William Maley

If we're being a bit honest, we're kind of confused as to why BMW has revealed two performance-oriented 7-Series. Earlier in the week, BMW announced the Alpina B7 xDrive which produces 600 horsepower from a somewhat massaged turbocharged 4.4L V8. Then yesterday, BMW announced the 2017 M760i xDrive, the latest addition to BMW's M Performance lineup. Was there a scheduling mix up at BMW's press office that caused both of these models to be announced within a few days of each other? Nevertheless, let us fill you in on the details of the M760i xDrive. The 760 designates that a V12 lies under the hood. In the case of the M760i xDrive, it is a twin-turbo 6.6L V12 with 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque - should be noted these are preliminary numbers and could change when the vehicle is launched. An eight-speed automatic and BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system gets all of the V12 power onto the road. BMW quotes a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds and a governed top speed of 155 MPH for the M760i xDrive. However, the Alpina B7 xDrive beats M760i xDrive to 60 MPH by 0.3 seconds (3.6 seconds) and has a higher top speed (193 MPH). Outside, the M760i xDrive gets an aerodynamic package that includes larger front air vents on the bumper and a set of side sills. Twenty-inch wheels finished in grey come wrapped in a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. BMW says the M760i xDrive will arrive sometime early next year. Pricing will be announced sometime before that. Source: BMW Press Release is on Page 2 The All-New 2017 BMW M760i xDrive. Superb performance and exceptional luxury combined. The allure of the most powerful BMW V12 production engine. First BMW 7 Series M Performance Automobile. Woodcliff Lake, N.J.- February 11, 2016…Today, BMW announced the all-new BMW M760i xDrive, the latest addition to the BMW M Performance line-up. With the introduction of the 2017 BMW M760i xDrive, the sixth generation BMW 7 Series adds the first M Performance TwinPower Turbo 12-cylinder to its offerings. The all-new BMW M760i xDrive combines luxurious driving, style, safety and innovative technologies while embodying M Performance dynamics with the integration of the first 12-cylinder gasoline engine with M Performance Twin Power Turbo technology. The BMW M760i xDrive will arrive early in 2017 and MRSP will be announced closer to launch. The allure of the most powerful BMW V12 production engine. The M Performance TwinPower Turbo 12-cylinder gasoline engine in the new BMW M760i xDrive has a displacement of 6,592 cc, developing 600 hp (preliminary figure) at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 590 lb-ft from as low as 1,500 rpm. These performance figures enable the luxury sedan to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds (preliminary figure) and on to a governed top speed of 155 mph. During the development of the all-aluminum block, the engineers focused on maximizing rigidity while also minimizing weight. Using a closed-deck construction combined with bolts holding the cylinder head down on the bed plate of the crankcase, the engine ensures maximum stability on the cylinder liners. Double bolts on the main bearings with an additional connection to the side panels through threaded support bushes and bolts reduce the influence of lateral forces from the crankshaft on the crankcase. Iron-coated aluminum pistons, forged connecting rods assembled using the cracking process, and a forged crankshaft, ensure vibrations and noise are kept to an absolute minimum. In addition, the M Performance TwinPower Turbo 12-cylinder gasoline engine boasts an array of special technical features allowing even better use of the potential provided by the engine’s design. M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology and High Precision Injection enable sharp and direct responses to even the slightest movement of the accelerator, a linear torque curve, exceptional efficiency and performance are all special traits of this new V12 engine. M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. Joining the V12 under an engine cover bearing “M Performance” lettering are two mono-scroll turbochargers in a compact arrangement on the outside of the two rows of cylinders, each supplying six cylinders with compressed air. The turbochargers stand out with their high level of compressor and turbine efficiency, and their positioning provides the ideal platform for short, straight and flow-efficient connections between the exhaust ports and the turbochargers. Two sophisticated air-to-water intercoolers cool the compressed air coming from each of the turbochargers in order to maximize the density of the intake charge. An additional water pump feeds the separate intercooler coolant circuit, whose air-to-water heat exchangers are now positioned directly on the intake manifold for the first time. M sport exhaust system delivers an emotionally rich V12 soundtrack. In order to reduce backpressure, the M sport exhaust system are routed as straight as possible and are as large possible in diameter given packaging constraints. The evolution of the rear silencers and flap activation system allows a broad acoustic spread, supplying everything from maximum refinement to a full-bodied 12-cylinder soundtrack. The system adapts to the situation at hand and the driver’s preferences with an emotionally rich 12-cylinder soundtrack that accentuates the dynamic character of the BMW M760i xDrive. The catalytic converters of the 12-cylinder engine are equipped with cutting-edge exhaust gas sensors that quickly reach their optimum operating temperature thanks to their positioning close to the engine. Injection system: Precision with 2900 psi of pressure. High Precision Injection optimizes the combustion process, contributing to the engine’s extraordinarily efficient utilization of the energy. Injectors positioned centrally in the cylinder head, constantly measure the fuel precisely and spray it into the combustion chambers in finely atomized form and at up to 2900 psi of pressure. The fuel is dispersed according to an ideal model calculated in complex processes, allowing extremely consistent and clean combustion. This also has a positive effect on emissions and engine acoustics. The mixture cooling brought about by the directly injected fuel also allows a higher compression ratio than that achieved by a turbocharged engine with manifold injection. The engine therefore works extremely efficiently, delivering greater performance and lower fuel consumption. The M Performance 12-cylinder engine also features Double-VANOS continuously variable camshaft timing. This technology allows the engine to breathe optimally across the entire engine speed range. The oil supply to the M Performance 12-cylinder engine has been similarly optimized. Its volume flow-controlled pump operates only when required and is therefore extremely efficient. The six-chamber pendulum-slide pump only supplies the amount of oil required by the engine in whatever state of operation it finds itself in. Instead of a manual dipstick, a display in the instrument cluster can be called up at any time during a journey to show the oil level status. 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission. The 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission on the new BMW M760i significantly contributes to the dynamic ability of this M Performance model. The M Performance-specific tuning of the shift programs, delivering sportier gear changes and even quicker downshifts throughout the rev range, has been specially adapted to the characteristics of the V12 engine. The specific transmission tuning is also perceptible to the occupants through the functions of the Driving Dynamics Control switch. Carefully avoiding converter slip outside of gear changes results in a direct, sporty connection between the driveline and the engine. The 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission is equipped with a Launch Control function paving the way for drivers to achieve optimum acceleration on demand. The 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission can also be operated via the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel for an ultra-sporty driving style. In manual mode, the transmission follows the classical blueprint by holding the selected gear even when the engine hits the rev limiter. Harmony of performance and ride comfort. The all-new BMW M760i xDrive, just like the sixth generation BMW 7 Series, uses BMW’s intelligent lightweight design utilizing high-rigidity and lightweight carbon-fiber elements in the passenger cell’s Carbon Core structure. This technology results in a low center of gravity essential for agility and dynamic handling. Performance mixed-size tires optimize contact with the road. The all-new BMW M760i xDrive is fitted as standard with exclusive, newly designed double-spoke 760M 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in a Cerium Grey metallic matt finish and with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (front: 245/40 R20, rear: 275/35 R20). This wheel/tire combination provides a noticeable improvement in driving dynamics without compromising the car’s cruising comfort. Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview. The new BMW M760i xDrive is equipped with the innovative Active Comfort Drive with Preview suspension system first introduced in the recently launched BMW 7 Series model range. Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview is an active suspension control system, which links up with two-axle air suspension and the Dynamic Damper Control system to deliver exceptional spring and damper comfort, not to mention extremely low vibration levels. It includes the updated version of the Dynamic Drive system, which reduces roll at the front and rear axles. The result is dynamic driving characteristics coupled with comfortable suspension tuning. Active roll stabilization is now carried out electromechanically and allows body roll forces to be cancelled out particularly swiftly and precisely when taking corners at speed. The adjustable anti-roll bars allow the suspension system the greatest possible freedom of movement, which raises comfort levels when driving in a straight line. The comfort-enhancing effect is further heightened by the standard air suspension, which has been retuned specially for the new BMW M760i xDrive and adapted to the car’s more dynamic character. Integral Active Steering. The new BMW M760i xDrive is fitted as standard with Integral Active Steering. The planetary gear set previously used at the front axle has given way to a variable steering rack ratio. By employing a more direct front axle steering ratio and turning the rear wheels in either the opposing or the same direction when steering – depending on the specific driving situation – this system reduces steering effort and increases both maneuverability in urban traffic and agility and directional stability during high-paced driving, while also ensuring an especially smooth and composed response when changing lane and cornering. The differing characteristics permitted by the steering electronics are linked directly to the Driving Dynamics Control switch and activated by selecting the relevant driving program. For their introduction in the BMW M760i xDrive, the characteristics of the steering system and all the other chassis control systems have been tuned specifically to the dynamic character of this 7 Series variant. Driving Dynamics Control switch with Adaptive mode. The Driving Dynamics Control switch in the new BMW M760i xDrive also allows the driver to activate Adaptive mode. This feature includes an anticipatory chassis control function and automatic selection of the driving mode best suited to the situation at hand. The advance information for regulating the combination of chassis systems is gleaned from the driving style analysis readings, data from the navigation system and a stereo camera. All the driving modes of the Driving Dynamics Control switch have been comprehensively retuned to suit the dynamic character of the new BMW M760i xDrive. BMW xDrive all-wheel drive. This intelligent system is able to distribute torque fully variable between the front and rear axle, thereby ensuring an extremely high level of dynamic ability, agility and traction. The BMW xDrive system has been given a rear-wheel bias – and therefore even sportier tuning – in order to fortify the BMW M760i xDrive with the driving dynamics typically offered by BMW M Performance models. Innovative driver assistance systems. The Driving Assistant Plus system has been expanded for the new BMW 7 Series model range to include the Traffic Jam Assistant, Lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection, Rear collision prevention and Crossing traffic warning functions – and features as part of the specification for the new BMW M760i xDrive... The new generation of the Surround View system also includes a 3D View and Panorama View option in the Control Display. M Aerodynamic Package. The all-new BMW M760i xDrive underlines the refined sporting character, exclusive elegance, advanced technology and unbeatable build quality it shares with all of its new 7 Series siblings. The M aerodynamic package fitted as standard imbues the car’s proportions and precise lines with even more of the presence for which the brand is renowned. The newly designed front fascia features two large air intakes to the left and right, which take on a still more voluminous appearance in the absence of fog lamps. Running along the upper edge of each intake is a Cerium Grey trim strip. The kidney grille bars and active air flap louvers are also fronted in Cerium Grey and have high-gloss Black sides. The grille elements are framed by a Cerium Grey surround. Along the sides of the car, the Cerium Grey trim elements on the lower edge of the doors, the Air Breathers and the door handle trim provide new surroundings for the prominent double upper side character line . Exclusive mirror caps and“V12” badges on the C-pillars in Cerium Grey provide fitting adornments for the car’s flanks. And exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with a new double-spoke design and surfaces painted in matt Cerium Grey advertise the car’s elevated dynamic aspirations as a BMW M Performance Automobile. The sporting design of the rear fascia with its black central area highlights the M sports exhaust system’s Cerium Grey twin tailpipe embellishers with exclusive V12 geometry. The M rear spoiler optimizes the flow of air, while the trunk handle strip, which links the L-shaped LED rear lights, the model badge on the right-hand side of the trunk lid and the xDrive lettering on the left, ensures the performance potential of the BMW M760i xDrive is evident at the rear of the car. An interior shaped by sporting elegance. Inside the car, carefully arranged M accents provide an elegantly sporting allure. Gleaming door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminum with an illuminated V12 logo indicate the presence of the range-topping engine underneath the trunk. The rim of the exclusive M leather steering wheel features an M logo on the center spoke and gearshift paddles on the reverse. The multifunction buttons on the steering wheel spokes and the spoke inlays are finished in Pearl Gloss Chrome. The model designation is positioned at the center of the dial, offering a clear hint as to the performance the BMW M760i xDrive is ready to unleash. The M pedals and M driver’s footrest in stainless steel with black rubber inserts provide an additional sporty-technical touch and accentuate the character of the BMW M760i xDrive as a driver’s car. A BMW Individual decorative inlay – in Piano Finish Black and bearing a V12 badge – positioned in the area around the selector lever and iDrive Controller lends even greater exclusivity to the interior. BMW ConnectedDrive. The all-new BMW M760i xDrive is offered with a wide range of all-new or optimized assistance systems including semi-automated driving systems. Also, unique is the number of functions that can be integrated in the car using Apps, either via the built-in SIM card or a smartphone and operated using the iDrive control system. Courtesy of the embedded BMW ConnectedDrive Services SIM card the Advanced Real Time Traffic Information function are part of the standard Navigation System. The SIM card also allows over-the-air automatic navigation map updates free of charge for the first three years after the vehicle is first registered. Intelligent connectivity in the new BMW 7 Series also supports interactive traffic sign updating which is new in the auto industry. Images of roadside traffic signs recorded by the Speed Limit Info camera, along with their position data, are relayed anonymously to a BMW server, which then makes any necessary changes to keep the map database up-to-date at all times. Drivers who activate this function are helping to keep the navigation database accurate, reliable and up-to-date not only for themselves but also for all BMW ConnectedDrive customers. BMW Head-Up Display: optimized graphics, larger projection area. The new-generation BMW Head-Up Display acts as a highly effective aid to driver concentration as it presents a broad range of information in graphical format on the windshield into the driver’s field of view. This standard system projects information about road speed, speed limits, Check Control messages, status and warning messages from other assistance systems, turn-by-turn directions and telephone and entertainment menus directly into the driver’s field of vision, where they can be read without looking away from the road. The new-generation Head-Up Display comes with a 75 percent larger projection area, while the displayed information and images offer further improved quality and detail with graphics in full color. BMW Assist eCall offers an unparalleled service. BMW Assist eCall is also part of standard specification for the BMW M760i xDrive and offers world-leading functionality. The system springs into action automatically, as well as when help is summoned manually. In the event of an accident, BMW Assist eCall sets up a connection to the BMW call center via the SIM card embedded in the vehicle; call center staff then make direct contact with the occupants. At the same time, the vehicle’s location and the potential risk of injury to its occupants are transmitted to ensure a quick rescue response, even if nobody in the vehicle is able to talk. iDrive 5.0 with touch display and Gesture Control. The iDrive operating system is now available with touch screen technology offered in conjunction with the standard Navigation system. Operating the iDrive has become easier via the touch screen technology. Voice command and actual button selection is also available. The iDrive system also works in conjunction with standard Gesture Control, which was premiered in the new BMW 7 Series in 2015. Pre-selected hand movements in the vicinity of the center console allow 3D sensors to register and fulfill requested actions. Gestures to adjust the audio volume control, accept or reject incoming phone calls can be easily executed. There is also a configurable gesture whose associated function can be customized from a selection of possible functions, such as navigation to the home address or deactivation of the screen. Gesture Control can be used as an alternative to conventional means of operation without the need for separate activation. The availability of this control method is indicated in applicable situations by a corresponding icon in the Control Display. BMW Ultimate Benefits™ for 7. The new BMW 7 Series sets new benchmarks in its class for a luxurious and convenient ownership experience with enhanced BMW Ultimate Benefits now expanding to vehicle services. A time-saving service, providing white glove treatment, priority status and priceless BMW access to 7 Series customers that is unprecedented in this segment. The Ultimate Benefits for 7 Program encompasses BMW Encore® Delivery, Priority Service appointments, Vehicle Valet service, a comparable Service Loaner in the interim, Supreme Vehicle Spa treatment and 24/7 Concierge Support. BMW Encore® Delivery provides a one-on-one follow-up appointment dedicated to answering all questions about features of the customer’s new vehicle. This second delivery is scheduled at a time of convenience and at the customer’s preferred location. Priority Service Appointments allow for prioritized service appointments, scheduled within 48 hours of the owner’s initial request and at their convenience. The customer also has the option to participate in an exclusive Vehicle Valet service, at a customer’s preferred location. The new 7 Series customer also benefits from a complimentary Supreme vehicle spa treatment, at their convenience. A guaranteed and comparable Service Loaner vehicle will be provided when needed to assure convenience at all times. Lastly, a 24/7 Concierge will be available to assist with mobility services and other ownership related inquiries.

When Toyota redesigned the Tacoma last year, we wondered if a TRD Pro version would be coming as well. Today at the Chicago Auto Show, Toyota revealed the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro. The Tacoma TRD Pro begins with the suspension as Toyota has added a set of FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, TRD front springs that raise the ride height by an inch, and a set of progressive-rate off-road leaf springs. The four-wheel drive system comes with a limited-slip differential, Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. A set Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain tires come with a set of sixteen-inch TRD wheels. Power comes from a 3.5L 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. There is a choice between a six-speed manual or automatic. Outside, the Tacoma TRD Pro comes with the old school TOYOTA emblem on the grille, TRD Pro badging finished in black, hood scoop, and a skid plate. Inside are a set of leather seats with the TRD logo embroidered, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Toyota's Entune infotainment system with navigation, and a mount for a GoPro camera. The Tacoma TRD Pro arrives at dealers this fall. Source: Toyota Press Release is on Page 2 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro - - Dirtier Than Ever! Toyota Kicks Up More Dust with the Debut of the Newest Tacoma TRD Pro Off-Road Pickup CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2016 - - Whether tackling treacherous snow-covered terrain, driving off the beaten path, or surviving extreme conditions where roads fear to tread, the adrenaline-pumping TRD Pro Series from Toyota is up for any challenge. Two years ago, the TRD Pro Series arose from Toyota’s storied off-road racing heritage, with its numerous victories in the grueling Baja off-road endurance races. Born from this experience, the Toyota TRD Pro Series Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner have helped serious off-roaders go places they never dreamed possible. This fall, the Toyota Tacoma will rejoin the 2017 model year TRD Pro family with all-new factory-installed off-road equipment designed by the experts at Toyota Racing Development (TRD) to make it even more off-road capable than before. Aimed squarely at extreme off-roading enthusiasts who challenge themselves and their trucks and SUV’s in some of the harshest conditions, the new 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro will raise the bar on TRD Pro performance. Courtesy of TRD, the new Tacoma TRD Pro will add an array of new performance equipment and features, making this a truly second-generation TRD Pro product, and the new benchmark for challenging off-road terrain. Extreme Exterior for Extreme Performance The 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro is designed to not only look tough, but to perform in the toughest off-road environment. Based on the Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 Double Cab Short Bed model in either 6-speed manual (with clutch start-cancel switch) or 6-speed automatic transmission, the new Tacoma TRD Pro will be available in three exterior colors: Cement, Barcelona Red Metallic, and Super White. The exterior of each Tacoma TRD Pro model will also include: 16-inch TRD black alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler® All-Terrain Kevlar®-reinforced tires TRD Pro aluminum front skid plate Rigid Industries® LED fog lights Projector-beam headlights with black bezels, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and auto on/off feature Taillights with black bezels TRD Pro badge on front door with diamond-pattern knurled finish Black TRD Pro and 4x4 rear tailgate badging Each Tacoma TRD Pro will also come equipped with a heritage-inspired TOYOTA front grille with color-keyed surround, blacked out hood scoop and graphic, color-keyed power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, color-keyed door handles, black overfenders, and a color-keyed rear bumper. Interior Sportiness Combined with Convenience Technology Driving a sporty package in rugged off-road conditions does not mean you can’t ride in comfort and with the latest safety and convenience technologies. The new Tacoma TRD Pro combines sportiness and convenience with standard features that include: Black TRD Pro leather-trimmed heated front seats with TRD Pro logo located in the headrest 4-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and 4-way adjustable front passenger seat Entune™ Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite TRD shift knob TRD Pro floor mats Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth® hands-free phone controls Rear parking assist sonar Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) The new Tacoma TRD Pro also includes an analog instrumentation that features a 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID) with an integrated inclinometer and tilt gauge. The MID also adds outside temperature, odometer, tripmeters, and average fuel economy. As in all Tacoma models, a GoPro® mount is located on the windshield for serious off-roaders who like to document their exploits with GoPro® HERO cameras. Pro Performance The new 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro continues to be all about off-road performance as it strives to raise the bar from the original. The Tacoma TRD Pro will be powered by a 3.5-Liter V6 DOHC 24-valve direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine with VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) intake and VVT-I exhaust. Tacoma TRD Pro really earns its off-road cred through its TRD-installed suspension and exhaust enhancements that include: FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks tuned by TRD TRD-tuned front springs with a 1-inch lift TRD-tuned rear suspension with progressive-rate off-road leaf spring Every Tacoma TRD Pro will be equipped with 4WDemand part-time 4WD with a transfer case and Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) that are both electronically-controlled. Also standard will be a V6 Tow Package that includes a Class-IV towing receiver hitch, ATF cooler (automatic only), engine oil cooler, power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4- and 7-pin connector with convertor, and Trailer-Sway Control (TSC). An electronically controlled locking rear differential is also standard to help distribute engine power evenly to both rear wheels so they move at the same speed, providing more grip in low-traction conditions. When the trail gets challenging, Tacoma TRD Pro’s Crawl Control (CRAWL) will help drivers conquer their off-road adventure. Equipped on automatics only, this advanced system automatically modulates the throttle and brakes on five low-speed settings so you can keep your focus on navigating across difficult terrain. Equipped on Tacoma TRD Pro automatic is the Toyota Multi-terrain Select system. With five modes to choose from, the system helps regulate wheel spin by automatically adjusting the engine throttle and traction control. When combined with the standard Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain tires with tough Kevlar construction, Multi-terrain Select helps enhance traction dramatically, meaning you can get back to the fun more quickly. Tacoma TRD Pro’s Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), equipped on automatic transmission models only, helps you safely get up those hills. This technology helps minimize Tacoma from rolling backward when you move your foot from the brake to the gas pedal, so you can move upward with confidence. The added traction of 4WD is great, but with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), it’s even better! Equipped only on the Tacoma TRD Pro manual, A-TRAC is a 4WD traction control system that uses the 4-channel ABS system to control power flow to the front and rear wheels, all without cutting throttle input, to help make traction no matter where you may be.