The ActiveHybrid 7 uses a different electric drive setup from the X6 Hybrid and it’s being considered a mild hybrid. The system was developed in collaboration with Mercedes Benz. The upgraded V8 twin-turbo with High Precision Direct Injection runs together, at the same time, with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor which is positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor generates approximately 20 hp and peak torque of 155 lb-ft.
The “pumped up” V8 twin-turbo engine produces 40 horsepower more than the engine found in the 750i/Li models to a total of 400 horsepower. The overall combined output is being advertised at 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, while delivering fuel economy approximately 15% better than the 750i.

The 7 Series Hybrid has the drive power transmitted via an 8-Speed automatic transmission and has a top speed electronically limited to 150 mph.The ActiveHybrid 7 uses a lithium-ion battery pack supplying 120 volts.

The folks over at Car and Driver decided to refresh our memory of the 7er Hybrid with a short road test. Let’s have a look.

“In our testing, the 750Li ActiveHybrid went from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 12.8 at 112 mph. That’s 0.7 second quicker to 60 and 0.9 quicker through the quarter than the last non-hybrid 750Li to wear our test gear. More (un)importantly, it’s 0.9 second quicker to 60 than the last LS600hL we tested. A brief blast around the high-speed oval confirms that the hybrid 7 rockets to its 147-mph governor without any of the lethargy commonly associated with hybrids. Later on, driving more like downtrodden suburban Americans, we saw 21 mpg.

So It’s Fast. Now Drive It Like a Hybrid

Okay, so you really care about the hybrid bits? This hybrid won’t glide about on electric power and smugness alone. You want motion, you’re going to have to choke the planet with the internal-combustion engine. There’s an electric motor sandwiched between the gas engine and the torque converter in the eight-speed automatic transmission. It contributes an additional 20 hp and 155 lb-ft—combined powertrain output is 455 hp and 515 lb-ft—and allows the engine to sit quiet at stops, as it powers the accessories. Although it isn’t a completely seamless stop and start, the transition doesn’t call attention to itself.

Our larger complaint is that, although the engine fires up as soon as you lift your foot from the brake, if you snooze at a light or are inching through a left-turn lane waiting for a break in traffic, a quick leap from brake to gas beats the re-ignition process and results in a herky jerk forward. However, if you plan on a quick dive for the gas, you can disable the stop/start feature by putting the shifter into Sport mode.”

Full review at Car and Driver

With production facilities in Hamburg and New York, the world-renowned manufacturer of upright and grand pianos has partnered authorised Steinway dealers for several decades in promoting piano competitions for children and young people up to the age of 17.

The competitions enjoy considerable prestige and have already brought international recognition to a number of great artists. Another key component of the company’s efforts to promote young musical talent is the International Steinway Festival, which takes place in Hamburg every two years.

This festival brings together piano competition winners from the nine countries in which the competitions are currently held. The highlight of the event is the festival concert, which gives all the pianists an opportunity to showcase their skills and experience the concert environment in front of a large audience without the pressure of competition.

To kick off this exclusive cooperation, BMW is presenting its special limited-edition BMW Individual 7 Series Composition inspired by Steinway & Sons on 11 November 2010 at the Hamburg factory of Steinway & Sons. Dr Uwe Ellinghaus, Director BMW Brand Steering and BMW Brand Management, commented: “We very much look forward to our partnership with Steinway & Sons, like BMW a premium brand with the highest quality standards and a passion for detail. The special-edition BMW Individual 7 Series Composition embodies the desire of both brands to combine aesthetics, comfort and technical perfection. With its aim to provide support for future talent, the BMW Group considers that promoting the Young Steinway Artists in this way is a perfect adjunct to its commitment to culture.”

The luxury saloons of the BMW 7 Series express the aesthetics, quality and exclusivity which both brands epitomise. A design style with a commitment to perfection is the hallmark both of vehicle production at BMW Individual and of upright and grand piano manufacturing at Steinway & Sons.

For its world premiere in Hamburg, the BMW Individual 7 Series Composition inspired by Steinway & Sons will be presented in two perfectly coordinated colour variants. Deliberately reminiscent of the piano keyboard, the colour schemes reflect the contrast between black and white. The exclusive appearance of these luxury saloons is characterised by top-quality craftsmanship and the use of exquisite materials. At the same time, the paint finish – in a choice of black or white – and upholstery and surface materials are the result of a design and build quality that is unique worldwide and has been developed specifically for this special edition. The body’s paintwork, for example, in which each coat of paint is individually smoothed and polished by hand, boasts a high-end finish comparable to that of piano lacquer. Precise highlight details, together with an audio system specially adapted to the luxury saloon’s interior, complement the sophisticated ambience and add an even more exclusive touch to this special edition. The vehicles, produced as a special limited edition by BMW Individual, are built to customer specifications and based on the normal or long-wheelbase versions of the luxury saloon.

Cultural commitment of the BMW Group

For almost 40 years, international cultural commitment has been a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate communications. Having played a role in over 100 events worldwide, the BMW Group’s commitment in the cultural sphere has always sought to preserve absolute freedom of creative potential – as much a prerequisite for groundbreaking works of art as for pioneering innovations in a successful commercial enterprise. The BMW Group focuses its cultural involvement on contemporary art and music, as well as on architecture and design.

The long-term joint venture between HamburgMusik gGmbH and BMW was announced in 2008, long before work on the spectacular Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt was scheduled to be completed. BMW not only committed itself to becoming the company’s first main sponsor, but also aims to be actively involved with the planning of its own creative projects.

[Source: BMW ]

In a press release issued today on the occasion of BMW Golf Championship, Chef Keller announces the creation of a concierge service for his customers who will be shuttled around in the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Press Release:

Chef Thomas Keller today announced a new partnership with BMW of North America, which will enhance the overall guest experience at Keller’s acclaimed restaurant, The French Laundry, through the creation of a concierge service featuring the BMW ActiveHybrid 7.  The collaboration dovetails perfectly with both partners’ long-time commitment to establishing new and creative ways to elevate the premium experience.

The partnership announcement was made from the BMW Championship at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont, IL.  Chef Keller, a guest at the tournament, played yesterday in the BMW Championship Pro-Am Tournament, which pairs 70 of the world’s top professional golfers with amateurs.

To mark the collaboration, Keller crafted a seasonal, BMW-inspired recipe that will be featured on The French Laundry dinner menu this evening in celebration of the partnership. The dish is Four Story Hill Farm Apple Fed Pork Loin with Bratwurst, Braised Red Cabbage, Apple Dumplings and Grain Mustard Sauce. Keller and his staff were inspired by BMW’s Bavarian roots and wanted to create a delicious dish reminiscent of the foods from this area.

“As a BMW owner for more than 32 years, I’ve always appreciated the brand’s attention to precision and detail because my very first vehicle was a BMW 320i,” said Keller.  “At The French Laundry, we’re always seeking out ways to heighten our guests’ experience, and so I am delighted to be able to work with BMW to establish a concierge car for the restaurant, for those guests that wish to add a new element to their dining experience with us.”

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is the world’s fastest hybrid and brings together luxury, speed and fuel efficiency.  The new BMW concierge service at The French Laundry will be offered to restaurant guests on a limited basis as available.

“The number one hobby and interest of BMW customers is fine dining, which makes a partnership with Thomas Keller and The French Laundry a natural fit,” said Tom Kowaleski, Vice President Corporate Communications, BMW of North America. “We look forward to working together with Thomas and his company to identify and develop future opportunities to expand this partnership.”

About The French Laundry

The French Laundry opened in 1994 and is housed in a rustic two-story stone cottage dating back to the late 1800’s. The restaurant offers a 64-seat dining room, a semi-private dining room, a salon, outdoor garden and wine cellar.

Showcasing American cuisine with distinct French nuances, the restaurant offers two prix fixe tasting menus which change daily; a nine-course Chef’s Tasting Menu and a nine-course Tasting of Seasonal Vegetables.  Each menu reflects Keller’s distinct approach, combining the finest, seasonal ingredients with modern culinary techniques to create dynamic flavor combinations.  Extending beyond the plate, the restaurant exemplifies an intense focus on impeccable service to create an overall exceptional experience for guests.

The restaurant has received numerous top honors and accolades, including a five star rating by the prestigious Mobil/Forbes Travel Guide, annually since 1999; “Outstanding Restaurant Award” by the James Beard Foundation in 2006; and a three star rating from The Michelin Guide San Francisco 2009 for the third consecutive year. His New York City-based Per Se has received the same honor, making Thomas Keller the only American-born chef to have two three-starred Michelin restaurants.

For more information about The French Laundry, please visit www.frenchlaundry.com.

ActiveHybrid 7 combines an electric motor with BMW’s much-praised 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and new 8-speed automatic transmission to accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds while delivering impressive EPA fuel economy estimates of 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, a near 18 percent improvement over the non-hybrid 750i/Li.

The ActiveHybrid 7 features Engine Start/Stop to avoid wasteful engine idling in stop-and-go driving and at traffic lights. The powerful lithium-ion battery enables systems like the radio, Bluetooth phone connection and air-conditioning to continue running when the engine is off. Its compact size minimizes the impact on luggage capacity.

The Diesel Driver has just published their impressions on the 7 Series Hybrid, along with the real life fuel economy numbers. While most of the technical details are already known and outlined above as well, let’s take a moment and read about the driving experience.

“After all this, you may wonder how the ActiveHybrid 7 drives. I spent a week with the ActiveHybrid 7, driving it on twisty mountain roads, highways, and city streets, and I was hard-pressed to tell the difference between it and the V-12 powered 760Li when hitting the accelerator. The start-stop feature is reasonably inconspicuous although a quick move from brake to gas can result in a bit of a jerk. Thanks to the tiny battery and mild hybrid system, the 7er’s weight distribution was preserved, which bodes well for handling (this is one of the reasons BMW uses different hybrid systems in the X6 versus the 7er).

The firm and responsive ride was adjustable via the four driver-selectable settings in the Driving Dynamics Control system. Set for sport, the ActiveHybrid 7 attacked twisties with a vengeance. On some pot-holed New York City streets, I didn’t notice the bumps go by.

The fuel economy I got during that week, however, served as an excellent reminder that I was, indeed, in a hybrid vehicle. It consistently got 3 mpg more than the 750i in city driving, averaging 20 mpg. My overall fuel economy for the week was 24.5 mpg.

Best of all, the ActiveHybrid 7 qualifies for a $900 IRS Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit.”

Full review at The Diesel Driver

The ActiveHybrid 7 combines an electric motor with BMW’s much-praised 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and new 8-speed automatic transmission to accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds while delivering impressive EPA fuel economy estimates of 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, a near 18 percent improvement over the non-hybrid 750i/Li.

The ActiveHybrid 7 features Engine Start/Stop to avoid wasteful engine idling in stop-and-go driving and at traffic lights. The powerful lithium-ion battery enables systems like the radio, Bluetooth phone connection and air-conditioning to continue running when the engine is off. Its compact size minimizes the impact on luggage capacity.

The standard and long-wheelbase versions of the ActiveHybrid 7 become the fourth and fifth BMW models to qualify for the Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit, joining the ActiveHybrid X6 and BMW’s Advanced Diesel 335d Sedan and X5 xDrive35d.

[Source: BMW ]

The first production ready BMW hybrid uses a different electric drive setup from the X6 Hybrid and it’s being considered a mild hybrid. The system was developed in collaboration with Mercedes Benz. The upgraded V8 twin-turbo with High Precision Direct Injection runs together, at the same time, with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor which is positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor generates approximately 20 hp and peak torque of 155 lb-ft.

Read on for a detailed review of the new 7 Hybrid.

“Instead, the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 750i is kind of the ultimate version of the 7 Series. While it is true that the electrified 7 is still the big-boned kid in the 7 Series family, it carries its weight well.

The car packs 231 pounds extra compared to a 750i, but it’s also got 20 hp extra from the electric motor, not to mention an extra 155 pound-feet of torque in all the right places. On top of that, the twin-turbocharged V8 is another 40-hp healthier in hybrid trim. No matter how hard we push this behemoth down the road, we just can’t feel those extra pounds that come with the hybrid badges. There is, at times, just the faintest bob in the rear end over undulations, but then again, that might have simply been our stomachs trying to keep up with 4,795 pounds of Bavarian engineering.

German Cooking
The recipe we’re talking about here isn’t exactly as complicated as 11 herbs and spices. Unlike the BMW ActiveHybrid X6, with its two electric motors and complicated transmission, the ActiveHybrid 750i is a mild hybrid — a straightforward powertrain that simply stops and starts when the car comes to a rest. And there’s none of that silent running across the intersection on battery power (which is the thing that Prius owners love so much). The technology at work is no more mysterious than what General Motors has been doing with the Chevrolet Malibu hybrid and Saturn Vue hybrid.

Though, as you may expect, BMW’s execution on the 7 Series is different. And by that we mean, if this were a bake-off, the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 750i would be German chocolate cake made from scratch, while the Chevrolet Malibu hybrid comes out looking more like Betty Crocker from the box.”

Continued here

The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 follows the X6 Hybrid which became available recently at dealerships across the country. BMW’s first hybrid performance/luxury sedans will arrive in showrooms in Spring 2011 with a base MSRP of $103,125 including destination and handling for the ActiveHybrid 7 and $107,025 for the long wheelbase ActiveHybrid 7L.

The first production ready BMW hybrid uses a different electric drive setup from the X6 Hybrid and it’s being considered a mild hybrid. The system was developed in collaboration with Mercedes Benz. The upgraded V8 twin-turbo with High Precision Direct Injection runs together, at the same time, with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor which is positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor generates approximately 20 hp and peak torque of 155 lb-ft.

The “pumped up” V8 twin-turbo engine produces 40 horsepower more than the engine found in the 750i/Li models to a total of 400 horsepower. The overall combined output is being advertised at 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. BMW’s claim that the Active Hybrid 7 boasts the performance of a V12 is fully backed up by the claimed 0-60mph time of 4.9sec, which makes it 0.3sec quicker than the 750i.

BMW ActiveHybrid 7 has an average fuel consumption of 9.4 liters in the EU cycle (25 MPG US), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 219 grams per kilometer.

As the official launch date approaches, the 7 Series hybrid will be available to other customers as well. BMW’s first hybrid performance/luxury sedans will arrive in showrooms in Spring 2011 with a base MSRP of $103,125 including destination and handling for the ActiveHybrid 7 and $107,025 for the long wheelbase ActiveHybrid 7L.

The first production ready BMW hybrid uses a different electric drive setup from the X6 Hybrid and it’s being considered a mild hybrid. The system was developed in collaboration with Mercedes Benz. The upgraded V8 twin-turbo with High Precision Direct Injection runs together, at the same time, with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor which is positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor generates approximately 20 hp and peak torque of 155 lb-ft.

The “pumped up” V8 twin-turbo engine produces 40 horsepower more than the engine found in the 750i/Li models to a total of 400 horsepower. The overall combined output is being advertised at 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It runs from 0-62 mph in only 4.7 seconds.

BMW ActiveHybrid 7 has an average fuel consumption of 9.4 liters in the EU cycle (25 MPG US), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 219 grams per kilometer.

[Source: BimmerToday ]

Before we jump into their article, you can read upon our own test drive of the ActiveHybrid 7.

“BMW is a latecomer when it comes to hybrid vehicles, but it making up for that with the ActiveHybrid X6, introduced in the United States last week, and the ActiveHybrid 7, which is due next spring.

Ian Robertson, BMW’s Munich-based board member for sales and marketing, was flanked by both vehicles at the Los Angeles auto show when he presented an upbeat assessment of the company’s prospects, including “a clear increase of retail sales in November,” followed by “further solid growth” in December and “a relatively moderate sales decline in a range of 10 to 15 percent for the whole year of 2009.”

The full hybrid X6 is no economy car: BMW claims it’s the most powerful hybrid in the world, with 485 horsepower from a turbocharged V-8 complemented by two electric motors. The ActiveHybrid X6 can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds. The performance emphasis denies the vehicle any kind of fuel economy breakthrough: it achieves 17 miles a gallon in the city and 19 on the highway.

Mr. Robertson repeated the refrain, familiar from several European carmakers, that diesel is a good alternative to hybrids. “Some 60 to 70 percent of our sales in Europe is diesel,” he said. “The American consumer has images of black smoke and poor performance, but that’s not true of modern diesels. We work very hard to communicate the benefits of diesels, but it’s fair to say that the U.S. has been slow in taking up the technology. But we’re making progress — 25 percent of X5 sales in the U.S. last month was diesel.”

Full article continued here

BMW’s first hybrid performance/luxury sedans will arrive in showrooms in Spring 2011 with a base MSRP of $103,125 including destination and handling for the ActiveHybrid 7 and $107,025 for the long wheelbase ActiveHybrid 7L.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Sedans feature BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and hybrid electric motor. The auto stop-start feature improves efficiency without interrupted climate control and other features.

Additional standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels and tires, Alcantara headliner, leather dashboard and ventilated active front seats. The Premium Sound System, Head-up Display and Rear View Camera are also standard on the ActiveHybrid 7 as are Comfort Access, Soft-close doors and Automatic trunkgate closing.

Options and packages include a Camera Package, Driver Assistance Package, BMW Night Vision and Rear Seat Entertainment Package. A Luxury Rear Seating Package is available on the ActiveHybrid 7L. A full list of options to tailor the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 to individual tastes is listed below.

2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 packages and optional equipment:
* Camera Package $350
*Side view cameras
* Cold Weather Package $800
* Heated steering wheel & rear seats
* Driver Assistance Package $1,350
*Automatic high beams, lane departure warning,
active blind spot detection
* Rear Seat Entertainment Package $2,200
* Multimedia player and two 8-inch screens
* Luxury Rear Seating Package (750Li only) $3,700
* Rear ventilated, massaging Comfort Seats
* BMW Night Vision $2,600
* 20-inch wheels $1,300
* Power Rear Sunshades $1,000
* Ceramic controls $650
* 6-disc DVD-changer $600
* iPod/USB-Adapter $400
* Satellite radio $350
* Smartphone integration $150

See Twitter Opinions from Drivers

The “pumped up” V8 twin-turbo engine produces 40 horsepower more than the engine found in the 750i/Li models to a total of 400 horsepower. The overall combined output is being advertised at 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It runs from 0-62 mph in only 4.7 seconds (as tested by Autocar )

With these preliminary data, let’s take a look at what Autocar reports:

What’s it like?

Despite the advanced technology and various modifications – all of which add 100kg to the kerb weight – the Active Hybrid 7 instantly feels more muscular than the 750i, thanks to the added power and extra torque.

The upshot is a car that wafts along serenely at town speeds and can be coaxed into a rapid cruise at ridiculously low revs; the combined efforts of the petrol engine and electric motor provide the Active Hybrid 7 with enormous low-end urge and a pleasingly relaxed gait at motorway speeds that is further enhanced by the 7-series’ excellent gearing and overall refinement.

BMW’s claim that the Active Hybrid 7 boasts the performance of a V12 is fully backed up by the claimed 0-60mph time of 4.9sec, which makes it 0.3sec quicker than the 750i.

Given the performance, its combined cycle consumption of 30.1mpg and CO2 rating of 219g/km is outstanding, also bettering the 750i by 5.3mpg and 47g/km respectively in short-wheelbase guise.

The petrol engine shuts down when you brake to a standstill to conserve fuel, leaving you contemplating the silence until you step away from the brake again, at which point the big V8 bursts back to life. There’s no characteristic turbine whirl of the starter motor because there is none. Instead, the automatic stop-start function is achieved via the main electric motor.

Full article at Autocar

At least on paper, the two BMW hybrids seem to maintain the sportiness that characterizes the BMW brand while still being more efficient than the standard models. The X6 Hybrid and 7 Hybrid, while share the same core ideas on fuel efficiency, they are still using quite different technologies.

The ActiveHybrid 7 uses a different electric drive setup from the X6 Hybrid and it’s being considered a mild hybrid. BMW ActiveHybrid X6 features a two-mode hybrid system which allows the X6 to run either on its electric motors alone at low speeds, internal combustion or a combination of both.

The ActiveHybrid 7 uses its V8 twin-turbo with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor which is positioned between the engine and the torque converter.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the differences between these two hybrids, feel free to check out our previous article.

In the mean time, we’re going to share with you some high quality wallpapers and also some links to the Multimedia interactive websites that focus on these two hybrid models.

BMW ActiveHybrid Experience

BMW ActiveHybrid X6

BMW ActiveHybrid 7

This symbiosis of an upgraded twin-turbo, High Precision Direct Injection, V8 engine with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 a combined output of 455 hp and maximum torque of 516 lb-ft (preliminary figures). Power is transmitted via an 8-speed automatic transmission with the electric motor positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor receives its supply of energy from a lithium-ion battery developed specifically for use in this automobile.

Precisely controlled interaction of both power sources serves to maximize the efficiency and dynamic performance of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. The result is a unique driving experience that demonstrates the performance capabilities of modern hybrid technology. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (preliminary), while delivering fuel economy approximately 15% better than the 750i. Official EPA ratings will be available closer to the US market launch.

BMW ActiveHybrid technology also provides new features that promote efficiency while preserving comfort. As an example, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is the first BMW with automatic transmission to feature Auto Start Stop to maximize efficiency by avoiding engine idling when stopped. Another advantage is that the air conditioning and ventilation system remains fully operational when using Auto Start Stop. In this case, power is supplied directly through the 120-volt on-board network powered by the lithium-ion battery.

Special displays in the instrument cluster and the Central Display inform the passengers of the degree of efficiency and the current operating status of the hybrid components. The ActiveHybrid 7 is distinguished from the 750i by aerodynamically-tuned ten-spoke 19-inch light-alloy Aero wheels, and model designations on the trunk lid, C-pillars, and on the door cutouts. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is also available in Bluewater Metallic exterior paintwork.

Like existing BMW 7 Series models, BMW’s first luxury sedan with ActiveHybrid technology will enter the market in two body variants. The extended version of BMW ActiveHybrid 7 has a wheelbase increased by 5.5″, all of which is devoted to the enhanced comfort of rear-seat passengers. Both models are available with a wide range of options from the portfolio of equipment and accessories offered on the BMW 7 Series, enabling the tailoring of the ActiveHybrid 7 to individual tastes and requirements.

BMW ActiveHybrid: A key element of the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 takes an innovative approach to ensure outstanding efficiency in this segment. At the same time this unique sport sedan offers dynamic driving characteristics at a level that one would expect from The Ultimate Driving Machine. BMW ActiveHybrid is an important element within the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy meant to offer technologies able to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions on every new model while enhancing driving performance.

BMW uses hybrid technology because it can make an effective contribution to the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions. As a rule, the savings potential of hybrid technology increases with the power of the combustion engine interacting with the system. In the case of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 precise coordination of the electric motor and the V8 serves to optimize the efficiency of the combustion engine under all operating conditions.

Intelligent energy management for generation, storage and use of electric power.
The ActiveHybrid concept stores energy in a compact, high-performance lithium-ion battery. The processes of charging the battery, supplying power to the electric motor, and electric ancillaries are managed by a control unit developed specifi¬cally for the BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Energy Regeneration:
Electric power captured using no extra fuel.
BMW ActiveHybrid technology uses energy that would be normally converted into heat through the brakes, and therefore wasted in conventional cars. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 features an enhanced version of Brake Energy Regeneration already used in some current BMW models running on a combustion engine alone. In this case the integrated electric motor acts as a generator when coasting or applying the brakes, in order to feed electric power into the battery. Brake Energy Regeneration converts some of the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electric power for the on-board network whenever the driver lifts off the accelerator or applies the brakes. On acceleration, electricity is fed back into the on-board network from the lithium-ion battery. This sequence relieves the combustion engine from the task of converting some of its fuel energy into electric current, and thus enables the engine to provide more power directly to the rear wheels. The result is better acceleration even than the 750i, despite the fact that the additional power is obtained in a way that does not require additional consumption of fuel.

When the driver requires only a small amount of brake force, the system uses only the drag of the electric generator (motor). The mechanical brakes are activated only when the driver presses down the brake pedal harder for more stopping power. Dynamic Stability Control controls the balance of electrical and mechanical braking so adeptly that the driver does not even perceive the transition from braking with electric power to braking with the mechanical brake system.

Two interconnected on-board networks for flexible management of energy.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 features both a conventional 12-volt on-board network fed by an absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery and an additional battery featuring lithium-ion technology operating at 120-volts. The lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric motor as required and serves to start the engine. Electric power generated by Brake Energy Regeneration is fed into both on-board networks. The air conditioner compressor on BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is integrated in the 120-volt network. All other electrically operated functions of the car are supplied by the 12-volt network. The two on-board networks are connected by a voltage converter featuring flexible energy management. Both batteries are charged and maintained through Brake Energy Regeneration. The 12-volt battery is fed with energy from the high-voltage network.

Cutting-edge battery technology: lithium-ion with superior capacity and multi-cycle operating strength.
BMW found that lithium-ion battery technology offers sufficient energy storage capability while taking up minimal space. The result is that the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 gives up almost no luggage capacity to its conventional siblings (750i and 750Li), because the 120-volt battery is small enough to be mounted underneath the trunk floor. Furthermore, the weight penalty incurred by this battery is minimal, meaning less energy is consumed to carry it. Using this technology enables the ActiveHybrid 7 to maximize storage capacity and acceleration in the hybrid luxury sedan segment. It is the fastest-accelerating hybrid sedan in the world.

The useful energy provided by this high-performance battery is 400 watt-hours. The battery itself is comprised of 35 cells and an integrated control unit which continuously analyzes the charge level and ensures appropriate dependability under all conditions. Despite its high level of performance, the lithium-ion battery measures just 14.6 x 8.7 x 9.1 inches (37 x 22 x 23 centimeters) and weighs a mere 59.5 lb or 27 kg.

Hence, it is only slightly larger than a conventional car battery and is housed conveniently in the trunk floor between the wheel arches of BMW ActiveHybrid 7, safely surrounded by a high-strength special casing. This location provides protection for the battery and helps to preserve the 7 Series’ ideal 50-50 weight distribution. The luggage compartment with its capacity of approximately 13 cu. ft. offers adequate space for four 46-inch golf bags.

Twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine with High Precision Direct Injection.
The combustion engine is the innovative reverse-flow V8 introduced in the BMW X6. The world’s first V8 gasoline engine with two turbochargers in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders develops power throughout the entire engine speed range. The spontaneous and direct response of this engine results from its compact configuration, which allows the shortest exhaust manifolds.

Displacing 4.4 liters, this outstanding engine delivers its maximum output of 440 hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm. Peak torque of 475 lb-ft is maintained from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm, with High Precision Direct Injection ensuring precise supply of fuel at all times. Piezo-injectors positioned in the combustion chambers between the valves ensure a smooth, efficient and clean combustion process. The engine fulfils the European EU5 standard as well as the ULEV II standards in the US.

Compared with the engine featured in the BMW 750i/Li, this version has been modified in numerous respects to the specific requirements of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. There is no starter, alternator, or belt drive for the air-conditioning compressor and hydraulic pump. The cooling system has been modified for hybrid operation. The result is remarkable power from idle. The response of the engine is enhanced by the electric motor with its additional torque. The direct response to the accelerator pedal is impressive when compared either with conventional 7 Series models or existing hybrid vehicles already in the market. Acceleration to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (preliminary) ranks it among the fastest and most thoroughbred sports cars in the world. Top speed of BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is electronically limited to 150 mph.

Electric motor starting and supporting one of the most advanced V8s.
The three-phase synchronous electric motor featured in BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is positioned between the engine and the torque converter, and is connected to the crankshaft. Shaped like a disc, the electric motor weighs 50.7 lb (23 kg). Its compact design ensures full integration in the transmission housing.

The electric motor generates boost of approximately 20 hp and peak torque of 155 lb-ft. When operating as a generator in Brake Energy Regeneration, the electric motor produces approximately 27 hp of brake force.

In total, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 features a maximum system output of 455 hp and peak torque of 516 lb-ft (preliminary). Normally, this level of power output would require a correspondingly high increase in fuel consumption. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7, in contrast, combines its power with an equally impressive increase in fuel efficiency of about 15%.

8-speed automatic transmission in combination with Auto Start Stop.
To transmit the drive power developed jointly by the V8 and the electric motor, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 features a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission specifically tailored to the demands of hybrid technology. This high-tech transmission combines shift comfort, sportiness and efficiency at unprecedented levels.

The new 8-speed close-ratio automatic transmission uses an inno¬vative gear-set configuration providing two additional gears and a larger overall gear range than the 6-speed automatic transmission used by BMW without negative effects on size, weight, or internal efficiency. With the new transmission, the V8 engine is better able to stay in the power peak while ensuring greater overall efficiency.

Overall efficiency is further enhanced with the Auto Start Stop function. Auto Start Stop automatically switches off the combustion engine at idle, eliminating fuel consumption when stopped. Once the driver’s foot comes off the brake pedal, the engine restarts instantaneously.
Starting of the V8 engine is accomplished by the electric motor, which is supplied with power from the high-voltage battery. This enables the engine to start extremely quickly and without any vibration. The automatic transmission is maintained in a “ready-to-drive” mode by a new hydraulic pressure accumulator for the valve body of the transmission. Additionally, the engine control unit “remembers” engine crank position and uses delay-free ignition to restart the engine in less than one crank rotation. The engine is also switched off when the driver uses the Auto Hold function. The driver just has to slightly press down on the gas pedal in order to reactivate the engine.

Continuous climate control in all circumstances.
The climate control system in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is supplied with power directly from the high-voltage battery, thus ensuring all the usual functionality regardless of whether the engine is running.

Hence, operation of Auto Start Stop does not compromise the infotainment or climate system operation. The desired interior temperatures are maintained consistently, regardless of how frequently or for how long the engine shuts off.

The standard 4-zone automatic climate control has a parked-vehicle function activated whenever desired by remote control. This feature serves to cool down the interior in hot weather before getting into in the car. The highly efficient air conditioning system can reduce in interior tem¬perature quickly and efficiently by more than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, providing pleasant starting conditions in an appropriately cool and pleasant passenger compartment. By running on pure electric power, the air conditioner compressor begins cooling the car more quickly than in a conventional system.

Efficiency made visible: special display concept.
Featuring Black Panel technology, the instrument cluster in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is supplemented by an energy flow display in the lower section of the tachometer, a blue arrow shows the current status of Brake Energy Regeneration. When accelerating, an additional graphic display illustrates the boost effect generated by the electric motor.

Using the iDrive control system in the Central Display, the driver is able to see a detailed view of the interaction between the V8 engine and electric motor. Beyond the current charge level of the lithium-ion battery, this display also shows the real-time flow of energy. As an alternative to this graphic display, the system can analyze the current efficiency. In this case a bar graph, which is updated every minute, shows the efficiency levels achieved by the hybrid components during the last fifteen minutes.

Cutting-edge suspension technology for maximum control and comfort.
When the new BMW 7 Series was introduced in 2009, it set new standards for comfort and driving dynamics. The double-wishbone front suspension and an enhanced Integral-V rear suspension provide the ActiveHybrid 7 with the ride comfort one would expect of a BMW sport-luxury sedan with the handling and control of a sports car.

The long-wheelbase version of BMW ActiveHybrid 7 includes self-leveling rear suspension. Both models are fitted with BMW’s vehicle speed-variable Servotronic power steering as well as Driving Dynamics Control. The driver is able to choose the preferred shock absorber setting, the appropriate operation of Dynamic Stability Control, the shift character of the automatic transmission, as well as the throttle response and Servotronic steering assist.

The brake system on the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 provides excellent stopping power in every situation. Inner-vented discs and floating calipers front and rear guarantee resistance to fade. The ActiveHybrid 7 comes standard with 19-inch light-alloy rims in an aerodynamically optimized ten-spoke Aero turbine wheel design, unique to this model. Likewise, runflat tires measuring 245/45 R19 front and 275/40 R19 rear enable the driver to continue even after a complete loss of pressure at a speed of up to 50 mph for up to 150 miles. As an added measure of security, the Tire Pressure Monitor will warn the driver if ever the pressure in any of the tires drops more than 20 percent.

ActiveHybrid safety systems.
The safety concept for the car’s hybrid components is comprehensive. All components in the high-voltage system feature full insulation and special plug connectors. The lithium-ion battery is protected by a high-strength steel housing and is positioned between the wheel wells in the luggage compartment, and has already been subjected to a wide range of crash tests. Last but not least, the entire high-voltage system is automatically switched off within a fraction of a second in case of a malfunction or collision.

Best of Hybrid: flexible development for optimized concepts on each model.
The hybrid components featured in BMW ActiveHybrid 7 were developed jointly by BMW and Daimler in a cooperation project seeking to develop and test components for hybrid drive in luxury performance cars. Apart from the electric motor and the lithium-ion battery, this joint venture also served to develop the power electronics for the high-voltage network featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Each manufacturer subsequently integrated the hybrid components into the respective model in accordance with individual, brand-specific requirements. One of the unique characteristics of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is exemplified by the combination of an electric motor with a V8 engine.
BMW ActiveHybrid is based on a modular principle which, following the Best of Hybrid strategy, ensures perfect integration of the optimum component in vari¬ous vehicle concepts. Hence, the mild hybrid concept of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is tailored ideally to the specific requirements of this model as is the full hybrid concept for BMW ActiveHybrid X6, which will arrive at BMW Centers later this year.

The second hybrid to use the same technology will be the X6 ActiveHybrid which will launch this year as well.

The BMW 7 Series Hybrid uses a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine that delivers 407 horsepower and 442lb ft, working in combination with an AC electric motor that can add another 20 horserpower and 155lb ft of torque. In mild hybrid form, the result is 15 percent less fuel consumption and emissions (in the EU test cycle) versus a combustion engine only equivalent.

To improve even more the fuel efficiency, the start/stop technology and the part-time alternator have been implemented in the Hybrid version as well. Other standard hybrid features, such as regenerative braking and optimized aerodynamics.

The 7 Series Hybrid comes as a response to Mercedes-Benz’s S400 Bluetec Hybrid and it’s expected to cost over $100,000.

[More spy photos at SpyShots.nl ]

Thanks for the tip Shrawan!

The ActiveHybrid Concept was unveiled back at the L.A Auto Show, where we had the opportunity to spend some time with the car.  We also learned there that the BMW 755ih uses a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 petrol engine that delivers 407 horsepower and 442lb ft, working in combination with an AC electric motor that can add another 20 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque.

Being developed under the BMW EfficientDynamics program, the 7er Hybrid uses new technologies to improve even more the fuel efficiency, starting with the the Start/Stop technology and the part-time alternator, and continuing with the “Brake Energy Regeneration” system which conserves and reuses the braking energy to power the Hybrid vehicle.

Judging from these new photos, there seem to be no major difference between the Hybrid and the regular 7 Series models, of course, if we were to ignore the large Hybrid stickers found on the car. Inside, we can still see a laptop and cables used by the German engineers during the testing process.

The BMW 755ih will be available in late fall and the pricing is expected to jump over the $100,000 mark.

[Source: BimmerToday and Andreas ]

Despite the fact that many auto sites are calling the new 7 Hybrid as the 750ih, we have learned from a source that the final naming convention will be……755ih. Regardless of the name, the production model will make its debut on German soil at the Frankfurt IAA car show.

The BMW 755ih uses a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 petrol engine that delivers 407 horsepower and 442lb ft, working in combination with an AC electric motor that can add another 20 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. To improve even more the fuel efficiency, the start/stop technology and the part-time alternator have been implemented in the Hybrid version as well. The braking energy is being conserved and reused to power the Hybrid vehicle.

In the last few years, BMW has put a lot of effort in the EfficientDynamics program and the 7 Series Hybrid is the “icing on the cake”.

BMW 7 Series Hybrid Photo Gallery

In mild hybrid form, the result is 15 percent less fuel consumption and emissions (in the EU test cycle) versus a combustion engine only equivalent.

The 7 Series Hybrid comes as a response to the Lexus LS 600hL and Mercedes-Benz’s S400 Bluetec Hybrid which was unveiled in 2007 at the L.A Show.

To improve even more the fuel efficiency, the start/stop technology and the part-time alternator have been implemented in the Hybrid version as well. Other standard hybrid features, such as regenerative braking and optimized aerodynamics.

The system uses a modular hybrid system which can be adapted to many different engine/vehicle combination, as opposed to a design-specific petrol engine/hybrid combination, which sees wider use in the automotive industry and it was jointly developed with Daimler, Chrysler and General Motors.

The 2010 BMW 7 Series Hybrid will go on sale late this year.

[Source: MotorAuthority ]

Continuing the L.A coverage with another highly expected BMW, the 7 Series ActiveHybrid. The 7er Hybrid was already presented at the Paris Auto Show last month, but I finally got to see the car live. Again, BMW put up a whole show around it and the car basically brought down through a ramp onto the main stage, with the whole event being surrounded by lights, smoke and the proper music.

This shows one more time the effort BMW is putting into promoting the EfficiencyDynamics technology and it shows clearly, again, the direction they are going to take. The 7 Series ActiveHybrid looks pretty much the same as the regular 7er, sporting the usual “hybrid blueish color” along with some cool tinted windows. The car was locked so we didn’t get to see the interior.

The press conference I uploaded earlier touches the 7 Series Hybrid in more detail, so feel free to scan through it again.

Here are some of the first photos we snapped, but I should have more a little bit later.

Press Release

Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are delighted to be here in L.A. – since California is the largest market within the USA for our company.

The BMW Group is a pioneer in the field of efficient premium cars. And the state of California is a global leader when it comes to reducing greenhouse gases.

Today we will be presenting:
• three U.S. premieres for BMW
• and an absolute world premiere for MINI

These vehicles also bring new engine technologies to the market. They offer exactly the kind of green mobility that our customers are demanding here in the U.S. and around the world. No other car company has reduced CO2 more over the past few years than the BMW Group. This has been confirmed by international environmental bodies and NGO’s.

Behind all of this is our unique developing strategy EfficientDynamics. For many years now we have been taking various steps to reduce the consumption and emissions of our cars while still remaining: The Ultimate Driving Machine.

Our customers do not even have to give up large sedans – as least not when they offer both top performance and fuel economy like a BMW.

You have the proof right here next to me: the new BMW 7 Series!

No other sedan in the luxury class combines the best in dynamic driving performance and driving pleasure with such style, comfort and luxury. Whether you are behind the wheel or a passenger – you will experience the unbeatable standards of innovation, efficiency and safety the new 7 Series offers.

Here are three examples:
• An infrared camera warns the driver of pedestrians on the road at night.
• The second-generation i-Drive is even easier to use.
• The optional rear wheel drive – combined with Active Steering – ensures greater driving pleasure, dynamic performance and safety.

The 7 Series has been the BMW brand’s flagship for more than 30 years. The previous BMW 7 Series was the most successful 7 Series ever.

The new BMW 7 Series will be launched on the U.S. market in spring 2009. The BMW 750i will be the first car available – and it will also be offered at the same time in the long wheelbase version.

Today, we offer our customers the most efficient vehicles in the premium segment. We are also developing new concepts for individual mobility.

Hybrids are an important step for us on the way to the future. We can show you what it looks like in a BMW – right here. This is the U.S. debut for the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid.

Dr. Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development

What you see here is a further step in BMW EfficientDynamics. It means: The Ultimate Driving Machine with even lower fuel consumption.

This car combines a completely new highly efficient V8 twin turbo gasoline engine with an electric drive as part of a mild hybrid concept. The electric drive produces 20 horse power and has a maximum torque of 210 Newton meters.

The electrical power is used primarily to supply the on-board power system. It also supports the combustion engine in clearly defined driving situations. In this way we can substantially enhance the engine.

What does that mean for customers?
• First: The highest level of efficiency in the luxury class combined with the best dynamic performance among hybrid vehicles.
• Second: 15 percent less fuel than a comparable combustion engine.
The new BMW 7 Series will be available as a hybrid version. We will be presenting the series model of the hybrid version as early as next year.

The same applies to the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid. This vehicle is also on display here at our stand.

The new BMW X6 has been available in North America for about six months. It is proving very popular with customers. We have sold more than 3,700 vehicles so far in the U.S. Globally we have sold more than 19,000 vehicles so far.

Customers will soon have the choice between a highly-efficient combustion engine and the hybrid version. This is real progress – and real environmental responsibility at the BMW Group.
It is already possible to drive extremely economically using a different kind of engine technology.

I am talking about the diesel engine. Norbert Reithofer will now present BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance.

Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG

Exceptionally economical – and yet still sporty and dynamic to drive – that is BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance.

We are now offering our American customers: The BMW X5 xDrive35d and the
BMW 335d Sedan.

The BMW 335d Sedan is among the finalists of the “Green Car of the Year Award” – presented here at the L.A. Auto Show.

Both models are here at our stand. Both models meet the strict US BIN 5 emission standard.
And they are true “50 states cars”. Both models will be available at our American dealerships from December of this year.

BMW has a long tradition of sporty diesel engines. We have won the renowned “Engine of the Year Award” several times.

We are convinced that BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance is particularly suitable for environmentally-conscious American customers:
• It offers the best performance-to-efficiency ratio.
• It has huge potential for cutting emissions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The dream of driving emission-free has already become reality:
Making its world premiere here in L.A.: the MINI E!

Our Project i is working on various concepts for new mobility. The first baby of this project is the MINI E with electric drive. By the end of the year we will have 500 MINI E’s available to customers in Los Angeles and New York City.

Their experiences with this electric car will provide valuable input:
• How do customers like it?
• How well is the electric drive accepted?
• What kind of infrastructure do we need?

The input and feedback from our customers will help us in preparing for series production.
If any of you would like to drive a MINI E: Starting now, you can apply for one of the 500 MINI E’s on the MINI USA web page.

When we developed the MINI E we were able to draw on our experience: Back at the Olympic Games in 1972 there was an electric car from BMW driving alongside the marathon.
This time we decided that our first car for customers with an electric drive should be a MINI.
Lots of Americans love MINI. And they want to drive a green car.

That is why we have seen MINI sales grow more than 30 percent in the U.S. over the first ten months of this year. That makes the United States the largest single market worldwide for both our BMW and MINI brands. The electric drive fits well in a MINI.

The MINI E is clearly a car of the premium class. And it is suitable for everyday driving as well:
• Right now, you can drive about 156 miles or 250 kilometers
with this car.
• The lithium-ion battery needs only around two hours or a bit more to be fully recharged.

The MINI E is not some kind of study that we roll out in one event after another. The MINI E belongs on the road.

That is why we want:
• our customers to go shopping with it
• to bring the kid to school with it
• to go on outings on the weekend with it.

156 miles will easily take you from the Convention Center here down to San Diego, for instance.

We will factor all of this input into series development.

It is also important for us to work closely with political decision makers. For alternative drive technologies to have a future, we need reliable parameters.

Dr. Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development

The MINI E’s 150 kilowatt electric engine accelerates from 0 to 62 in 8.5 seconds. And the acceleration does not stop until it reaches 95 mph.

What makes the MINI E special is that it gets off to a flying start and unleashes its full engine power from the word go – because an electric engine always delivers maximum torque.

To ensure the MINI E achieves the same level of responsiveness as a regular MINI, we adjusted the suspension and the Dynamic Stability Control. Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important. This MINI E offers another option for drivers in the future. The energy efficiency of the MINI E is so outstanding that you only need one kilowatt hour of electricity to drive about five and a half miles.

For our customers that means: The MINI E has enough range for you to make your daily commute in any major city in the world. In the evening you just recharge your MINI E at home.

The MINI E went through a modified, but rigorous, development process, just like our series-produced MINI. As such the MINI E meets both European and American safety standards.
Electric cars require additional safety precautions:

• So we have color-coded all current-carrying equipment in the engine compartment.
• Another safety feature is: The power supply is interrupted if the hood is opened. And there is an emergency cut-off in the trunk which isolates the MINI E from the lithium-ion battery.

Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG

Throughout the USA – especially after the election – there is a strong sense of a new era beginning. The BMW Group is also on the move towards creating a new era for individual mobility.

Now, I’d like you all to join us here on stage to discover our new cars! Experience these efficiency advancements for yourselves as well!

Miss Swank joins Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Will Ferrell, Jay Leno, Edward Norton, Cameron Diaz, Melissa Etheridge and others who have opted for a BMW Hydrogen 7 as their energy-efficient ride of choice.

According to BMW, initially only 100 units were manufactured and along with famous actors, many politicians and world economists have received a “green” 7er as well.

Obviously, this is great PR for BMW and I’m sure they scored major points with the public, especially the BMW fans. And as a personal note, I do see Hillary in a 7 Hydrogen before Cameron Diaz. Not sure why…..