The engine was used in a 2022 7 Series sedan known as “The Final V12.”
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The Development Of BMW’s Stunning V12
We thought it might be both helpful and interesting to look back on the history of the V12, which first entered the market just over 30 years ago, during the late 1980s. With the end of the horizon potentially in sight for the BMW V12 engine—possibly shortly after the model year 2023—we thought this might be both useful and interesting. The history of the BMW V12 isn’t as interesting as that of the V8 or renowned inline-six, but a lot has evolved since the M70 V12 was first introduced, and V12 engine designs from all over the world continue to be among the most specialized and wanted. The steadfast V8 is also to blame, even though emissions rules from all over the world are a factor in the demise of such a superb engine architecture, at least in terms of availability for vehicles other than supercars.
The limits of the V8 continue to be pushed, with BMW’s own 4.4-liter N63 and S63 units, along with similar four-liter, hot-vee counterparts from AMG and Audi, seeming to reach new output levels with every generation or model year. V12 development, on the other hand, hasn’t made much progress in the past ten to twenty years. On the other hand, BMW’s current direct-injected N74 is likewise getting on in years, having been in production since 2008. Mercedes, on the other hand, has been using the same M279 SOHC twin-turbo, three-valve unit since 2003.
One potential plus is that competitors in the ultra-premium segment like Ferrari and Lamborghini appear to be committed to the V12, at least for the near future. Additionally, Rolls-Royce, a key member of BMW’s upper echelon, is a major reason why the N74 will last longer than the Mercedes V12 and Audi W12.
BMW’s final V12-powered vehicles are on the way, and the M760i heralds the end of an era.
BMW will give 12 people the chance to acquire a unique car before the 12-cylinder engine is permanently phased out of production.
Gran Turismo was the beginning of it all. Sean has always had a fascination with things that move thanks to his early PlayStation days. He worked as a freelancer for Motor Authority, The Car Connection, and Green Car Reports before joining the Roadshow team. Sean has a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and it does have Holden badges, in the garage.
The V12 engine from BMW has reached its breaking point. The M760i Final V12 version, which will be a tribute to the 12-cylinder engine the 7 Series offered for decades, was unveiled by the German automaker on Tuesday. To commemorate the end of the V12’s manufacture, BMW aims to sell 12 of them to consumers in the US, each of which will be customized and include special features.
Each of the 12 vehicles arriving in America will begin its life as an M760i with every feature BMW is capable of fitting in. Those who secure a build slot, however, will be able to send their vehicle to BMW Individual. The division will then work with the new owner to choose from a variety of exterior finishes, upholstery patterns, and trim choices. The M760i logos have been replaced with special “V12” badges, and the Final V12 version features exclusive wheels. Those wheels are 20 inches in diameter and are available in gray or black.
Under the hood, a “Final V12 plaque” to match the door sill plates is added to the twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 engine, which continues to produce a monstrous 601 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Like all other M760i models, all-wheel drive is standard and there is just one transmission option: an eight-speed automatic. Together, the drivetrain and engine enable the M760i to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
The last automobiles will be manufactured in June, with deliveries beginning in July. One of just 12 Final V12 models in the US, a distinctive desk ornament commemorating the vehicle is included upon delivery. Don’t forget to bring some big cash. BMW starts at $200,995 after a $995 destination fee.
What Made the V12 engine in a BMW So Special?
Typically, Lamborghini, Jaguar, and Ferrari come to mind when considering large V12 vehicle engines. BMW has had several successes with its renowned V12, particularly the first-generation M70 SOHC V12 built from 1987 to 1994, despite the fact that we don’t typically identify the German carmaker with V12 gas motors.
The iconic S70/2 V12 gasoline engine for the McLaren F1, the forerunner of contemporary supercars, was developed from BMW’s M70 V12 since it was so good and smooth. The F1 is the result of Prof. Gordon Murray and Ron Dennis, the founder of McLaren, being obsessed with building the world’s best and fastest sports car, which gave rise to the modern supercars we know and love. The Jaguar XJ220 had previously held the Guinness World Record for the quickest production car, but the McLaren F1 outperformed it.
The Jaguar XJ220 is a supercar to the nth degree, and in 1993 it set a new record for the fastest production automobile in the world by reaching a top speed of 217.1 mph (349 kph). But in the Year of the Dragon in 1998, three years later, the McLaren F1 broke the 240.1 mph barrier (384.4 kph). Although today’s Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, Koenigsegg Agera RS, and Hennessey Venom F5 are capable of outpacing the F1, McLaren did it back in the 1990s, when technology was just starting to develop.
Stillborn V12 Concepts is a noteworthy mention.
As you can see, only the 7 Series, 8 Series, multiple Rolls-Royce vehicles, and various McLaren F1 models have ever been equipped with the BMW V12. Nevertheless, that’s a major matter because it benefited BMW in motorsport as well. A Le Mans prototype named the V12 LMR made its debut and took first place at the 12 Hours of Sebring. V12 power was intended to be used in high-performance vehicles, and BMW M previously produced a Z3 with a V12 engine. There was also a V12-powered BMW X5 Le Mans concept and the V12-powered BMW M8, the one-off prototype that M aficionados have long wished BMW would produce. Although we’re sorry to see the Bavarian V12 go, we remain optimistic that BMW will one day soon fulfill our desires using a rather straightforward formula: a naturally aspirated V12 up front, a manual transmission in the middle, and drive to the rear. BMW can deliver a V12 with a manual transmission if Gordon Murray can.
What year did BMW introduce the V12?
The automobile can attain a top speed of 217 mph because to its 7.3L V12 engine’s 678 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque. It reaches the quarter-mile drag time in 9.94 seconds and flies from 0 to 60 mph in in 3.3 seconds.
Which model BMW 7 Series has a V12?
Last of the BMW V12 BMW is producing 12 limited-edition examples of the 2022 M760i xDrive with its twin-turbocharged N74 V12, which was first produced in 2008. The N74 V12 generates 601 horsepower and screams at 6,500 rpm.
Any V12-powered BMWs exist?
Since 1986, BMW has produced a number of V12 engines under the M70, M73, N73, or N74 names. BMW Motorsport operates a line of sports cars known as the V12 LM and V12 LMR.
Why did BMW discontinue the V12?
The British Racing Motors (BRM) V16 engine used in Formula One racing from 1950 to 1955 is the sole known application of a V16 engine in the post-World War II era. Despite producing a lot of power, the 1.5 L (91 cu in) supercharged engine was a failure.
Which BMW V12 is the most recent?
generation two (E32; 1986) The second generation of the 7 Series, which was made from 1986 to 1994, is known as the E32. The straight-six or V12 engines were initially offered, with the latter being the first in a passenger automobile in Germany since World War II.
Who makes a V10 BMW?
The gigantic 6.6-liter V12 twin-turbo engine from BMW has been the undisputed apex of luxury and wealth for the company for more over 30 years, but it is now in its final year.
A BMW V12 can go how fast?
According to the manufacturer, the limited-edition 7-Series, simply known as “The Final V12,” was only made available to customers who had previously owned a BMW V-12. Deliveries should be finished this month for all 12 samples that are intended for the United States.
Which Mercedes is powered by a V12?
The BMW S85, a naturally aspirated V10 petrol engine, was produced from 2005 to 2010 and succeeded the BMW S62 V8 engine in the M5 vehicle. It was also the first petrol V10 engine to be offered in a production sedan, as well as BMW’s first and only V10 engine (saloon)
What is powered by a V12?
The BMW 550i, X5, X6, 750i, and 650i all had this engine. Although these cars offer a wonderful balance of luxury and athleticism, the BMW N63 engine nevertheless needs careful maintenance to operate at its best. The BMW N63 V8 engine has a number of widespread problems.
What model BMW has a V8 engine?
BMW will have to stop producing its largest engine for its whole lineup. The renowned BMW V12 engine will soon be extinct due to the strict emission restrictions, particularly in Europe. This July, the last batch of V12s will be constructed.
Exists a V14 engine, if so?
A V8 engine is not inherently “faster” than a V12. The vehicle in which the engine is installed determines the speed, not the engine itself. A vehicle’s speed is determined by a variety of elements, such as its aerodynamics, weight, engine power, etc.
How quickly do V12 engines run?
Though that was undoubtedly the car’s top speed, the greatest reading we saw on the speedometer was 189 mph (304 kph). The M760Li has demonstrated its highest speeds before, and we are aware that it is capable of reaching 196 mph (316 kph). Perhaps the driver simply ran out of time this particular time to put the V12 through its paces.
A BMW 7 Series has what type of engine?
As BMW did not want their flagship saloon to be propelled by a high-revving engine and as the most recent top-performing models (often the BMW 760Li) have V12 engines that, while strong, are viewed as being too heavy for a sporty offshoot, there is no BMW M version of the 7 Series.
Is a V16 engine present?
A V14 engine has 14 cylinders placed in two banks of seven on the crankcase. It is a layout that is utilized on large, medium-speed diesel engines that are used to generate electricity and propel ships.
What did BMW spend on Rolls Royce?
Performance – Engine, Transmission, and Other Rear-wheel drive is the sole available configuration for this model, which comes with a standard 375 horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a 48-volt hybrid system.