The All New 2002 BMW 7 Series Makes North American Debut At Greater Los Angeles Auto Show

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Jan. 3 -- The new BMW 7 Series will make its North American debut at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show in January. The flagship 745i and the long wheelbase 745Li will be shown prior to going on sale at the end of the month.

The new BMW 7 Series points the way to the future of the luxury/performance sedan. The fourth generation BMW flagship sets new benchmarks for performance, luxury, design and safety with a multitude of technological highlights, an innovative vehicle control concept and dynamic interior and exterior styling.

The Benchmark in Performance: Revolutionary V8 with the World's First Six-Speed Automatic

The 4.4 liter V8 in the 745i and 745Li may share displacement with its predecessor, but technical advancements abound. Power, flexibility and efficiency are optimized through a level of variability never before seen. Valve timing (via Double VANOS), valve lift (via Valvetronic) and, for the first time ever, intake tube length, all adapt continuously. This level of control enables the new V8 to set new standards for performance and efficiency. The new 4.4 liter V8 is rated at 325 horsepower and 330 lb-ft. of torque.

This revolutionary powerplant is mated to an equally revolutionary transmission -- the world's first production six-speed automatic. It uses shift-by-wire technology and is operated by an all-new selector behind the steering wheel. This innovative drivetrain yields outstanding performance with a 0 - 60 mph time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

The BMW 7 Series is famous for its superlative blend of ride comfort and handling prowess. The new 7 combines a new all-aluminum suspension with Active Roll Stabilization. ARS improves handling by combining special sensors with two active anti-roll bars to reduce body ``roll'' or ``lean.''

The Benchmark in Luxury and Design: The iDrive Concept

With iDrive, the new 7 presents a bold new concept for interaction between driver and automobile. In the course of this step into the future, innovative alternatives were even found for the gearshift lever and ignition key. Along with a unique array of functions, there is also a drastic reduction in and reorientation of controls.

The elements of immediate importance for driving are located in and around the steering wheel, and a few frequently used basic functions may be found in the center of the dashboard. Most of the other functions -- including navigation, telephone, climate control and entertainment systems -- are all controlled through an intuitively operated Controller, set in the center console, in concert with the Control Display, mounted high in the center of the dashboard for easy reference. iDrive means simple, safe operation of, and convenient access to, the myriad features at the driver's disposal.

The Benchmark in Safety: ISIS, HPS II, Active Head Restraints and Active Knee Protection

Passive safety innovation has been a 7 Series hallmark. HPS II works with the optional rear side airbags to provide inflatable head protection for rear seat passengers as well as front. Active Head Restraints offer enhanced protection in rear impacts. In the U.S. the new 7 will feature Active Knee Protection with unique airbag protection for the knees of front seat passengers. Coordinating all of the passive safety systems is the Intelligent Safety and Information System. An evolution of BMW's Integrated Deployment Logic, ISIS uses a variety of sensors to tailor the restraint systems' response to a more precise reading of each impact.