Eight speeds and a more voluptuous look?

by Brenda Priddy | (2007-07-16) | Link to Original Article @ TCC

A refreshed BMW 7-Series is undergoing testing, and TheCarConnection.com's spies have nabbed it a year before it goes on sale.

We're expecting the new 7-Series to have a completely new front end, similar to the 6-Series styling, and sources say the current model's extravagant design will be toned down quite a bit. The sedan should have a more elegant look than ever before. The position of the headlights and turn signals indicate low-mounted, wrap-around headlights and a wide grille, as well as a sleeker body and a more dramatic overall appearance.

In addition to the exterior updates, BMW will be introducing a new version of iDrive and, rumor has it, an eight-speed transmission.

The new 7-series is not expected to be released until sometime during the 2008 calendar year, and will arrive as a 2009 model.

VERY disappointing that BMW cheaped out and did not engineer a 9-speed auto to regain the class lead. Lexus's 8-spd is already a few years old.

Sounds like GM will always be behind on the # of speeds in an auto forever. Not that I'm complaining, but I know the press will be saying "only 6 forward gears" or "already ancient 6-speed auto" in like 2 years.

another refresh? isn't this #2?

shouldn't it be due for a redesign by now?