LA 2008: Twin-turbo V8 slated for BMW 7 Series

BMW is launching its latest 7 Series flagship in the United States here at the LA Auto Show and has decided to whet our appetites a bit before the official unveiling by releasing an early press release about its latest offerings. As expected, the new 7 is equipped with a direct-injected twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 as its sole engine option here in the States. That's not really a bad thing, though, as the force-fed mill pumps out 400 horses and an impressive 450 lb-ft of torque. We've driven the X6 with this powerplant in the past, and are confident it'll have no problem whatsoever getting the big sedan moving at a very brisk clip.

Also new for 2009 is BMW's first ever use of a multi-link double wishbone front suspension, which breaks from the German automaker's usual habit of front struts. As you'd expect, there is a long-wheelbase model of the new 7 as well, known as the 750Li, for those who wish to be driven rather than to drive. Perhaps the Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, which will also be unveiled in just a bit, will foretell a production hybrid version of BMW's range-topper. Stay tuned for live shots of the new 7 in just a few hours.

[Source BMW]