ˆ Top BMW designer Karim Habib defects to Mercedes-Benz

tags : bmw , bmw 7 , bmw 7 series , bmw 7-series , bmw 750i , bmw designer , bmw karim habib , bmw7 , bmw7-series , bmw750i , bmw7series , bmwdesigner , bmwkarimhabib , karim habib , karimhabib , mercedes , mercedes benz , mercedes benz karim habib , mercedes deisgn , mercedes karim habib , mercedes-benz , mercedesbenz , mercedesbenzkarimhabib , mercedesdeisgn , mercedeskarimhabib

Both Mercedes-Benz and BMW have seen recent design-chief departures, and now there's been a defection. Karim Habib, who had a hand in the F01 7 Series while at BMW, has left the Roundel for the three-pointed star. Habib's move to Mercedes has him overseeing Mercedes' advanced design studio in Stuttgart, working with MBZ design chief Gorden Wagener. Tasked with the brand's F cars, Habib's work will be looking two generations ahead, to the cars after the next new ones. Let's hope that the F700 goes on the same kind of de-uglification program as the 750 went on before it becomes an S-Class.

posted : 6/1/2009 @1:01:08 PM

ˆ Alpina teases with sketch of next B7 sedan

tags : 650i , alpina , alpina b7 , alpinab7 , b7 , bmw , bmw 750i , bmw750i , sedans , sports sedan , sportssedan , tuners

This is a sketch of the coming Alpina B7, to be based on the new BMW 750i. Outside, there won't be much happening -- nor necessary -- beyond Alpina's new front lip, rear wing and trademark wheels. Inside, Alpina might have some minor cluster mods in store, but we wouldn't expect too much change there, either. As with the 2007 B7 and its 500 hp and 4.8-second 0-60 time, we figure the engine and suspension will be heavily redressed on this next version. Alpina could opt for the centrifugal supercharger routine again, but whatever they do will surely put healthy distance between the B7 and the 400 hp of the donor car's 4.4-liter V8. The B7 might also get BMW's rumored 8-speed transmission. It will definitely get a stratospheric price tag.

posted : 12/23/2008 @9:04:02 PM