BMW is ready to finish manufacturing of its V12 engine in June and can commemorate the event with a becoming – and really restricted – run of special-edition 7 Sequence fashions.
Only one dozen BMW M760i xDrive “Ultimate V12” fashions shall be launched within the US market, every with a sticker worth of $US200,000 (about $A278,500).
BMW says the Ultimate V12 has been “particularly crafted” for the US market and is distinguished by distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels in Window Gray or Jet Black. Will probably be out there with a selection of over 80 paint choices and several other shades of Full Merino leather-based trim from the BMW Particular person catalogue.
Denoted additional by a novel V12 badge on the boot lid – rather than the standard 760i nomenclature – the big sedan is provided with BMW M Sport brakes with a selection of blue- or black-painted calipers, a V12-branded engine cowl, in addition to commemorative numbered plaque detailing the automobile’s place within the “remaining 12”.
The spinoff may also function inscribed sill-panel covers, BMW’s Particular person Piano Black trim garnishing, plus Driving Help Skilled and luxurious rear-seating packages, panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof, adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight, remote-control parking, prolonged Shadowline exterior trim, and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Encompass Sound audio system.
BMW USA says that quickly after taking supply, each Ultimate V12 buyer will obtain a custom-made desk trophy to commemorate their buy – the merchandise detailing the automobile’s VIN, paint color and fabric selection. It’s anticipated many of the dozen prospects buying a Ultimate V12 shall be these with lengthy histories of proudly owning a V12-engined 7- or 8-Sequence derivatives.
The dual-turbocharged 6.6-litre V12 (N74-series) engine present in BMW’s 7 Sequence vary options BMW M TwinPower Turbo expertise, infinitely variable Double Vanos and Valvetronic valve management and high-precision direct injection.
The all-aluminium mill develops 442kW of energy at 5250rpm and 850Nm of torque from simply 1500rpm and is mated with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automated transmission. The claimed 0-100km/h time for the Ultimate V12 is listed at simply 3.8 seconds (!).
And whereas BMW will formally finish manufacturing of its V12 this yr, the bigger displacement model of the identical engine will proceed in Rolls-Royce fashions for the foreseeable future.
Though the posh producer has dedicated to all-electric propulsion by the tip of the last decade, it is going to proceed to supply the 6.75-litre (420kW/900Nm) engine within the meantime.
A smaller, 6.0-litre displacement model of the BMW V12 (creating 400kW/750Nm) has additionally been out there since 2009.
BMW first launched a road-going V12 limousine to its portfolio in 1987.
Primarily the amalgam of two 2.5-litre six-cylinder engines joined at a 60-degree angle, the usually aspirated 5.0-litre(M70-series) unit featured single overhead camshafts with two valves per cylinder and an modern drive-by-wire throttle physique.
The all-aluminium unit produced 220kW and 450Nm and powered the E32-generation 7 Sequence and E31-generation 8 Sequence earlier than being outdated in 1993.
Across the similar time (1993-98), BMW additionally produced a DOHC V12 engine that powered McLaren’s F1 supercar and F1 GTR race automobile, which received the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans.
BMW’s subsequent roadgoing V12 – the M73-series – had a better displacement (elevated to five.4 litres) and produced peak outputs to 240kW and 490Nm. The unit featured within the E38 7 Sequence, E31 8 Sequence and Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, and was in service by way of till 2002.
The ‘unique’ V12 engine was changed by the all-new N73-series V12, which was supplied in 6.0- and 6.8-litre displacements. It noticed service in each the BMW 7 Sequence and Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The N73 was the primary BMW V12 roadgoing engine to function double overhead cams and double Vanos (variable valve timing) and was notably the world’s first manufacturing petrol engine to utilise direct injection. The unit was outdated by the present N74-series mill in 2008.
Regionally, BMW Australia nonetheless lists the V12-powered 7 Sequence as out there by way of its special-order service. A spokesperson for the German importer informed GoAuto Information that V12-powered 7 Sequence choices are certainly coming to an finish.
“We are able to verify {that a} V12 (powered) variant won’t be supplied within the subsequent era 7 Sequence,” a BMW Australia spokesperson mentioned.
The ultimate M760Li for Australia shall be delivered this yr.
