Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept

Wow. Just... wow. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept, revealed in all its roofless glory at the 2013 Nürburgring 24 hour race.

Take a moment to just look at it. It's been built because of course, this year marks Aston's 100th anniversary, and there's no way the company was going to simply get a Tesco's cake and blow up a few balloons. No, this was designed and constructed in less than six months at Aston's Gaydon headquarters under special projects and motorsport director David King's discerning supervision.

Design director Marek Reichmann and exterior stylist Miles Nurnberger crafted the radical two-seater's shape, looking back to the glorious DBR1 from 1959 that took the Le Mans crown with Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori behind the wheel. "The brief was simple," said Miles, "yet enormously testing: create something that reflects the 100 years of AM heritage and signals the future of the brand."

Aston also makes the DB9, the Vantage, the Virage, the Rapid, Vanquish AM 310 and the One-77.

Future, you say? While this concept is a one-off showpiece designed to wave the British flag high and proud, there's more than a few design cues tucked away in the sleek body that, we're told, teases ‘potential future design direction'. Yes please.

Underneath sits the company's latest generation ‘AM11' 6.0-litre V12, which produces a lovely 555bhp, mated to a six-speed hydraulically actuated automated sequential manual transmission driving the rear wheels. It's based on Aston's VH platform - which underpins production AMs - and measures in at 4.5m long and two metres wide.

It's quick, too. Aston tells us it'll go from 0-62mph in just four seconds, and is limited to a top speed of 180mph. Why so quick? Well for a start, just look at the sleekness of the silhouette. Also, that exterior (and interior, for that matter) was built entirely from carbon fibre by ‘low volume specialists' Multimatic, which no doubt keeps the weight nice and low (no precise figure, mind).

Says Dr Bez: "I have nicknamed it DBR100 because of its affinity to the great 1959 race-winning cars, and of course, our anniversary. But this car shows that the soul of Aston Martin is as powerful as ever."

For the parade lap, Aston drafted in Sir Stirling Moss to pilot the classic DBR1 on the ‘Ring, right behind Aston chief Dr Bez in the CC100, and a brace of drool-worthy AMs including the One-77 and the DB5. Oh, and seeing as we've mentioned Sir Stirling, anybody else notice the CC100's resemblance to the SLR Stirling Moss? No, us neither...

Have a click through the pics and let us know what you think: should Aston throw caution to the wind and produce a limited run of these CC100s? In related news, the one-off Aston DB4GT - the ‘Jet' - styled by Bertone sold for a massive £3.2m, making it the most expensive Aston Martin sold at auction. There's a pic of it in the gallery.

BMW F01/F02/F03/F04

The BMW F01 is the current BMW 7 series that went into production in September 2008. The long-wheelbase model, codenamed BMW F02, is 14 cm (5.5 in) longer than the BMW F01.

It competes with the Audi A8/S8, Merc S-Class, Bentley Continental Flying Spur and the Maserati Quattroporte. 

Initial release 

The car was unveiled in the Red Square in Moscow (Russia) on 8 July 2008, and later in 2008 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

Early models include 740i, 750i, 730d, 740Li, 750Li. US models of 7 Series vehicles went on sale in early 2009.

730d, 740d, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760i, 760Li were added in 2009 as 2010 model year vehicles, with 740d introduced in autumn.

740d xDrive was added in September 2010. The optional comfort seats in the rear compartment are now also available in a three-seat version.

US models went on sale in early 2009. Early models included 750, 750Li (rated 400 bhp (300 kW) and 450 lb·ft (610 N·m)).

In 2010, the North American lineup was expanded with the V12-powered BMW 760Li, and the ActiveHybrid7. The ActiveHybrid7 is the first BMW with automatic transmission to feature an Auto Start Stop function avoiding idle speed operation of the engine when at a standstill or in traffic jams.

In the 2011 model year, the Alpina B7 and BMW 740i/Li were added. BMW initially did not have plans to sell the 740i/Li in the United States market; however they responded to requests from their American dealers who were impressed after test driving the Euro-market 7 Series. US models of 740i and 740Li went on sale in April 2010 as 2011 model year vehicle.

740Li Vantage 

It is a version of the 740Li sold in Hong Kong market, which does not include TFT screens for the back seats, navigation system and comfort seats, and is HK$200,000 lower than the original.

BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid (2008) 

The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is a concept model that uses the engine from 750i, but adds an electric motor rated 20 PS (15 kW; 20 hp) and 210 N·m (150 lb·ft) torque. Electric motor is integrated into the transmission housing replacing alternator and starter. Other features include auto start stop, 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid system was based on the 2-mode hybrid from Daimler AG. The regenerative braking unit includes 12V Absorbent Glass Mat batteries, running in parallel to 120V electrical network for electric motor. BMW claims it improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions by 15% over the non-hybrid model, despite weighing 221 pounds (100 kg) more. The car's exterior profile was designed by Karim Habib, Team Leader, Advanced Design for BMW in Munich, Germany.

The car was first unveiled in 2008 Paris Auto Show, and later in 2008 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

Neiman Marcus Limited-Edition 2009 BMW Individual 7 Series (2009-) 

It is a limited (31 units) version of 2009 BMW 7 Series Sedan for the US market, based on BMW 750Li, commemorating 31st anniversary of BMW 7 Series vehicles. Designed by the team at BMW Individual, it included Diopside Black metallic body colour, BMW Individual Champagne Merino full leather upholstery, interior Piano Black trim elements, BMW Individual steering wheel in Piano Black finish with wood ring insert and BMW Individual branding.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicle went on sale beginning on October 16, 2008 through authorized BMW dealers, before the 2009 launch date.

760Li High Security and 750Li High Security (F03) 

BMW has also announced the F03 7 Series as their High Security line, including the 750Li High Security and 760Li High Security. Both of them were certified with BRV 2009 and VR7 ballistics protection. The non-transparent sections have been certified as having VR9 levels of protection. This is the first set of cars to be granted such high levels of security. It included undercarriage armour, 6 cm safety glazing at multi-layer laminated glass

ActiveHybrid 7 (F04) 

It included wheelbase increased by 14 centimetres.

ActiveHybrid 7 and a production model were premiered at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, and later in Monaco Yacht Show 2010.

US model went on sale in Spring 2010.

BMW 730Li (2009-) 

It is a version of BMW 7 Series long wheelbase sedan for Asian market. It included a 2,979 cc (2.979 L; 181.8 cu in) I6 engine rated 258 PS (190 kW; 254 hp)@6600rpm and 310 N·m (230 lb·ft)@2600rpm, six-speed automatic transmission.

BMW Individual 7 Series Composition (2010-)

It is a limited version of BMW 7 Series with a choice of black or white body colour.

The vehicle was unveiled in Hamburg factory of Steinway & Sons, and later in Monaco Yacht Show 2011.

HSH Prince Albert II limousine (2011) 

It is a limited (200 units) version of BMW 7 Series limousines supplied by BMW Group for the wedding of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. It included metallic black body, six-cylinder inline engine.

BMW ALPINA B7 (2010-) 

Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH has produced the ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo performance variant, also known as the BMW 750i Alpina B7, for the F01/02 7 Series commencing with the 2011 model year. The Alpina B7's engine is assembled by hand at Alpina's facility in Buchloe, Germany, before being shipped to BMW for installation, and the assembled vehicle is then sent back to Alpina for finishing touches.

Alpina B7 BiTurbo (LWB)

Alpina's variant of the N63 twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 makes 507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp) / 700 N·m (516 lb·ft), while retaining the same fuel economy as the regular N63. This is the first time that BMW M and Alpina are using the same type of forced-induction for their powerplants; Alpina's engine has less horsepower but more torque than the BMW M5 (F10).

Alpina's modifications to the standard N63 include high-performance pistons and reinforced cylinder heads to withstand the additional stress from a higher compression ratio. A larger intercooler, with a 35-percent increase in surface area, is fitted to lower intake temperatures. An additional radiator lowers coolant temperatures, and external coolers are added for the engine and transmission oil. The electric fan is also upgraded to increase airflow through the new high-performance components. To move more oxygen through the engine, larger and lighter turbochargers (the vanes measure 44 mm in diameter) are fitted to keep the whole package running smoothly and Alpina engine management software increases boost to 14.5 psi (1.0 bar vs. the standard engine's 0.8 bar) and recalibrates both stability- and traction-control with more aggressive settings. The blowers exhale into three air-to-liquid intercoolers, an arrangement that helps maintain maximum airflow even during long lapping sessions at a racetrack. There is also a bigger (2.7-inch) dual exhaust system that vents gasses out the back through the rear apron.

A ZF six-speed automatic sport transmission with heavy-duty gears (taken from ZF's transmissions for trucks) is found in the B7. The B7 also features a choice of regular or long-wheelbase and/or rear-wheel drive or xDrive.

The 2011 Alpina B7 undercuts competitors such as BMW's own 2010 760Li (powered by a 6.0L biturbo V12 engine) and the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG (initially powered by a 6.2L V8 from 2007–10, updated for 2011 with a 5.5L biturbo V8). Although the S63 AMG's new engine is more powerful, the B7 still has better performance overall and is more track-oriented; indeed Autoblog found that the B7 could keep pace with a much smaller BMW M3 E92 Coupe.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 Chicago Auto Show, and went on sale in Spring of 2010. Production version went on sale as 2011 model year vehicle, which includes standard- and long-wheelbase editions.

BMW Alpina B7 xDrive (2010-) 

The vehicle was announced in 2010 Chicago Auto Show, and unveiled in 2010 New York International Auto Show. Production version went on sale as 2011 model year vehicle, which includes standard- and long-wheelbase editions.

Equipment 

• Night vision
• Head-Up Display,
• Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel-drive)
• xDrive (available for the first time on the 7 Series, for the 750i/Li and Alpina B7 in 2010+, and then the 740i/Li in 2013+)
• Rear view camera,
• Sideview (two cameras in the front bumper that look to the left and right)
• Topview (of the two additional cameras in the exterior mirrors, the side-view cameras, reversing camera and sensors from the PDC to create an overall picture of the vehicle and its environment, and show it from the air) and
• Speed limit display For this, a camera will check street signs with speed limits. These are displayed in the speedometer, as well as head-up display.

Beginning in autumn 2011, M Sport package option is available for BMW ActiveHybrid 7. BMW ConectedDrive is available. BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition includes additional visual and audible alerts to warn the driver even more effectively if pedestrians or cyclists are about to move into the car’s path. The new Real-Time Traffic Information function works in conjunction with a navigation system to give the driver extremely precise information on the traffic situation on motorways, country roads and selected city routes. The new Apps function allows reception of Web Radio stations and in-car use of online services Facebook and Twitter.

Engines

Petrol engines 

Model	Years	Engine code	Power	Torque
730Li	2009-	N52B30	258 PS (190 kW; 254 hp)@6600	310 N·m (230 lb·ft)@2600
740i/Li	2008-	N55B30	326 PS (240 kW; 322 hp)@5800	450 N·m (332 lb·ft)@1500-4500
750i/Li	2008-	N63B44	407 PS (299 kW; 401 hp)@5500-6400	600 N·m (443 lb·ft)@1750-4500
750i/Li xDrive	2009-	N63B44	407 PS (299 kW; 401 hp)@5500-6400	600 N·m (443 lb·ft)@1750-4500
750Li High Security	2009?-	N63B44	407 PS (299 kW; 401 hp)@5500-6400	600 N·m (443 lb·ft)@1750-4500
760i/Li	2009-	N74B60	544 PS (400 kW; 537 hp)@5250	750 N·m (553 lb·ft)@1500-5000
760Li High Security	2009?-	N74B60	544 PS (400 kW; 537 hp)@5250	750 N·m (553 lb·ft)@1500
ActiveHybrid7 / ActiveHybrid7L	2010-	N63B44	449 PS (330 kW; 443 hp)
		electric motor	20 PS (15 kW; 20 hp)
		combined	465 PS (342 kW; 459 hp)@5500-6000	700 N·m (516 lb·ft)@2000-4500
ALPINA B7	2010-		507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp)@5500	700 N·m (516 lb·ft)@3000-4750
ALPINA B7 xDrive	2010-		507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp)@5500	700 N·m (516 lb·ft)@3000-4750

Diesel engines 

Model	Years	Engine code	Power	Torque
730d	2008-	N57D30	245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp)@4000	540 N·m (398 lb·ft)@1750-3000
730Ld	2009-	N57D30)	245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp)@4000	540 N·m (398 lb·ft)@1750
740d	2009-	N57D30TOP	306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp)@4400	600 N·m (443 lb·ft) @1500-2500
740d xDrive	2010-	N57D30TOP	306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp)@4400	600 N·m (443 lb·ft) @1500-2500

Transmissions 

Model	Type
730Li	6-speed automatic (ZF 6HP26 transmission)
740i, 740Li	6-speed automatic with Steptronic (ZF 6HP26 transmission)
750i, 750Li	6-speed automatic with Steptronic (ZF 6HP26 transmission)
750Li High Security	6-speed automatic
750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive	6-speed automatic with Steptronic (ZF 6HP26 transmission)
760i, 760Li	8-speed automatic with Steptronic (ZF 8HP transmission)
760Li High Security	8-speed automatic
ActiveHybrid7, ActiveHybrid7L	8-speed automatic with Steptronic (ZF 8HP transmission)
ALPINA B7	?
ALPINA B7 xDrive	6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic with Steptronic
730d	6-speed automatic with Steptronic
730Ld	6-speed automatic with Steptronic
740d	6-speed automatic with Steptronic
740d xDrive	8-speed automatic with Steptronic

Performance 

The following performance figures are taken from the BMW 7 Series web site under 'Models and technical data.' The top speeds are electronically limited where noted with an asterisk.

Model	Drive	0–100 km/h acceleration (s)	Top speed
730Li	RWD	7.8	245 km/h (152 mph)
740i/740Li	RWD	5.9/6.0 (5.1 Car&Driver)	250 km/h (155 mph)*
750i/750Li	RWD, AWD (optional)	5.2/5.3	250 km/h (155 mph)*
750Li High Security	RWD?	7.9	210 km/h (130 mph)*
760Li	RWD	4.2	250 km/h (155 mph)*
760Li High Security	RWD?	6.2	210 km/h (130 mph)*
ActiveHybrid7/ActiveHybrid7L	RWD	4.9	250 km/h (155 mph)*
ALPINA B7	RWD	4.7	302 km/h (188 mph)
ALPINA B7 xDrive	AWD	?	?
760Hi/760HLi	RWD	4.6	250 km/h (155 mph)*
730d/Ld	RWD	7.2/7.3	245 km/h (152 mph)
740d	RWD, AWD (optional)	6.3	250 km/h (155 mph)*

The N63 twin turbo 4.4L V8 engine of the F01 BMW 750i/Li matches the performance of the previous-generation E65 760i/Li, powered by the naturally aspirated N73 6.0L V12 engine, while also having similar torque to the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, equipped with a naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 engine.

The V12 engine for the F01 760i/Li was redesigned as a twin turbo 6.0L (BMW N74) in order to maintain its status as the flagship of the range. The 2010 BMW 760Li is priced similarly and has matching performance with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, however the 760Li is positioned more as a cruising limo while the S63 is a hardcore sports sedan. The BMW 760Li is also less expensive and faster than the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S600 (equipped with a 5.5L biturbo V12 engine). Unlike previous generations of the 7 Series, the V12 engine is now only available in the long-wheelbase model.

The N54 twin turbo inline-6 engine of the 740i, despite being down 85 hp (63 kW) and 120 lb·ft (160 N·m) to the 750i’s twin-turbo V-8, weighs about 100 pounds (45 kg) less. In a comparison test, the 740i could make the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) run in 5.1 seconds compared to the 750i's 5.2, although the 750i catches up at 70 mph (110 km/h). Fuel economy of the 740i is 17 mpg city and 25 highway, compared with the 750i’s 15/22 and the ActiveHybrid 7's 17/26. Handling for the 740i/Li is improved over the 750i/Li due to a more balanced weight distribution (the 740i has 239 pounds less over the front axel). The BMW 740i is also quicker than some V8 flagship sedans such as the Hyundai Equus and Lexus LS 460 as well as the 2011 BMW 535i (powered by the single twin-scroll turbo N55 engine despite the 535i weighing 300 pounds less), while tying the 2011 Audi A8 4.2 FSI quattro.

2009 BMW 750i (F01) sedan (U.S.).

Production 

BMW 740i and 740Li made up 10% of overall 7 Series sales in the U.S. (which is expected to rise up to fifteen percent in the upcoming years), while the 760Li had 2%. 70% of the 7 Series cars sold are the "L" long-wheelbase models. 

Marketing 

In the project "Mataró Chauffeur Service", BMW provides 7 Series vehicles for the taxi firm arranged by Spanish artist Martí Anson.

7 Series vehicles were used in the official opening of the historical stage of the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Russia.

12 black 7 Series limousines (from Freys Hyrverk) were used in 2011 Nobel Prize ceremony.

2012 update 

Changes include

• New full-LED headlights, a prominent BMW kidney grille and a modified front apron
• New to the cockpit are the multifunctional instrument display allowing the driver to select a variety of information and the central Control Display with 3D graphics.
• New Rear Seat Entertainment package.
• New and upgraded engine variants.
• Eight-speed automatic transmission is fitted as standard.
• Advanced features such as coasting mode, proactive hybrid technology and the Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode.
• Optimised chassis – with self-levelling air suspension at the rear axle – gives long-distance comfort a noticeable boost.
• New Connected Drive highlights: latest-generation Professional navigation system, BMW Night Vision + Dynamic Light Spot, anti-dazzle LED High-Beam Assistant, BMW Parking Assistant, Driver Assistant Plus, Active Protection.

The 750i and B7 received upgraded versions of the N63 engine that add Valvetronic, while the 740i replaces its twin-turbo N54 with the N55 twin-scroll (single) turbo with Valvetronic. The ActiveHybrid 7 replaces its N63 V8 with the N55 inline-6. While the N54-powered 740i was only available in rear-wheel drive, the 2013 740Li with the N55 engine has optional xDrive.

The vehicles were unveiled in 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and later in Monaco Yacht Show 2012. The vehicles went on sale in July 2012.

US models went on sale in late summer 2012 as 2013 model year vehicles. Early models include 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750i, 750i xDrive, 760 Li, ALPINA B7, ALPINA B7 LWB, ALPINA B7 SWB with xDrive, ALPINA B7 LWB with xDrive. ActiveHybrid 7 L arrived in early fall 2012.

BMW ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo (2012-) 

It is a performance version of 2013 BMW 7 Series Sedans. It included new BMW kidney grilles, updated Xenon Adaptive headlights, LED front fog lights, and updated tail lights, 21" ALPINA Classic 20-spoke wheels, stunning ALPINA Blue Metallic body colour, increased top speed to 312 km/h (194 mph) (310 km/h (193 mph) on xDrive models).

The vehicle was unveiled in Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August 2012 and went on-sale immediately thereafter. Early models include B7 Standard Wheelbase, B7 SWB with xDrive, B7 Long Wheelbase, B7 LWB with xDrive.

Canada models include only xDrive vehicles.

BMW 7 Series High Security (2012-) 

It is an armoured version of BMW 7 Series with VR7 and VR9 resistance class.

The vehicle was unveiled in GPEC 2012.

V-12 25th Anniversary Edition (2012) 

It is a limited (15 units) version of 2013 BMW 760Li for the US market, commemorating 25th anniversary of BMW V-12 engines. It included:

• BMW Individual Champagne Full Merino Leather upholstery with black piping
• black floor mats and rear footrests with contrasting piping in Champagne
• door sills, headrests and iDrive controllers badged with "V-12 25 Years Edition"
• Rear Seat Entertainment with iDrive control
• 20-inch Individual wheel style 301 with performance tires
• Alcantara headliner in champagne (sides of headliner in black)
• A/B/C pillars in black leather
• Rear parcel shelf in Anthracite Alcantara
• BMW Individual Piano Black Wood trim
• Piano black wood inlay in steering wheel
• Shadowline exterior trim

The vehicle went on sale for $159,695 including destination and handling.

Engines

Petrol engines

Model	Years	Engine Type/code	Power, torque@rpm
730i/Li	2012-	2,996 cc (2.996 L; 182.8 cu in) I6 (N52B30)	258 PS (190 kW; 254 hp) @6600, 310 N·m (230 lb·ft)@2600-3000
740i/Li	2012-	2,979 cc (2.979 L; 181.8 cu in) I6 twin scroll turbo (N55B30)	320 PS (235 kW; 316 hp)@5800, 450 N·m (332 lb·ft)@1300-4500
740Li xDrive	2012-	2,979 cc (2.979 L; 181.8 cu in) I6 twin scroll turbo (N55B30)	320 PS (235 kW; 316 hp)@5800, 450 N·m (332 lb·ft)@1300-4500
750i	2012-	4,395 cc (4.395 L; 268.2 cu in) V8 twin scroll twin turbo (N63B44Tu)	449 PS (330 kW; 443 hp)@5500, 650 N·m (479 lb·ft)@2000-4500
750Li	2012-	4,395 cc (4.395 L; 268.2 cu in) V8 twin scroll twin turbo (N63B44Tu)	450 PS (331 kW; 444 hp)@5500, 650 N·m (479 lb·ft)@2000-4500
750i/Li xDrive	2012-	4,395 cc (4.395 L; 268.2 cu in) V8 twin scroll twin turbo (N63B44Tu)	449 PS (330 kW; 443 hp)@5500, 650 N·m (479 lb·ft)@2000-4500
760i/Li	2012-	5,972 cc (5.972 L; 364.4 cu in) V12 twin turbo (N74B60)	544 PS (400 kW; 537 hp)@5250, 750 N·m (553 lb·ft)@1500-5000
ActiveHybrid 7, ActiveHybrid 7 L	2012-	2,979 cc (2.979 L; 181.8 cu in) I6 twin scroll turbo (N55B30)	320 PS (235 kW; 316 hp)@5800, 450 N·m (332 lb·ft)@1300-4500
		electric motor	55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp)@?, 210 N·m (155 lb·ft)@?
		combined	354 PS (260 kW; 349 hp)@5800-6000, 500 N·m (369 lb·ft)@1300-4500
760Hi/HLi *(Not confirmed by BMW yet)	?	5,972 cc (5.972 L; 364.4 cu in) twin turbo V12(N74B60) + electro Engine	590 PS (434 kW; 582 hp) @5250, 780 N·m (575 lb·ft) @1500-5000
ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo	2012-	4,395 cc (4.395 L; 268.2 cu in) V8 twin scroll twin turbo (N63B44Tu?)	540 PS (397 kW; 533 hp)@5200-6250, 730 N·m (538 lb·ft)@2800-5000
ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo xDrive	2012-	4,395 cc (4.395 L; 268.2 cu in) V8 twin scroll twin turbo (N63B44Tu?)	540 PS (397 kW; 533 hp)@5200-6250, 730 N·m (538 lb·ft)@2800-5000

Diesel engines

Model	Years	Engine Type/code	Power, torque@rpm
730d/Ld	2012-	2,993 cc (2.993 L; 182.6 cu in) I6 turbo (N57D30)	258 PS (190 kW; 254 hp)@4000, 560 N·m (413 lb·ft)@1500
730d xDrive	2012-	2,993 cc (2.993 L; 182.6 cu in) I6 turbo (N57D30)	258 PS (190 kW; 254 hp)@4000, 560 N·m (413 lb·ft)@1500
740d	2012-	2,993 cc (2.993 L; 182.6 cu in) I6 twin turbo (N57D30TOP)	313 PS (230 kW; 309 hp)@4300, 630 N·m (465 lb·ft)@1500
740d xDrive	2012-	2,993 cc (2.993 L; 182.6 cu in) I6 twin turbo (N57D30TOP)	313 PS (230 kW; 309 hp)@4300, 630 N·m (465 lb·ft)@1500
750d/Ld xDrive	2012-	2,993 cc (2.993 L; 182.6 cu in) I6 triple turbo (N57D30TOP)	381 PS (280 kW; 376 hp)@4400, 740 N·m (546 lb·ft)@2000

BMW ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo is sold as BMW ALPINA B7 in US/Canada.

BluePerformance emission control option is included with 750d xDrive, 750 Ld xDrive; and as option in 730d.

Beginning in spring 2013, BMW 760i and BMW 760Li becomes EU6-emission compliant.

Transmissions 

All models include 8-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic function.

Production 

As of 2012-09-10, all 15 of the "V-12 25 Years Edition" 760Li Sedans were sold out.

Mahindra S101

Mahindra may have repeatedly denied working on a small car, but a good picture, as the saying goes, is worth a thousand words. Caught out in the open with its camouflage partially removed, this is Mahindra’s new compact sub-four-metre car. Looking for all the world like a jacked-up version of a large hatchback, the new S101 (as it is known internally) will join Mahindra’s two other compact offerings, the Quanto and the compact Verito, in the company’s own sub-four-metre club. 

It will compete with Chevrolet's much anticipated EcoSport and Renault's Duster.

Who in the Indian government could have dreamt that a sop to encourage sales of hatchbacks would result in a slew of compact utility vehicles, compact saloons and compact crossovers or SUVs like this one? It’s all down to one thing, of course — Indian engineering ingenuity or juggad. Modifying things to fit our requirement is part of our DNA, after all. 

Dodge Charger Daytona

                                     
 This is, perhaps, the only other muscle car that makes the 'standard' Dodge Charger 1969 look meek. This huge winged, nose cone-d Dodge Charger variant is rarer than a duck in a desert. And that, only makes it that much more desirably and tempting to collectors and enthusiasts.   

With the failure of the 1969 Dodge Charger 500 on the highbanks of the superspeedways (tracks of a mile, or more in length), the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona was created. It was intended to be a high-performance, limited-edition version of the Dodge Charger produced in the summer of 1969 for the sole purpose of winning high profile NASCAR races. It won its first race out, the inaugural Talladega 500 in the fall, although it was a rather hollow victory as all of the top names had left the track on Saturday in a boycott of the 1969 Talladega race. Buddy Baker in the #88 Chrysler Engineering Dodge Charger Daytona was the first driver in NASCAR history to break the 200  mph mark on March 24, 1970 at Talladega. The 1969 Dodge Daytona won two races in 1969 and another four in 1970 for a total of 6. Its successor, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird, won 8 races - all in 1970. (In a bit of irony, in 1969 a Daytona won at Talladega, and a Ford Torino Talladega won at Daytona.) These compare with 29 NASCAR victories for the 1969 Ford Torino Talladega, and 8 for the 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II. The 1969 Dodge Charger 500 managed to win 22 NASCAR races over the 1969 and 1970 seasons; however, all but one of those victories came on the short tracks - several of which were still being run on dirt at the time.

Dodge also manufactures the Charger (LX), Challenger and the Viper supercar. 

One of the five famous aero-cars, the Dodge Daytona featured special body modifications that included a 23 in 0 (580 mm) stabilizer wing on the rear deck, a special sheet-metal "nose cone" that replaced the traditional upright front grille, a flush rear backlight (rear window area), a 'window cap' to cover the original Charger's recessed rear window, specific front fenders and hood that were modeled after the upcoming 1970 Charger, stainless steel A-pillar covers and fender mounted tire clearance/brake cooling scoops. The Daytona was built on the 1969 Charger's 500 trim specifications, meaning that it carried a heavy-duty suspension and brake setup and was equipped with a 440 CID Magnum engine as standard. Of special note to collectors is the optional 426 CID Hemi V8 engine, which only 70 of the 503 Daytonas carried. It had a corporate cousin in the "one year-only" 1970 Plymouth Superbird.

The "Winged Warriors", as they were affectionately known, did not compete for long in NASCAR's top Cup series. Because of their exceptional speed and performance, NASCAR subsequently changed the rule book, effectively banning all five of the Aero Cars from Dodge, Ford, Mercury, and Plymouth from competition by the end of 1970. See also Plymouth Superbird, Ford Torino Talladega and Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II for additional information about the aero cars.

The Dodge Daytona is now a very rare and valuable collectible, with 440-powered Daytonas reaching into six-figure territory and 426 hemi-engined cars passing the $300,000 mark. The "Super Charger IV EL", which looked like a roadster prototype spin-off of the Charger Daytona minus the roof and spoiler, is seen as a pimp-mobile in the 1974 film Truck Turner. Actually, it was just an older Charger show car updated with a SuperBird nose.

Porsche 918 Spyder official details out

Porsche has released fresh information on its halo car, the hybrid/hyper 918 Spyder. The 918 that was first shown to the world at the Geneva motor show in 2010 is the oldest of the three latest
hyper cars of this generation. Over the past three years Porsche have steadily been releasing details on the car and by now most of the facts are cemented. The 918 is a hybrid that comprises a bespoke
race engineered 4.6-litre V8 engine coupled with two electric motors. Earlier power figures stood at a combined 795PS but Porsche have now disclosed that total power stands at 887PS.

It will compete with the Ferrari LaFerrari and the McLaren P1. 

Now before you think that this is some sort of answer to Ferrari and McLaren’s announcement of their 900 plus PS hyper cars you should know that this was always part of the plan. You can’t simply inject a further 100PS into a road car so late in the engineering cycle. While the LaFerrari and P1 use an F1 style KERS style electric motor that stores energy generated by braking, the Porsche’s system is more like a conventional hybrid and the downside of this is the added weight. This and the four-wheel drive system means the 918 weighs in at a hefty 1640kg in the light weight ‘Weissach package’. The McLaren weighs less than 1400kg while the LaFerrari is an even lighter 1255kg.

The 918’s performance is earth shattering; 0-100kmph takes 2.8s, and the car goes on to hit 200kmph in 7.9 seconds. Those figures are up there with the competition but while the Porsche takes 23 seconds to hit 300kmph the McLaren needs just 17seconds while Ferrari quotes an unbelievable 15.5 seconds. That’s about the same time your average hatchback takes to hit 100kmph! What the Porsche properly trounces the other two on is CO2 emissions and fuel efficiency. It manages to produce just 79g/km and return about 33.3kmpl which is just phenomenal for an 887PS vehicle, but also a bit redundant in the hyper car game.

The 918 is a true technical tour de force. The entire structure is of course built in carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) but even the structural load points on which the engine and suspension are connected to the body are now also constructed in CFRP to save weight over the regular aluminium constructions. The car features active aerodynamics with flaps and wings that automatically adjust according to the driving conditions. The engine that is based on the unit from the LMP2 RS Spyder race car revs upto 9150rpm but the car can also run on pure electric power till speeds cross 150kmph. There are five different modes for the power sources ranging from full electric to full power from all three motors. Our favourite feature with the design however has to be the sexy exhaust openings in the engine bay – a first for a production car.

The 918 that promises to be the gene pool of all future Porsches will go on sale in the second half of this year. It will cost about Rs 6cr before duties and production will be limited to 918 examples. This is at around the same time that Ferrari will be putting its Rs 8.5cr (499 units) LaFerrari on sale while McLaren’s limited run of 375 P1 hyper cars will go on sale for Rs 6cr each. There’s no saying which is
best as of yet but it is obvious that these are some of the most advanced cars the world has seen and that we’re about to witness one of the most legendary battles in automobile history when these three
are put to the test. All hail the hyper car.