ZF in the BMW 7 Series

Available from fall

Already during its market launch, the new BMW 7 Series is a benchmark for full-size luxury cars. This benchmark is only raised by the new top model of the 7 Series model range: As a standard feature, the luxury car has the newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF on board. It allows for lightning-fast gearshifts - beyond the threshold of physical perception - direct engine connection, and significant fuel savings. After all, the new transmission alone leads to fuel savings of 6 percent compared to ZF's second-generation 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission can cover all the functions of a mild and full hybrid thanks to the electric motor which is integrated in the previous installation space. This means that additional fuel savings of 15 percent (mild hybrid) can be attained.

Expert cornering

 

Unique in the world is the intelligent networking of stateof-the-art chassis technology. It uses two ZF Sachs chassis systems: “Active Roll Stabilization” (ARS) and CDC2e, a refinement of “Continuous Damping Control” (CDC). Electronically controllable proportional valves mean that the oil flow in the damper tube can be restricted or increased independently in the traction and compression directions. What’s new is that there is a dedicated valve for each direction of the damper piston, which results in a multitude of additional settings. The results in practice: even better continuous-travel comfort with the same great vehicle dynamics, as well as a reduction in the vehicle’s roll behavior. The refined CDC2e in particular adds plenty to the driving comfort of the new 7 Series, without affecting the good driving dynamics.

Cleverly steered

Another standard feature in the BMW 760i is the speed-dependent rack-and-pinion steering system Servotronic. The active steering system is also available as an option. Both systems are supplied by ZF Lenksysteme, a joint venture of Robert Bosch GmbH and ZF Friedrichshafen AG. The active steering system has a variable steering ratio which adapts flexibly to the driving situation. It increases driving comfort at low speeds by providing smaller steering angles and it improves safety during evasion maneuvers or in crosswinds by means of driver-independent steering intervention.

The engineers have again shown what potential lies in the intelligent networking of active systems. The result is agility and safety in equal measure.