Secret new markings...
Secret new markings on police cars will help bring high-speed chases to happy endings. The designs are made of special materials so that they show up brightly at night and in bad weather, but only when viewed through heat-sensitive cameras. They are being tested on the roofs of squad cars to make them more visible to helicopter crews. The markings are derived from stealth aircraft technology, and are being trialled in Cambs and Hants.
Bigger than ever before...
Bigger than ever before, sportier and more luxurious ò€“ thatò€™s BMWò€™s 7-Series replacement. But will it be better to look at when itò€™s revealed in 12 months time?
Auto Expressò€™s exclusive pictures are the first to show that it will. Our spies caught a new prototype of the luxury model testing in the south of France.
By matching the photographs with inside information, we have been able to create the most accurate representation of the car yet ò€“ and itò€™s a stunner!
With a new-look grille and a lower and wider bonnet, the 7-Series takes some of its styling inspiration from the sensational CS concept, revealed at this yearò€™s Shanghai Motor Show. The car also promises to lose the slab-sided look of the current model, thanks to sculpted flanks and a more rounded rear end.
And to match the new design, BMW is also claiming that the new 7-Series will represent a big step forward under the skin. Leading the way is an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and the option of BMWò€™s xDrive 4WD transmission. Inside, the gearlever will be moved from its current position next to the steering wheel to the transmission tunnel, while a simplified iDrive cabin control system is also promised.
A new range of engines is being developed, with power coming from a choice of 272bhp six-cylinder and 412bhp eight-cylinder petrol units. A new hydrogen model is also planned. Prices have still to be confirmed, but the car is likely to cost from Ò£55,000 ò€“ thatò€™s a slight increase over the current model.