For years, BMW 7-Series enthusiasts have been pleading with BMW AG to build something with more pizzazz, a bump in power and have a proper flagship -- an M car. The sheer thought has been considered the antithesis of what an M car should be.
Considering M GmbH has completely obliterated every rule in the M "book" -- naturally aspirated motors, rear-wheel drive, no sport-utility vehicles, standard gearboxes, etc., etc. -- that argument doesn't seem to hold much water anymore.
Now rumors are circulating that BMW will actually heed to the requests that have been lobbed at the Bavarians for years; however, it seems to be there's a catch.
From what we're hearing, we don't believe the vehicle will be a proper M variant. Rumors say it will be dubbed the M770i, which leads us to believe that would make it an M Performance vehicle, not an M7.
However, what IS intriguing are the mumblings of the 7'er losing about 400-500 pounds, the usage of carbon fiber parts and the possibility of ONLY four sport seats.
But this leaves me wondering a couple of things, really:
1) We already have the Alpina B7 and the 760Li. Though they're clearly luxury cruisers with tons of horsepower, do we really need a "lightweight" 7-Series? Shouldn't we just let sports cars be sports cars and be done with it?
2) WHO would actually want a 7-Series that's built with the track in mind? It seems absurd -- granted, the X5/6M exist. I don't believe there is a business case for this product or BMW would have pursued it already. If this does actually come down the pipe, it should be considered a "gift."
Personally, my idea of the perfect M7 would feature a resurrected version of the S70 motor -- obviously updated with the modern tech of today -- be painted Imola Red and feature the same creature comforts of the standard 7.
What say you, Spies?