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THE ALL NEW 2002 BMW 7 SERIES
...BMW's New Flagship Sets New Benchmarks for Performance,
Luxury, Design and Safety
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
June 23rd, 2001, ... 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 that will come to these shores
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 333 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. of torque
(European ratings).
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 - 100 kph (0-62 mph) time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed
of 155 mph (European figures).
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.
Coming Soon
The new 7 will make its world debut at the IAA in Frankfurt in
September and will go on sale in Europe in two versions in
November. The 745i will make its U.S. debut at the North
American International Auto Show in Detroit in January and go
on sale here later that month.
BMW Group in America
BMW of North America has been present in the United States
since 1975. Since then, the BMW Group in the United States has
grown to include marketing, sales and financial service
organizations for the BMW and MINI brands; a South Carolina
manufacturing operation; DESIGNWORKS/USA, an industrial design
firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and
various other operations throughout the country. The BMW Group
is represented in the U.S. through a network of 341 car, 321
Sports Activity Vehicle and 153 motorcycle retailers. BMW US
Holding Corp., the Group's headquarters for North, Central and
South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers
via the World Wide Web on the BMW homepage at
http://www.bmwusa.com and www.miniusa.com.
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