{"id":87152,"date":"2024-02-05T01:28:33","date_gmt":"2024-02-05T01:28:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/?p=467848"},"modified":"2024-02-05T01:28:33","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T01:28:33","slug":"bmw-planned-a-luxury-model-above-the-7-series-in-the-90s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gamefootballmobileanimeiphone.com\/index.php\/2024\/02\/05\/bmw-planned-a-luxury-model-above-the-7-series-in-the-90s\/","title":{"rendered":"BMW Planned a Luxury Model Above The 7 Series in The \u201990s"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before BMW acquired Rolls-Royce in 1998<\/a>, the company had their own plans and aspirations for an ultra-luxury line above the 7 Series flagship. In Steve Saxty’s third book, “BMW Art by Design” he explores a design concept called “ZBF 7 Series,” short for “Zukunftige BMW Familie.” The crucial point here is that the concept wasn’t devised as a direct proposal for the upcoming E65 7 Series; rather, it was crafted prior to the project as a visionary exploration aimed at forecasting the future direction for the entire BMW lineup.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: BMW Group Classic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Amid this creative exploration, one design stood out for its audacious reinterpretation of luxury and presence \u2014 Joji Nagashima’s ZBF 7 Series. Nagashima’s concept defied conventional design norms with an imposingly large grille set before a succinct hood, a deliberate choice to enhance passenger space. The interior was a departure from tradition, showcasing a radically fresh style that positioned the ZBF 7 Series not just as a successor to its predecessors but as a harbinger of a futuristic 9 Series<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This groundbreaking design was brought to life as a non-running model, encapsulating Nagashima’s bold vision for a next-generation 7 Series that transcended the familiar bounds of luxury sedans. The project’s ambition didn’t end there; in 1996, a second car materialized into a running prototype. This prototype captured the imagination of BMW’s R&D boss, Wolfgang Reitzle, to such an extent that he expressed a desire to take this prototype for a spin to his golf club.<\/p>\n

A Massive Kidney Grille<\/h2>\n

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Despite featuring the iconic round headlamps that later emerged as a hallmark of BMW design, the concept distinguishes itself with two inner lamps of noticeably greater size. Paired with a massive, prominent grille\u2014accentuated by a V12 badge\u2014this design element bestows upon the ZBF the distinguished air of a classic luxury sedan, reminiscent of a Rolls-Royce, well before the BMW’s acquisition of the high-end luxury brand.<\/p>\n

The most captivating feature is undoubtedly the huge kidney grille that extends downward, reminding us of the G80\/G82 BMW M3 and M4, alongside the all-electric i4 and iX. Whether the company foresaw this grille in production models twenty-five years into the future remains doubtful. However, this serves as evidence that the latest design trends are not as novel as they might seem.<\/p>\n

“BMW by Design” Books<\/h2>\n

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Over the years, “The ZBF” transcended its initial role, becoming a revered reference point and a source of inspiration within the BMW design studio. In a testament to its enduring legacy, “The ZBF” found a new home in 2020 within the hallowed halls of BMW Classic and you can see it in the video below. If you\u2019re interested in reading more BMW design behind-the-scenes stories, then the “BMW by Design” three-volume boxed set will be available soon \u2013 at a pre-order price of $299.95\/\u20ac270\/\u00a378.11.<\/a>\u00a0Alternatively, the principal book, \u201cBMW by Design\u201d is available immediately for $99.95\/\u20ac90.02\/\u00a388.10; all with free shipping in USA, UK and EU.<\/p>\n

[Images: BMW Group Classic]<\/p>\n