Review Car

2011 BMW 745i

BMW introduced its radically new 2011 BMW 745i with styling that still is controversial, with unusual looking front and rear ends. It’s lavishly upholstered, trimmed and equipped, although its highlight is the high-tech V12. The smooth new 6-liter engine produces 438 horsepower and enormous torque. The car weighs a hefty 4,872 pounds, but the V12 gives it the response of a smaller, lighter car. The unibody’s steel components have been treated to resist corrosion. However, the engine hood and front fenders are made of aluminum. It has been built on the new E65-E66 platform which has the advantage of offering almost perfect front/rear weight distribution (50.5/49.5% front/rear).

Despite the wide fascia, the 745 sports a remarkable drag coefficient of 0.29 in the wind tunnel. The body is extremely rigid in torsion and in flexion and therefore constitutes a solid base for the wheel axles. The fully independent suspension is based on front struts and a rear four-link axle with anti-drive and anti-pitch controls.

Most of the suspension components are made of aluminum to maximize weight reduction. The front and rear stabilizer bars of new 2011 BMW 745i contribute to canceling out roll because they are counter-activated by a hydraulic motor. Buyers may also select the optional Electronic Damping Control (EDC) system designed to vary the stiffness of the shock absorbers to ensure the correct balance between comfort and handling. Four power-assisted ventilated discs are assisted by an antilock and traction control system integrated in the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system which manages handling as well as brake pressure in emergency situations. This highly evolved technology ensures neutral handling in curves and reacts when the driver makes a false maneuver or when dictated by the quality of the road surface. Although new 2011 BMW 745i carries over the same displacement, the engine is brand new. This V8 features an alloy block and cylinder heads, DOHC distribution and 4 valves per cylinder. The VANOS distribution system is innovative.

The German equivalent of VTEC technology, it varies the intake and exhaust valve timing by adjusting the camshaft. This technology is paired up to the VALVETRONIC system, which controls the intake valves without a throttle butterfly. Fuel injection and ignition are managed by a Bosch Motronic ME9 module. The 6-speed automatic transmission is electronically controlled and features a semi-automatic mode. This adaptive transmission shifts gears according to road conditions or driving habits. The 2011 2011 BMW 745i cars are large, with even the base 745i having a 117.7-inch wheelbase. But the longer-wheelbase versions have limousine-style back seat room and look more impressive. The 2011 2011 BMW 745i have a 123.2-inch wheelbase and are 203.5 inches long, compared with 198 inches for the 745i. Is the V12 needed? Not really, unless an owner wants bragging rights or lives near wide-open Southwestern highways. The V8 whisks the 7-Series sedan to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, whereas the V12 version hits 60 in 5.4 seconds. Top speed of both versions is electronically limited to 149 mph.