BMW Unveils Second Generation V16 7 Series at Techno Classica 2024
BMW enthusiasts were in for a surprise at the recent Techno Classica 2024 classic car show in Essen, Germany, as BMW unveiled a top-secret second attempt at creating a V16-powered 7 Series. The original V16 prototype, nicknamed “Goldfisch,” had been developed in 1988 but ultimately canceled due to various challenges. However, BMW’s latest iteration of the V16-powered 7 Series showcased significant improvements over its predecessor.
The original Goldfisch faced numerous challenges in incorporating a massive 6.7-liter V16 engine into a 7 Series chassis that was not designed for such a powerplant. As a result, the radiator had to be relocated to the trunk, and large air intakes were added to the rear fenders to accommodate the engine’s cooling needs. These modifications led to an unusual appearance and limited functionality, preventing the car from moving forward to production.
Undeterred by the setbacks of the first iteration, BMW attempted a second V16-powered 7 Series in 1990, known as the BMW 750iL Goldfisch. This second-generation model addressed the packaging challenges of its predecessor by revising the front end to accommodate a traditional radiator setup, eliminating the need for trunk and rear fender-mounted intakes. As a result, the Goldfisch II resembled a standard 7 Series to the untrained eye, with subtle differences in design elements such as the C-pillar, roofline, and Hofmeister curvature.
Visually, the Goldfisch II featured distinct headlights, enlarged kidney grilles, and a more pronounced hood bulge to accommodate the V16 engine. Despite these modifications, the car retained a luxurious interior with additional wood trim and an upgraded dashboard design. Notably, the manual transmission found in the original Goldfisch was replaced with a five-speed automatic transmission in the second-generation model.
Under the hood, the V16 engine produced 348 horsepower, allowing the Goldfisch II to reach a top speed of 155 mph. While impressive for its time, the power output was relatively modest compared to contemporary engines, highlighting the challenges of V16 engineering. Nevertheless, had BMW pursued production of the second-generation Goldfisch, it would have joined the exclusive club of 16-cylinder production cars, adding to the prestige of the Series 7 lineup.
Despite the financial impracticality of mass-producing a V16-powered 7 Series, enthusiasts and collectors alike would have cherished the opportunity to own such a rare and innovative vehicle. The legacy of the Goldfisch lives on as a testament to BMW’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and design.
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The rewritten article provides an in-depth exploration of BMW’s second-generation V16 7 Series, shedding light on the history and significance of this rare and innovative vehicle. The detailed analysis of the car’s design, performance, and potential impact on the automotive industry adds depth and context to the story, engaging readers and sparking interest in BMW’s latest creation.