Next Gen G11 7 Series to Include Performance Topping M770i xDrive

Buzz about the G11 next generation 7 series is already building. With another 3.5 years left on the F01 7 Series and the 2013 7 LCI just arriving it might seem premature to get excited, but there are a lot of changes in store for BMW's range topping sedan. Remember BMW development and production processes take at least 5 years to complete so much of the ground work has already been set for the G11.

With the G11 we finally will see an M 7 series, but it will be an M Performance Automobile 7 Series and not a full blown M7. This goes against what we heard from the BMW NA CEO and President Ludwig Willisch at Bimmerfest 2012 California sponsored by HorsepowerFreaks. Generally BMW AG pulls rank over BMW NA so if Automobile has a source at BMW AG feeding them this information I think it is likely correct.

There are big changes in store for the 7 Series beyond offering a performance topping M770i xDrive. The entire process of production for G11 7 Series will be different from any other BMW. Weight is the enemy of performance and fuel economy. With ever tightening emissions regulations on both sides of the pond BMW, and the rest of the auto industry, cannot continue building bigger and heavier cars.

Enter BMW's massive investment in carbon fiber production technology. The i3 not only provides an entry level "mega city" car for BMW but also tons of technical information on mass producing carbon fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). With these technologies and the use of aluminum BMW plans on shedding at least 450 lbs off the curb weight of the G11 7er.

The sixth-generation 7-series exterior, previewed by our (very accurate) spy illustration by AUTOBILD / Larson, is the work of the recently appointed brand design director Karim Habib. Perfectly proportioned, the next big BMW is indeed a stunning sculpture-clean and streamlined and yet very elegant thanks to various cleverly applied horizontal chrome accents. The M-variant, not surprisingly, will wear a special aerodynamic body kit.

Read the complete run down on the G11 7 series from Automobile Mag

What do you think of the Automobile Mag rendering of the next gen 7 series and the weight savings brought on by BMW i technology?

wow! revolutionary, I can wait.
I'll have one in silver with cognac leather.
nice link from automobilemag.com
thx.

M version of the 7 series will be nuts. It should bring over customers that are currently going to Mercedes because of the S63/S65.

The front shot of the car looks mean!