BMW 7-Series Security

BMW is once again putting its weight behind, over, under and every other way, on protecting its customers. Proof lies in these great spy pictures of a very heavy 7 Series. Made heavy by its bullet proof windows, and wide fail-safe tyresamong other additions, the 7 is a Security unit obviously made for the safety of occupants sitting inside. Not a security feature itself, the flagpole on the front fender indicates the potential buyers of this vehicle, namely prominent politicians.

Engines supplied with the new 7 Series should be able to handle the extra kilos supplied by the protection elements. Especially regarded is the 407hp (300kW) 4.4-litre V8 twin turbo in the 750i/iL models, as well as the 730D delivering 540Nm of torque and a top speed of 246km/h.

The 7 Series Security will join the other Security-badged BMWs such as the 5 Series and X5.

Audi A7 : Sharing Platform with Lamborghini Estoque

More details are emerging on the Lamborghini Estoque four-door set to debut in 2011 or 2012. Lamborghini insists the aggressive sedan is still only under consideration, but company insiders tell us Sant’Agata is already preparing the car for production. The only obstacle is a strategic review of the entire Volkswagen Group's future vehicle portfolio, currently being carried out by Porsche, VW's majority shareholder.

The Estoque will be built on Audi's modular-longitudinal platform, which is the base of a number of new models, including the current Audi A4 and A5, the next-generation A6 and A8, the forthcoming all-new A7, and the 2013 VW Phaeton

.

BMW Z4

Reliable sources state that BMW will debut the new Z4 next month in both a roadster and coupe configuration.

The new Z4 Roadster will feature a folding hardtop this time instead of the previous soft one. BMW claims that the use of lightweight materials will help keep the weight off of the Z4.

The Z4 Coupe will come with a stiffer and lowered suspension to continue to give the Coupe version the serious performance credibility that BMW aims for with the model. The Coupe will also have distinguishing design cues to differentiate it from the roadster.

Engines will max out with top performing inline 6 cylinders, as is usual for the Z series, but BMW is also studying a possible M version that may adopt a V8 powerplant from the M3.

Also coming down the pike is the Z2 hybrid. The Z2 will be a compact roadster that will feature the new BMW eDrive technology in development right now with the MINI-E (a full electric vehicle with a 150 kW/204 hp electric motor that churns out 220 Nm of torque).

It seems BMW is serious about continuing to create roadsters and coupes in this segment.