BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid to also make debut at Frankfurt

This symbiosis of an upgraded twin-turbo, High Precision Direct Injection, V8 engine with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 a combined output of 455 hp and maximum torque of 700 Nm (preliminary figures).

Power is transmitted via an 8-speed automatic transmission with the electric motor positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor receives its supply of energy from a lithium-ion battery developed specifically for use in this automobile.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds (preliminary), while delivering fuel economy approximately 15% better than the 750i. Official EPA ratings will be available closer to the US market launch.

Special displays in the instrument cluster and the Central Display inform the passengers of the degree of efficiency and the current operating status of the hybrid components.

The ActiveHybrid 7 is distinguished from the 750i by aerodynamically-tuned ten-spoke 19-inch light-alloy Aero wheels, and model designations on the trunk lid, C-pillars, and on the door cutouts. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is also available in Bluewater Metallic exterior paintwork.

Both models are available with a wide range of options from the portfolio of equipment and accessories offered on the BMW 7 Series, enabling the tailoring of the ActiveHybrid 7 to individual tastes and requirements.

[B]BMW ActiveHybrid: A key element of the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy[/B]

BMW ActiveHybrid is an important element within the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy meant to offer technologies able to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions on every new model while enhancing driving performance.

In the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, precise coordination of the electric motor and the V8 serves to optimize the efficiency of the combustion engine under all operating conditions.

[B]Intelligent energy management for generation, storage and use of electric power[/B]

The ActiveHybrid concept stores energy in a compact, high-performance lithium-ion battery. The processes of charging the battery, supplying power to the electric motor, and electric ancillaries are managed by a control unit developed specifi¬cally for the BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

[B]Two interconnected on-board networks for flexible management of energy[/B]

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 features both a conventional 12-volt on-board network fed by an absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery and an additional battery featuring lithium-ion technology operating at 120-volts. The lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric motor as required and serves to start the engine.

Electric power generated by Brake Energy Regeneration is fed into both on-board networks. The air conditioner compressor on BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is integrated in the 120-volt network. All other electrically operated functions of the car are supplied by the 12-volt network.

The two on-board networks are connected by a voltage converter featuring flexible energy management. Both batteries are charged and maintained through Brake Energy Regeneration. The 12-volt battery is fed with energy from the high-voltage network.

[B]Twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine with High Precision Direct Injection[/B]

The combustion engine is the innovative reverse-flow V8 introduced in the BMW X6. The world's first V8 gasoline engine with two turbochargers in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders develops power throughout the entire engine speed range. The spontaneous and direct response of this engine results from its compact configuration, which allows the shortest exhaust manifolds.

Displacing 4.4 liters, this outstanding engine delivers its maximum output of 440 hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm. Peak torque of 644 Nm is maintained from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm, with High Precision Direct Injection ensuring precise supply of fuel at all times.

Compared with the engine featured in the BMW 750i/Li, this version has been modified in numerous respects to the specific requirements of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. There is no starter, alternator, or belt drive for the air-conditioning compressor and hydraulic pump.

[B]Electric motor starting and supporting one of the most advanced V8s[/B]

The electric motor generates boost of approximately 20 hp and peak torque of 210 Nm. When operating as a generator in Brake Energy Regeneration, the electric motor produces approximately 27 hp of brake force.

In total, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 features a maximum system output of 455 hp and peak torque of 700 Nm (preliminary). Normally, this level of power output would require a correspondingly high increase in fuel consumption. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7, in contrast, combines its power with an equally impressive increase in fuel efficiency of about 15%.

The new 8-speed close-ratio automatic transmission uses an innovative gear-set configuration providing two additional gears and a larger overall gear range than the 6-speed automatic transmission used by BMW without negative effects on size, weight, or internal efficiency.

Overall efficiency is further enhanced with the Auto Start Stop function. Auto Start Stop automatically switches off the combustion engine at idle, eliminating fuel consumption when stopped. Once the driver's foot comes off the brake pedal, the engine restarts instantaneously.

[B]Best of Hybrid: flexible development for optimized concepts on each model[/B]

The hybrid components featured in BMW ActiveHybrid 7 were developed jointly by BMW and Daimler in a cooperation project seeking to develop and test components for hybrid drive in luxury performance cars. Apart from the electric motor and the lithium-ion battery, this joint venture also served to develop the power electronics for the high-voltage network featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

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Credits: JRC