VIDEO: BMW"s Security Vehicle Test Grounds at Former Soviet Military Base

For more than thirty years now, BMW has been producing a special range of security vehicles that offer armored protection against everything from pistol fire to small explosions. These vehicles are developed at a special test facility located in east Germany, in a former soviet base, said to have been the biggest military airport in Europe during the Cold War. Here, the Bavarian automaker tests its armored vehicles and hosts a special driver training program where instructors teach participants how to react in dangerous situations and push the cars to their limits. You can watch the video right after the jump.

Source: BMW via Autoblog.nl

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2010 BMW 7-Series: New 306HP Diesel for 740d, M-Sports Package and AWD Versions

It"s "2010MY" time for BMW that has announced plenty of upgrades for its range-topping sedan model, following yesterday"s reveal of the new 316d and 2010 1-Series Coupe and hatchback lineup. For the 7-Series, the new model year brings a new straight-six diesel engine with 306 horsepower on the 740d, a BluePerformance technology pack for the 730d, an M Sport package that"s available for the entire range and the introduction of all-wheel drive variants for the first time on the 7er.

Beginning with the new 740d that will arrive at the firm"s European showrooms this autumn, this model is equipped with a revised version of BMW"s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six diesel engine making 306 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and a peak torque of 600 Nm or 442 lb-ft at 1,500 rpm. The previous version of the same engine that is found on the 335d and other models produces 286HP at 4,400 rpm and 580Nm or 428 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm.

The 740d accelerates from a standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.3 seconds and has a electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph. It consumes on average 6.9 lt/100 km in the EU test cycle (equal to 40.9mpg UK or 34mpg US).

For the 730d with its 245HP 3.0-liter straight-six diesel BMW is introducing the optional BluePerformance package that ads an NOx storage catalyst that reduces nitric oxides to the standard not coming into force until the introduction of EU6 in the year 2014. Furthermore, modifications on the engine and the drivetrain reduce the average fuel consumption of the 730d determined in the EU test cycle to 6.8lt/100km or 34.5mpg US.

Starting with the 2010MY, BMW"s electronically controlled all-wheel drive xDrive system will be available for the first time on the 7-Series, initially on the 750i and 750iL that are both powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 petrol developing 408 horsepower. BMW claims that the front-to-rear power split is 40:60 with up to 80 per cent of the drive power going to the rear axle in a bend.

Last but not least, the 2010MY 7-Series premieres the introduction of a new M Sport package available for all engine variants with both normal and extended wheelbase. On the outside, the 7-Series gains an aerodynamics package as well as additional chrome trim on the specially designed front and rear aprons, dark window surrounds and 19-inch or optionally 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design featuring different-sized tires front and rear. The electronically controlled BMW Dynamic Drive also comes standard in the M Sports Package for the 7 Series.

Inside, the M Sport pack adds sports seats with leather upholstery, an M leather steering wheel with multi-function buttons and an M footrest while buyers can opt for roof lining in anthracite and trim in fine-grain aluminum.

Police Recover BMW 750i xDrive that was Stolen During the Detroit Auto Show [with VIDEO]

The BMW 750i xDrive that was stolen during the 2011 Detroit Auto Show has been found. The $95,000 car was discovered at a gated apartment complex near Telegraph and Glendale Street, in Detroit?s West Side. Detroit police said the wires to the tracking system had been cut, but the Bimmer was probably ditched due to the massive media attention surrounding the case. Authorities seized the vehicle for further processing.

The 7-Series was used by BMW officials and guests during the press days of the Detroit motor show. Although it was a crime of opportunity, as the handler left the keys in the car and stepped away for a second, the thieves weren?t amateurs and were able to annihilate the GPS tracking device fitted to the $95,000 luxo-barge. Video report available after the break.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: WXYZ

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What a Steal... Thieves Nab $94,000 BMW 7 Series at Detroit Motor Show

While we"re done covering the automotive action from the main show floor of the Cobo Center, the Detroit Motor Show continues to make headlines, albeit for the wrong reasons. A BMW 750i xDrive (or 750iL xDrive) worth either $94,000 or $140,000 (depending on the news site....) was stolen near the Westin Book Cadillac in downtown Detroit. And what has that got to do with the Detroit Show, we hear you ask?

Well, the 7-Series was part of a fleet of BMW sedans that were used by the Bavarian automaker"s executives and guests during the press days of the show. According to Police reports, the gray bimmer was being loaded into a transporter bound for New Jersey when the handler stepped away momentarily leaving the keys in the vehicle. That"s when the crafty thieves stepped in and drove away with the 7er. Video report after the jump.

Source: 7Abc

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Wald International Presents the F01 BMW 7-Series �Black Bison� Edition

After having unveiled numerous other Black Bison Edition-labeled cars in the past, including the Bentley Continetal Flying Spur and the W212 Mercedes E-Class, Japanese tuning firm Wald International has now applied the styling treatment to the latest F01 BMW 7-Series.

The Black Bison Edition aero-kit adds a new front bumper with a lip spoiler and LED daytime running lights and a sportier but more complex-looking rear apron with a diffuser and an LED braking light. True, we would have preferred a matte finish for the 23-inch Wald Renovatio alloys and could do without the "muffler cutter" tailpipes, as they somehow remind us of those found on the Lexus IS-F, but, nevertheless, BMW's designers could learn a thing or two from the Japanese tuner's styling department.

Lowered side skirts along with a pair of spoilers on the roof and trunk lid, plus fake wing vents that cut into the doors complete the package. The Black Bison 7-Series is anything but black, though the white paintjob does makes it look a bit more imposing than the standard model.

Wald International didn't release any information on pricing and availability.

By Csaba Daradics

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