THE auto industry is abuzz over a sneak peek at BMW's next-generation 7-series saloon that's expected to be officially unveiled early next month or latest in October – at the Paris Auto Show. A prototype for the long wheelbase model (pictured) was spotted at Germany's Nurburgring circuit and from the spy photos taken, the 2009 model appears larger and more muscular than the current conservative-looking one. It's sporty with a hunkered down stance thanks to a wider grille, wheelbase, track and wraparound headlights like in the BMW X5 and X6. The bangle-butt of the current model, which has had a fair share of criticism, is out. There is talk that significant upgrades have been made underneath the new sheet-metal to help push the 7-series ahead of its Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8 rivals in the technological stakes. To match the Lexus LS460, the standard BMW 7-Series (to be released first, before the long wheelbase model) will get an eight-speed automatic transmission from German transmission specialist ZF, which will boost fuel-consumption and performance compared to the current model's 6-speed unit. BMWBlog says expect twin-turbo V12 and twin-turbo V8 petrol engines and also four-cylinder turbodiesels. It is understood that BMW's controversial iDrive system, which was introduced on the current 7-Series, will undergo a major makeover in an effort to improve useability. __
