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7 Series - e65/e66 (2001 - ...) |
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Page 2 of 5
Prodigious power
At the heart of the launch models are two of the most refined and advanced V8
engines in the world.
Power is up by 14 per cent compared to the previous models (735i 272 bhp, 745i
333 bhp) and fuel consumption reduced by a similar amount (735i 26.3 mpg, 745i
25.9 mpg).
Both engines have 32 valves, Double-VANOS variable valve timing and BMW's new
variable valve lift technology called VALVETRONIC.
The latter system allows the inlet valves to regulate the amount of fuel/air
mixture entering the cylinders and so negates the need for a throttle butterfly.
This increases efficiency and reduces fuel consumption.
A world first is BMW's new variable length inlet manifold system, which allows
optimum breathing at all engine speeds.
Performance is impressive, the 735i launching from standstill to 62 mph in
7.5 seconds and the 745i in 6.3 seconds.
Maximum speeds are both limited to 155 mph.
Mated to both engines is another world first for a series production car - a
six speed automatic gearbox.
This has three modes; drive, sport and manual.
In manual mode, gears are shifted by using the Steptronic buttons on the steering
wheel.
Dynamic brilliance
An extremely stiff chassis and a new active suspension system are complemented
by the latest in electronic driving stability aids, to serve up the ultimate
driving experience for a luxury car.
But however hard the car is driven, the refinement and ride quality remain sublime.
Dynamic Drive active anti-roll is a standard feature.
Sensors detect when the car begins to corner and hydraulic actuators rotate
the asymmetric roll bars to lift the car on the outside of the bend.
This does not load the suspension (like some other systems) so the ride quality
remains perfect.
Body roll is reduced dramatically, although not eliminated, as this feels rather
unnatural, and helps to keep all occupants in even greater comfort.
An optional Electronic Damper Control system (EDC-K) has a Sport and Comfort
setting, but in each mode it constantly adjusts the damping rate to suit the
driving conditions at any given moment.
In Sport mode the dampers are stiffer and the steering has more weight.
As well as BMW's highly praised electronic active safety systems, such as Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Cornering Braking
Control (CBC), there is a new one called Fading Brake Support (FBC).
Temperature sensors in the brake discs detect excessive heat build-up and apply
extra force to the discs to compensate for any fade.
Under really extreme driving conditions, when disc temperature exceeds 600ºC,
engine torque is electronically reduced by 25 per cent to allow the brakes to
cool.
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