Bmw7-series

High performance hybrid – an oxymoron? Not according to BMW, as the upcoming BMW X6 ActiveHybrid will be the most powerful hybrid in history with its 480 peak horsepower and diesel-like plateau of 575 lb-ft of torque. That's one muscular hybrid.

That impressive powertrain consists of twin electric motors (delivering 91 hp and 86 hp, respectively) and a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine. All those horses will be corralled through a seven-speed dual-mode transmission and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The run to sixty will take just 5.4 seconds and the top speed will be limited to 130 miles per hour.

The EPA has yet to test the vehicle, but the German automaker is estimating its X6 Hybrid will return a 20-percent fuel mileage improvement on average over the standard twin-turbo X6. That should mean about 18 miles per gallon combined here in the States. The official public debut is scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and the sale date is slated for four-quarter 2009. Click past the break for the almost comically-detailed press release.



[Source: BMW]

BMW has just announced two new versions of its range-topping 7 Series sedan that promise to offer more safety to their occupants than anything this side of an armored truck. Available in both 750Li and V12-powered 760Li guises, the new 7 Series High Security comes equipped with thick steel doors, roof, pillars, front footwell and separation wall between passenger and luggage compartments along with fully glazed and bulletproof glass.

As befitting a BMW, the 7 Series High Security has plenty of power to move its prodigious mass. The 750Li High Security can scoot to sixty miles per hour in under eight seconds while its bigger brother can do that deed in just over six. Further, since these models were developed alongside the regular-grade 7 Series, the platform was built to handle the additional weight from the start. As such, BMW claims its High Security sedans retain the brand's sporty driving dynamics.

Still not feeling safe? You can always check the option for the dual machine gun compartment in the center console. Check out our gallery below and see the official press release after the break.


[Source: BMW]