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The BMW M760i xDrive isn't as cool as the Alpina B7

Earlier this week, BMW released what we assumed was the new pinnacle of the 7 Series range: the Alpina B7 xDrive. But then we received information about the car you see here, which still isn't a full M7, but uses the name M760i xDrive. What we're trying to figure out is, why would you get the M760i over the brand-new Alpina? Mechanically, and as far as we can tell, the only real difference between the two cars is under the hood. The M760i uses a twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 capable of an estimated 600 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 590 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm. Thing is, the Alpina B7 also makes 600 hp and 590 lb-ft, albeit at higher points in the rev range, from a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. Both cars use all-wheel drive. Both cars have eight-speed automatic transmissions. But while the M760i does the 0-62 run in 3.9 seconds and tops out at an electronically limited 155 miles per hour, the Alpina does 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and runs to an unrestricted 193 mph. For all intents and purposes, the little details about interior refinement and technology are basically the same. It's a top-of-the-line 7 Series, so no matter if you're doing Alpina or M760i, you're getting the best of the best. To us, though, the Alpina represents a package that's more unique. It's certainly a bit flashier, what with its Alpina-correct 21-inch wheels, blue paint, and body kit. But put the two cars next to each other on the street and ask an unknowing pedestrian which one is top dog, and we're willing to bet they'll say Alpina every time. There's no word on pricing for either version of the 7 Series, but we expect they'll be close. The M760's engine will be more expensive, but all those Alpina upgrades certainly won't come cheap. We'll know more closer to the launch of both later this year and in early 2017. For now, read more about the M760i in the press blast below. Related Video: 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. 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.

New European charging network will offer speeds up to 350 kW

It's about to get easier to fast-charge your electric vehicle across Europe thanks to four major automakers working together in a new joint venture. BMW, Daimler (Mercedes-Benz), Ford, and the VW Group (Audi and Porsche) have all signed a Memorandum of Understanding to install about 400 DC fast charging sites in Europe. As you may know, there are different types of fast chargers, but the ones that this group is talking about installing will be able to charge an EV in much less time than other stations. That's because these chargers will offer power levels of "up to 350 kW." Compare that to what's generally considered the current gold standard, the Tesla Superchargers, which have rates of up to 145 kW and a statement not that long ago from a Ford exec that suggested that 150 kW chargers would be the new normal. Of course, the Tesla chargers use the company's proprietary connector and the new network the JV is setting up will use the CCS standard. The first new stations will go up in 2017 and those 400 sites are just the beginning. A joint statement by the JV says that EV drivers will "have access to thousands of high-powered charging points" by 2020 along highways and main roads. "The charging experience is expected to evolve to be as convenient as refueling at conventional gas stations," the companies said. While not every electric vehicle will be able to take advantage of the 350 kW charging rate, the companies involved would be silly to build the infrastructure without vehicles that can handle that kind of energy flow. The JV says it would welcome participation from other automakers and will cooperate with interested regional partners. Related Video: News Source: Daimler Green Audi BMW Ford Mercedes-Benz Porsche Volkswagen Electric fast charging

BMW-Toyota sports car heading towards Tokyo debut

Earlier this year, BMW and Toyota confirmed a four-part joint venture mostly focusing on increasing improving vehicle efficiency using fuel cells, lightweight materials and better battery technology. Also tucked into the announcement was a "feasibility study" for a shared platform to underpin a future midsize "sports vehicle."
In terms of the latter, it seems that things have stepped up from the feasibility stage to the conceptual stage, as Motor Trend reports we could see a pair of new sports car concepts debut later this year in at the Tokyo Motor Show. There isn't much information about the new program, but the article suggests the sports cars could be all-wheel drive hybrids, with electric motors powering the front wheels and a gas engine powering the rear wheels. While a partnership between Toyota and BMW might not lend itself to a catchy portmanteau like "Toyobaru," here's hoping it will bear fruit that is as exciting as the ones produced by the Toyota/Subaru tie up.