2009 BMW 7 Series

The all new 2009 BMW 7 Series features a variety of upgrades from the previous series. The exterior appears smoother and more refined than the previous model, which to some might seem boring, but to others classy. The 750i and extended wheelbase 750Li will both be fitted with a 400hp 4.4L Twin Turbo V8 with 450 ft-lbs of torque.

The 740i will also make it’s return, instead it will be fitted with a straight turbo 6.

Body enhancements include weight saving hot-rolled steel and aluminum parts.

Suspension enhancements to include a multi-link double wishbone front suspension combined with the all new “integral v” rear end suspension. Also expect a refined active damper control system with four modes for for shock-absorber firmness, transmission shift characteristics, engine-throttle response and power-steering assist.

The all new 7 series also recieves the new E Shift gear selector located on the center console.

The car also debut’s with BMW’s long awaited second generation iDrive system, which comes witha  larger display monitor and a new menu and control system (thank god!). It’s also fitted with the new iDrive controller which is surrounded with buttons for direct selection of the radio, CD, navigation and telecommunications menus.

Kpipalldaway2(what a name) of the bimmer forums was driving down the 880 on his way to get more parts for an upcoming meet up. All of a sudden he spies with his little eye something that rhymes with pain. Well it doesn’t rhyme with pain but he sees a black object plummeting towards him. The object strikes his car and goes through the roof breaking his shoulder, destroying his M3 and, had it landed a bit more towards the driver side, he wouldn’t have been around to tell the tale. In pain and showered in glass he brings his car to a safe stop and then does the only thing that makes sense to do, takes Pictures!

Check out the full story and some more pictures at the bimmer forums

Howdy Webriders! Dr. VW here. As I was cruising the net I discovered that there were several very cool things going on in the auto world that didn’t necessarily get the attention I thought they deserved. So in the spirit of weirdly underrated auto news, I bring you the Slipping Under the Radar Series part 1! Hit the jump to check out my first radical find!

BM1 M1 Concept

Quite possibly… the most amazingly good looking car I’ve ever seen. I found this while trolling, and it seems autoblog also did a report on it, yet no one seems to have noticed. Now, I’m a big fan of BMW when it comes to quality and performance and looks, but the M1 has always held a place in my heart as the forgotten illegitimate child of BMW. Created in a strange marriage between Lamborghini and BMW, the original M1 of the 70’s was one of the rarest and most interesting BMW’s ever produced. The original was hand built for only a few years, between 1978 and 1981. Designed by Giugiaro, the classic M1 took design features from the BMW Turbo Concept and from several other Italian super cars of the day. While boxy and angular compared to most of todays cars, no one can deny that this car had STYLE.

Fast forward to 2008. Concorso d’Eleganza. Villa d’Este. BMW rolls out THIS:

*Drool.* Some people might find it hideous… but personally this thing is that once in a generation ride that you’d give a kidney and your right pinky for. The ultra low stance, the wide body, the super narrow front headlights and the angular body lines give the car a stealthy, sinister look. Its a burnt orange F-117 Nighthawk… and the swept back profile denotes the ability for speed. Both the front and rear feature cavernous maws for the intake and exhaust, while the flattened rear hatch with the louvered rear window gives it a retro look. Although there wasn’t an interior and the car didn’t have any special powertrain options, I’m staying hopeful that this re-invented blast from the past makes it into production; so that maybe one day I can sell my organs and buy one.

Make sure to check out the whole gallery, leave a comment, and remember to head down into the forums for discussion! Check in next time for the next part of Auto Adventures- Slipping Under the Radar! This is Dr. VW- out.