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BMW teases new 7 Series with gesture control tech, LCD display key

Want an early glimpse at what features you can expect to see in your next car a few years down the line? Look to flagship luxury sedans, where automakers often roll out their most advanced technologies. Like on the next-generation BMW 7 Series. Previewed in this teaser clip above, detailed in the press release below and pictured in the massive gallery at bottom, Munich's upcoming flagship model will be packed with innovative features. It'll have a remote-control parking feature that won't even require the driver to be on board when entering or exiting a parking space, controlled through an LCD touchscreen on the key fob. Once on board, you'll also be able to control the infotainment system with three-dimensional gestures made in the air or through the touchscreen display. Power will be provided by a new generation of engines, starting with a turbocharged inline-six mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. An adaptive air suspension promises to offer a sporty or cushioning ride as desired. And it's all being built around a structure made partially out of carbon fiber, cutting nearly 290 pounds off the curb weight. All of which paints a picture of the next-generation 7 Series as a rolling technology exhibit, and one we're looking forward to experiencing first-hand. Technology and innovation workshop on the new BMW 7 Series model range. PreDrive Miramas. 17.04.2015 BMW is using a technology and innovation workshop to present an initial selection of development highlights which the next generation of the BMW 7 Series model range will use to set new benchmarks in lightweight design, driving dynamics, comfort, intelligent connectivity and operation. The extensive use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the structure of the passenger cell, the rigorous and detailed application of lightweight design and a new generation of engines combine to reduce the weight of the luxury sedan along with its fuel consumption and emissions figures. The comfort, safety and driving experience offered by the new BMW 7 Series benefit from new chassis technology, exceptional scope for interaction with the car's infotainment technology and a wider selection of driver assistance systems from BMW ConnectedDrive. BMW EfficientLightweight: Carbon Core helps to reduce weight by up to 130 kilograms. Thanks to the BMW EfficientLightweight strategy, the new BMW 7 Series line-up will tip the scales up to 130 kilograms lighter than the outgoing generation of models.

BMW i creates high-design solar charging carport

With the first deliveries of the i3 under way, and the recent i8 press launch, the marketing push in the US for the BMW electric sub-brand has begun. These i vehicles are supposed to have a completely different feel from the rest of the brand's lineup. To complement their earth-friendly ethos, the Bavarian company commissioned BMW Group DesignworksUSA in California to create a solar carport concept that could keep the models sustainably topped up on power. It premiered alongside the i8 in Los Angeles at the electric sports coupe's media launch.
At first glance, the BMW i Solar Carport Concept looks like a pergola from a winery or a well-groomed garden, but like the i vehicles, the deeper you look, the more high-tech features there are. The sides feature carbon elements in a similar way that the i3 and i8 have a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic body. Bamboo forms the uprights because its quick-growing nature makes it rather sustainable, and the solar panels are strung along the top to harness energy.
Obviously the sun can't provide all of the energy that the electric cars need, and a BMW Wallbox Pro charger is also connected to the power grid as a supplement. It includes a readout telling users the amount of solar energy versus municipal electricity it's using.

Watch BMW 3 Series drift in Scotland

Drifting is inherently connected with Japan largely because the sport originally hails from there. That's why many of the traditionally popular drifting machines are from Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda. However, as long as the rear wheels can spin, you can slide it, no matter where a vehicle is from. For a new video, Xcar discovers a grassroots contingent in Scotland that specializes in smoking the tires of the BMW 3 Series. These guys aren't running the hugely expensive machines that you see in top events, but they definitely don't lack for passion to get a car sideways. One guy in the video runs an absolutely insane-looking Nissan-powered E36 3 Series convertible. Another competes in an E30 station wagon with a Toyota engine. Watching these unconventional drifters out on the track is a cool experience. Clearly, these folks are using what's around them to fulfill their need for speed, and they look like they're having a ton of fun doing it. Related Video: The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience.