It may be one of the most awesome ideas to hit a car in a long time, but BMW’s got a line of cars–specifically, the 7-series Sedan–with a whole slew of options, the most interesting of which is easily the night vision option.

Why is it so interesting, you ask?  Well, it’s not REALLY night vision at all, not in the conventional sense.  See, in standard night vision, specialized components collect and amplify ambient light, thus allowing one to see where there was entirely too little light to see by before.  While the BMW night vision DOES get some augmentation from the headlights, its primary imaging source is a thermal camera, making this more of a heat-detection system rather than a night vision system.

I’m not saying that this isn’t useful–far from it!  Living in an area that sees HUGE amounts of car-deer collisions every year, I’d love to be able to see those stupid things coming by something a little more reliable than my high beams.  But it’d cost more to get the device than it would to replace my car…it’s part of an option package that can add upward of twenty six thousand bucks to the price of an already-salty BMW.

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If recent reports are to be believed, we may be seeing two different hybrid versions of BMW’s newest 5 series models. Speculation comes to us from BMW Blog who says a company insider has notified them that the 2011 5 Series models will feature 2 different hybrid power trains. One model will reportedly feature the same power train used in BMW’s X6 ActiveHybrid while the other will feature the power train found in BMW’s latest 7 series vehicles.

Whatever the case, BMW is sure to have a hit with high level consumers who are looking for a fuel efficient and stylish looking vehicle.

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BMW has taken center stage to let us know that they will be showcasing two of their forthcoming ActiveHybrid vehicles at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. First up is the X6 ActiveHybrid that features 478HP from its dual electric engines coupled with a 4.4 liter V8. Second is the 7 Series ActiveHybrid which itself will feature 459HP and 561 pounds-feet of torque from its hybrid V8 engine.

As for fuel efficiency (which these hybrids are all about) BMW says that both vehicles will get an estimated 20% increase in fuel efficiency over their standard non-hybrid counterparts.

via Autoblog

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BMW has been known to beef up their vehicles with things like armor plating, bulletproof glass and run flat tires. Well, it seems that the automaker has turned towards their 7 Series as their next ultra-safe project

Pictured above is the 7-Series High Security marketed for everyone from politicians to the ultra-paranoid. Anyways, this vehicle features reinforced armor plating, chassis reinforcements, undercarriage armoring, a unique gap sealing for protection against flying shrapnel and multi-layer laminated glass. On the inside you’re looking at a fire extinguisher, assault alarm, intercoms, internal air supply, machine guin case, security radios you name it, this car has it.

Under the hood you’ll find a twin turbo 4.4-liter V8 or 6.0-liter V12 in the 750Li High Security and 760Li High Security, respectively.

Official press release after the break.

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BMW has recently come forth to give us official word that they will in fact be showcasing their 7-Series ActiveHybrid and X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

WorldCarFans reports that both cars are expected to utilize an electric motor capable of 14KW and 210Nm of torque. Of course, this will be coupled with the car’s twin turbo-charged 4.4-liter V8 to make for a slightly more palatable fuel economy.

Just how much more palatable? Well, BMW has previously said that the 7-Series ActiveHybrid will get a 15% boost in fuel economy while the X6 ActiveHybrid will get a 20% boost.

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BMW has recently come forth to talk about the Gentleman Function that will be included with this 7-series vehicles. Apparently, when you activate it the lights will dim, a nice scent will come out of the air ducts and music will begin playing to set the mood.

Only joking, the Gentleman Function does nothing more than allows the driver to control the passenger’s seat. Prior to this function, the seat memory buttons were located right on the middle console but with the updated series hitting these buttons will be moved to the driver’s door.

This function will apparently cater to those using the new vehicles to chauffeur others around. Instead of having to fuss with the buttons on the center console if the rear passenger needs some leg room the driver can subtly press the buttons right on his door. Un-needed? Probably, but remember BMW is all about luxury.

via Jalopnik

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BMW fans everywhere prepare yourself, what you see above is the all new forthcoming 7-series M Sport.

There’s now official word from BMW yet but rumor has it the above car will feature a 3.0L twin-turbo’d diesel engine capable of 306 hp and 442 pounds of torque. Unfortunately it’s not an M7 but perhapsthe 7-series M Sport’s updated bodykit, customized wheels, and M steering wheel, shifter and footrest will make up for it. Then again, probably not.

No word on pricing or availability as of now but we’ll keep you posted.

Read (Autoblog)

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