rear end with a compelling swing of the hips. The attractive interplay of lines here draws attention to the rear wheels and the car’s rear-wheel-drive configuration. The powerful flourish above the rear wheels is picked up and passed on by the spoiler, injecting the whole area with additional dynamic impetus.

The side air vents reference the form of the bonnet intakes and extend their dynamic agenda to the car’s flanks. Below the side vents, the silver “z” provides another nod to the cooperation between BMW and Zagato.

Slightly offset behind the silver “z”, a matching indentation provides greater depth and three-dimensionality. The two “z”s in the air intakes and BMW badges are the only gleaming chrome elements on the BMW Zagato Coupé.

Another characteristic Zagato design theme is the specially designed “criss-cross” transition from the side windows into the rear window. The lower section of the side window surrounds slants dramatically upwards just ahead of the rear end and extends to form the upper border of the rear window. In so doing, this hallmark design element links the sides and rear via the C-pillar and ensures a harmonious connection between the different sections of the car. This aspect of the BMW Zagato Coupé design is particularly striking when viewed from above.

A common heritage

Both BMW and Zagato are famous for getting the same inspiration from Professor Kamm’s studies on aerodynamic rear end. The 1940 BMW 328 Kamm Coupé as well as the Alfa SZ and TZ boosted a typical Kamm-tail (K-tail) layout. This solution became famous in Italy with the name “Coda Tronca” bodies which were tested by Zagato in the beginning of the 60s.

Kamm Effect is part of the functional design approach that aims to the aerodynamic efficiency. According to this, the CX can be lowered by keeping compact volumes at the same time. The reduction of the wind resistance is assured with the Kamm Tail design, without any need of a very stretched “drop” shape of the tail.

BMW Zagato Coupé doesn’t need the support of any fix or mobile rear wing since the aerodynamic of its tail is already very efficient.

A muscular rear end.
The distinctive rear end provides the clearest evidence of Zagato’s influence. Formed almost without a single joint, the rear end cuts a classy figure, appearing as if formed from a single mould. Nothing interrupts the flow of surfaces and the powerful sculpture of the rear. At the same time, this also provides evidence of the high degree of hand-craftsmanship involved in making the car and Zagato’s experience in the manipulation of surfaces and forms, channelled into the car’s design at the company’s studio.

Taken as a whole, the rear of the BMW Zagato Coupé has a very broad, low-slung appearance, its powerful, solid form and purposeful design language giving the car a planted stance on the road.

The most distinctive feature of the rear end is the transparent panel in its upper section familiar from other Zagato creations. Divided visually into three sections, the generous glass surfaces open up a line of sight to the lights and into the interior. Their dark tint gives the BMW Zagato Coupé an even sportier look. A curved bar featuring the Zagato trademark splits the surface into sections and gives the car a greater impression of width. The likewise tinted rear window can be opened, offering access to the rear luggage compartment.

A prominent rear bumper feeds downwards into a large diffuser. The diffuser extends well out to the sides, providing an effective contrast to the bar dividing the glass and lending the rear an extremely broad and sporty presence in the process. Matt edging accentuates the form of the diffuser, draws the focus to the wheels and underlines the planted stance of the BMW Zagato Coupé. The exhaust tailpipes, positioned towards the outer edges of the rear, add further emphasis, their matt finish contributing another stylish flourish to the rear.

Highlights and details.
The unique character of the BMW Zagato Coupé is reflected in even smaller details. The 19-inch light-alloy wheels in classically sporty five-spoke design have a hint of propeller about them, offering a subtle nod to the origins of both companies. Indeed, both BMW and Zagato founder Ugo Zagato took an airborne route into automotive construction. Their subtly attractive matt finish lends the car extra allure from the side.

A very special highlight of the BMW Zagato Coupé is its paintwork. The exclusive exterior paint finish Rosso Vivace – an expressive shade of red – brings the surfaces and forms of the BMW Zagato Coupé to life. Depending on how the light hits the body, the colour spectrum ranges from something close to black all the way to a brilliant red. This remarkable depth and radiance is possible thanks to sophisticated paint application technology. The primer coat – made up of a black application, followed by a layer of shimmering metallic silver – is applied first. Then come six ultra-thin coats of the exclusively developed red shade to deliver this unique effect. Finally, two layers of clear coat seal in the colour.

Exquisite touches in the interior.
The interior is clearly structured, in customary BMW style, and invites the keen driver to take the helm. This character was picked up by the Zagato designers and given further emphasis by an exclusive colour and materials concept. Exquisite materials and high-quality details provide an extremely stylish showcase for the interior’s sporting flair and driver focus.

Additional elements fitted by hand, such as horizontal lines in the instrument panel and doors, heighten the interior’s sense of sporting elegance. The lines culminate in a dynamic upward curve for extra sporting effect. The base colours for the exclusive leather trim are a light and dark shade of grey. Together, they underline the horizontal geometry of the interior, while red decorative stitching in the instrument panel, doors and seats brings the colour of the body into the interior and adds extra sporting touches. A “z” embroidered into the seats is the clearest reference in the interior to the origins of the BMW Zagato Coupé.

The “horizontal line” design theme has also found its way into the luggage compartment, as have the two shades of grey and the red accents. Here, the lines are a subtle reference to the form of the double-bubble roof. Two exclusive accessories – a hat bag and a travel bag – set the seal on Zagato’s colour and materials upgrade. The travel bag also recreates the form of the double-bubble roof and is designed to maintain its bulbous lines even when empty.

Zagato – a coachbuilder with a long tradition.
Founded by Ugo Zagato in 1919, today Zagato is the only automotive body manufacturer still in independent ownership. From its earliest days, Zagato has taken a minimalist and pared-down approach to its creations, very much in keeping with the Milanese tradition of design. Volumes takes precedence over details, thanks in part to technical considerations. Body designer Ugo Zagato learned his trade in – among other industries – aviation, where aerodynamics and lightweight construction play a central role. Zagato duly applied these principles rigorously in the construction of cars and soon celebrated a rash of race victories as a body construction partner to Alfa Romeo. The “necessary beauty” of aerodynamics and lightweight construction came to represent a maxim of design, one that has defined the form of every Zagato since. The narrow focus on coupés, two-door driving machines stripped back to their essential components, also became a Zagato tradition, underpinning an “unspoilt” driving experience.

Today, with Andrea Zagato becoming the third generation of his family to take his seat at the helm, the company describes itself as a design studio combining the emotion and hand-craftsmanship of body construction with the precision of state-of-the-art technology. Zagato follows coachbuilding tradition in developing only the shell of the car and leaving the mechanics of the machine untouched. And it does so not by taking over the design process for large carmakers, but by working in tandem with the relevant design teams. More than 200 Vmax concepts, special editions and micro-series have been created in this way down the years and find appreciation among connoisseurs and collectors the world over. Indeed, all Zagatos are coveted collector’s items today and worth many times what their original owners paid for them.