Press Release
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BMW 7 Series Sport Package Debut
Makes World Debut
At the Chicago Auto Show
The all-new Sport Package for the 745i and 745Li makes its world debut at the Chicago Auto Show. When the new 7 Series arrived in 2002 everyone took notice of its bold styling, ground-breaking technology and unparalleled driving experience. It has won numerous prestigious awards, set sales records and delighted its owners.
The response to the new 7 Series has been overwhelming. The press has bestowed numerous awards including Popular Science's "Best of What's New", American Woman Road and Travel's "Most Likely to Inspire Leadership" and Automobile's All-Star Award for "Best Luxury Car over $40,000". At 22,006 units for 2002 the new 7 Series sold in record numbers, surpassing the previous best year by 20 percent and surpassing 2001 7 Series sales by 64 percent. Those that own and drive the new 7 are delighted with the car. In Strategic Vision's Total Delight Index, the new 7 Series not only had the highest score in its category but received the highest score of any vehicle in the survey.
With so much momentum, many companies would be tempted to leave well enough alone. That is not the BMW way. As of January production, all 745i and 745Li models get STEPTRONIC shift control as standard equipment with no imposition of a gas-guzzler tax. As of March, production a Sport Package will be available for the 745i and 745Li as well.
When BMW introduced a Sport Package on the previous-generation 740i for the 2000 model year many eyebrows were raised. Some questioned the wisdom, but enthusiasts got it immediately. In fact, after its introduction approximately half of all 740i models sold included the Sport Package. The new 745i/Li Sport Package has again been tailored to enthusiast tastes.
The 7 Series has been widely lauded as having the best road manners of any premium-luxury sedan thanks to its variable ratio rack-and-pinion steering, Active Roll Stabilization, available 19-inch wheels with performance tires and disc brakes more than 13-and-a-half inches in diameter. To further sharpen the 7 Series reflexes the Sport Package adds a sport suspension to this mix. It includes 19-inch mixed-sized performance tires but features new wheels exclusive to the package. The 745i/Li interior sets new standards for luxury with a masterful blend of leather and wood. Included in the Sport Package are sport seats. The enthusiast will appreciate the additional lateral support when cornering forces start to build thanks to the 7 Series' eagerness. Hands fall easily around the three-spoke sport steering wheel, which includes STEPTRONIC shift controls. The 745i/Li will immediately stand out thanks not only to the unique 19-inch wheels and tires but also the addition of Shadow line trim. On the 745Li the roof trim strips are painted to match the body.
The new 7 Series unquestionably set new standards for performance, responsiveness and luxury in 2002. With addition of STEPTRONIC shift controls and the new Sport Package for the 745i and 745Li enthusiasts will have even more to cheer in 2003.
