BMW Updating 7-series for 2013, ActiveHybrid 7 to Get Improvements

We've learned that BMW is updating the 7-series for 2013, and that the refreshed sedan will go on sale in July. For now, the company is keeping a tight lid on what changes we can expect besides the typical midcycle styling nip and tuck—revised lights and fascias are a given. Although BMW wouldn't comment on any specifics, in the past similar midlife revisions have also brought a few mechanical updates to the big 7. To that end, we're told that the ActiveHybrid 7 will adopt a more efficiency-minded mission in line with that of the ActiveHybrid 5. Whether this means BMW plans to massage the current model's V-8 setup for better fuel economy or simply swap in the ActiveHybrid 5's six-cylinder–based hybrid system is unclear. We'd wager on the latter, as the former would be a tall task. While the current 7 hybrid is quicker than a nonhybrid 750i, it isn't much more fuel efficient. That's because, in addition to a 20-hp electric motor, its twin-turbocharged V-8 also boasts 40 more hp than a standard 750. Besides the ActiveHybrid 7, we expect the rest of the 7er lineup—the six-cylinder 740i, eight-cylinder 750i, and twelve-cylinder 760i—to return for 2013. As you'd expect, the higher-performance BMW Alpina B7 will adopt the 2013 7′s updates. Expect more detailed info closer to the cars' on-sale date. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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