The new 7 Series is about 280 pounds lighter than its predecessor. We know that in large part, BMW accomplished this using carbon fiber reinforced plastic, high-tensile steel, and lightweight aluminum. That’s easy to say, but it’s really hard to see, since BMW covered up all its 7 Series “lightweighting” with that beautiful 7 Series body.
All will become clear, however, when you watch this video in which the BMW Group’s head of Lightweight Construction and Vehicle Weight, Florian Schek goes into detail using a naked 7 Series chassis.
Now you can see where the carbon fiber was used, and where BMW adjusted metal thickness based on new design treatments. BMW is serious about making its cars lighter yet stronger, so watch this video to see for yourself the direction BMW is taking, and what your next car might look like under all that nice paint and leather.—Scott Blazey
[Photos and video courtesy of Autoline Network.]
