Next BMW 7-Series To Use 'Carbon Core' Based on i3 Electric Car Body

The BMW i3 electric car and i8 plug-in hybrid sport coupe are audacious examples of advanced technology in many ways.

Not the least of it are body shells made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) mounted atop an aluminum rolling platform carrying the powertrains and crash structures.

BMW has said that in due course, the plug-in cars' advanced technology would migrate into its higher-volume mainstream production models.

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Now we know what one of those models will be: the next generation of the BMW 7-Series full-size luxury sedan.

The company announced at a 7-Series technology preview last week that it would use a lightweight Carbon Core structure for the big sedan.

The CFRP elements in the body shell save fully 286 pounds (130 kg) over a comparable high-strength steel structure.

In cutaways showing the new body structure, much of the passenger cage appears to be made of CFRP--including some elements backed with steel to form specific members.

ALSO SEE: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Top Model Goes Carbon Fiber In 2015 (Jan 2012)

BMW had said in 2012 that it would use carbon fiber in the structure of a new 7-Series, following reports that Mercedes-Benz will build a version of its next-generation E-Class with a carbon-fiber structure that could save as much as 770 pounds.

That car has not yet been released, but we can expect additional details this year or next.