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BMW teases new 7 Series with gesture control tech, LCD display key

Want an early glimpse at what features you can expect to see in your next car a few years down the line? Look to flagship luxury sedans, where automakers often roll out their most advanced technologies. Like on the next-generation BMW 7 Series. Previewed in this teaser clip above, detailed in the press release below and pictured in the massive gallery at bottom, Munich's upcoming flagship model will be packed with innovative features. It'll have a remote-control parking feature that won't even require the driver to be on board when entering or exiting a parking space, controlled through an LCD touchscreen on the key fob. Once on board, you'll also be able to control the infotainment system with three-dimensional gestures made in the air or through the touchscreen display. Power will be provided by a new generation of engines, starting with a turbocharged inline-six mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. An adaptive air suspension promises to offer a sporty or cushioning ride as desired. And it's all being built around a structure made partially out of carbon fiber, cutting nearly 290 pounds off the curb weight. All of which paints a picture of the next-generation 7 Series as a rolling technology exhibit, and one we're looking forward to experiencing first-hand. Technology and innovation workshop on the new BMW 7 Series model range. PreDrive Miramas. 17.04.2015 BMW is using a technology and innovation workshop to present an initial selection of development highlights which the next generation of the BMW 7 Series model range will use to set new benchmarks in lightweight design, driving dynamics, comfort, intelligent connectivity and operation. The extensive use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the structure of the passenger cell, the rigorous and detailed application of lightweight design and a new generation of engines combine to reduce the weight of the luxury sedan along with its fuel consumption and emissions figures. The comfort, safety and driving experience offered by the new BMW 7 Series benefit from new chassis technology, exceptional scope for interaction with the car's infotainment technology and a wider selection of driver assistance systems from BMW ConnectedDrive. BMW EfficientLightweight: Carbon Core helps to reduce weight by up to 130 kilograms. Thanks to the BMW EfficientLightweight strategy, the new BMW 7 Series line-up will tip the scales up to 130 kilograms lighter than the outgoing generation of models.

Tesla in talks with BMW about batteries, charging collaborations

With Toyota and Daimler no longer holding Tesla shares, the electric vehicle company might be looking for a new partner – possibly a Bavarian one. In a new interview with Germany's Der Spiegel, CEO Elon Musk confirmed that he has had talks with BMW execs about future collaboration. "We are talking about whether we can collaborate in battery technology or charging stations," Musk said in the interview, according to Reuters. However, a Tesla spokesperson has tempered things by saying no formal agreements are in place at the moment. In the same interview, Musk reportedly praised BMW's use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic in its i sub-brand offerings, and said he would like to have a battery factory in Germany in the next five or six years. The possibility of technological cooperation between Tesla and BMW has been a hot topic this year. In June, Musk reportedly met with BMW execs, and the two companies were also rumored to have met with Nissan to discuss charging technology. When Daimler sold off its shares, there was talk of it opening the way for possible collaboration between the two automakers, as well.

This is the BMW Z4 GTE that will wear the Roundel in ALMS

The Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway are a month of racing and reveals, with the season's metal going for the flag at races like the Rolex 24 at Daytona and other cars being introduced to the public. In the latter category is the BMW Z4 GTE (click the image above to enlarge) joining the American Le Mans Series GT class this year with BMW Team RLL (Rahal, Letterman and Lanigan). This machine replaces the M3 GT that completed four years of service and won the class title in 2010 and 2011. Naturally, the team is tempering expectations for the Z4 GTE by repeating the fact that it sees this season as a development year.
BMW Team RLL drivers for its two cars will be Bill Auberlen and series rookie Maxime Martin in the No. 55, aided by Jörg Müller for the endurance races at Sebring and Road Atlanta. The No. 56 car gets Dirk Müller on a full-time basis, Joey Hand when he's not competing in the DTM series, and John Edwards when Hand isn't available. Uwe Alzen will help out with driving duties in the No. 56 at endurance races.
Want to know more? Scroll down below for the complete press release.