Luxury car buyers should expect to see the new 7-Series from BMW at dealerships in April 2009, which is when production of the new sedan is expected to begin. The 7-Series will be riding on an all new chassis that will underpin, not two, but three different, large sedans, including the much-rumored “small” Rolls-Royce, Leftlane sources say.
The first, referred to internally at BMW as “F01,” will be the regular 7-Series sedan (see recent spy photos). Supplier sources tell us to expect a dramatic change from the current styling with a much sportier look and somewhat less controversial trunk/rear design.
BMW to differentiate regular, long 7er with styling
The second sedan, referred to internally at BMW as “F02,” will be a long wheelbase version of the 7-Series. The LWB model will not start production until fall or Winter of 2009. This would probably make it a 2010 model year car. Supplier sources have indicated that the styling between the regular 7er and LWB 7er will be more differentiated that we’re accustomed to with the current models. Expect the larger 7-Series to be more conservative in its styling.
Powertrains for the two 7-Series sedans should be largely unchanged from the current lineup, with the 4.8L V8 and the 6.0L V12 returning for duty. We’ve heard rumors of an additional twin turbo V8 good for 400 horsepower being available with the 7er, but so far we don’t have information on a TT V8 to bet the farm on it.
New Rolls-Royce
The third sedan that will be built on this new chassis is the surprise. Rolls-Royce will utilize the 7-Series platform to build a less expensive luxury car. Of course, “less expensive” in this case means the $150,000 to $200,000 range.
Rolls-Royce will be hoping to take a bite out of Bentley’s Continental Flying Spur with this new model. Production timing and styling still remain a mystery, however, we may get the first clue at the upcoming 2008 NAIAS.
Parent company BMW and Rolls-Royce have admitted a smaller Roller is in the pipeline, but they have not disclosed technical details.
Rolls-Royce CEO recently said the new model will be “unmistakably a Rolls-Royce” and should “more than double our overall sales.”
11/30, 12:31 PM
posted by:
SD650irag
twin turbo 7 - please make it appear now!
11/30, 12:42 PM
posted by:
MY Si
A sporty Rolls? thats Absurd!!! This is Blasphemous!!!!! I WILL NOT STAND FOR IT!! (sits down)
11/30, 12:45 PM
posted by:
MY Si
Yay! i like the idea of the BMW though. We need more over here in the states than just the Alpina B7. How Nice it will be to have a twin turbo 7 series?
11/30, 12:55 PM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
A bloody tragedy governor.
It better have a rolls engine. They are a world renowned engine builder with an incredible history.
And for all those who pound the US and Jap names for badge engineering: and think BMW can do know wrong. What do you think of this $200,000.00 rebadge job.
How old will the 4.4 and 6.0 be in 2010.
11/30, 1:15 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
I like the current 760LI. Can’t wait to see the next-gen.
Who gives a **** about Rolls?
11/30, 1:24 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
The world’s best luxury car is getting re-done.
Wonderful.
Rolls-Royce is the only brand that can go “downmarket.” to BMW. When I was a teen, I rode 10-deep in a Rolls.
MY Si: “How Nice it will be to have a twin-turbo 7 series?”
How nice is there?
CA36GTP: “I like the current 760Li. Can’t wait to see the next-gen.”
Same here
11/30, 1:43 PM
posted by:
MY Si
what do ya mean?
11/30, 2:06 PM
posted by:
441Zuke
only 400 hp from a tt v8 what the hell, a n/a chevy makes 430 bmw could at least crank 550 to 600 out of that. and the they need to make a v-12 derived from the M3, M5, M6 family of engines.
11/30, 2:07 PM
posted by:
CTS DRIVER
^ it seemed strange to me too considering they have a 420hp na v8 with the m3, mabey lln meant 500hp.????????
11/30, 2:17 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
My Si: I mean it would be as nice as nice is possible
11/30, 2:18 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
What you need in this (very comfortable) beast is torque, not HP. I bet this engine will have insane foot-poundage at low RPMs. I don’t foresee any of these spending much time at WOT.
11/30, 2:21 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Smaller Rolls Royce based on a 7 Series BMW- sounds intriguing? Not only could they pass the Grey Poupon, the driver of such a fine motorcar might even be inclined to pass another car where there’s a corner involved.
11/30, 2:27 PM
posted by:
CTS DRIVER
^lol, no ****.
11/30, 2:59 PM
posted by:
LP640
Not so sure about the idea of a small Rolls Royce, but hey if expeanding the model line worked a HUGE revelkation for Bentley then lest hope it does the same for Rolls.
For heavens sake BMW please sort out the 7 series.
11/30, 5:08 PM
posted by:
atourya
Why should RR go downmarket? Their lineup is so undiluted right now, that there is no denying what car you are driving. Why not an ultra-luxe bmw instead?
By the way, does anyone else not like the new design of the RR projector headlamps? I saw one, and it looked like a second grade aftermarket modification.
I hope that BMW knows what it is doing in the long term, from a marketing perspective for RR. BMW seems to think that they know what consumers want better than the consumers know themselves.
11/30, 5:38 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
I keep associating RR With Rear engine, rear wheel drive.
11/30, 6:04 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
There’s too much ****ing money out there.
11/30, 7:18 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
Why should RR go downmarket? Their lineup is so undiluted right now, that there is no denying what car you are driving.
————————
Absolutely right. There is no denying you’re driving one of the most overpriced vehicles in the world.
12/01, 8:32 AM
posted by:
Aston Martin
For all you haters, Rolls-Royce is undoubtedly the finest car manufacturer out there. Own one (like me) and the sheer passion, quality and attention to detail will win you over. For example, the leather in the seats comes from farms which have no barbed wire, so there are no nicks or scratches on it. And the radiator grille is entirely made by hand. And 30 years on, mine still drives like a dream, it is perfect. However, a Roller that cheap is not good. The should go for the $300 000 mark.
Nevertheless, still the best automobiles in the world. Period.
12/01, 11:12 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
Aston megale, ti nea? AEK forever!!!
12/02, 9:11 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Great now JJT can say “Its just a BMW”
12/02, 10:12 AM
posted by:
autonut
I think it is a proper time or sport minded Rolls. In the past that was Bentley niche within Rolls empire. But since Bentley is wearing different colour yet German uniform, there is a room to apiece sport minded chauffeur driven zillioners
12/02, 2:10 PM
posted by:
Aston Martin
Re malaka, ti kaneis? Olympiakos!!
12/02, 3:44 PM
posted by:
67_L-88
Would never buy one, even If I had the money, but man Rolls Royces are BAD ASS. Just look at them.
12/02, 8:24 PM
posted by:
autonut
67_L-88, you cant buy one: you need 2 if you want one to be driven daily
12/03, 3:17 PM
posted by:
Driven
Why not an ultra-luxe bmw instead?
Comment by atourya, posted on November30
Mercedes tried that with the Maybach. The very expensive S600 was not well received. Rolls has a chance to come downmarket and succeed but bringing BMW $100k upmarket is a recipe for disaster. Since Rolls doesn’t have Bentley as the sport moniker anymore they should look to compete. A more sporty Rolls will do well.
12/03, 7:20 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
1115: “It’s just a BMW,” is like callikg a slut “just a 9.5.”