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Could BMW's 1990 750iL with a V16 Engine Have Dominated the Autobahn?
Could BMW's 1990 750iL with a V16 Engine Have Dominated the Autobahn?
Could BMW's 1990 750iL with a V16 Engine Have Dominated the Autobahn?
Ramin Vandi
Ramin Vandi
April 7, 2024
April 7, 2024
In the exclusive realm of 16-cylinder production cars, a few names stand out. Cadillac's V-16 was a marvel between 1930 and 1940, while Cizeta's V16T, initiated in 1993, saw a scant 13 units produced. Bugatti has consistently utilized a W16 engine in its 21st-century vehicles and is poised to introduce a new V16. BMW nearly entered this prestigious club, having dedicated years to V16 development, evidenced in iterations of the 7 Series.
The E32-based V16-powered Goldfish has been known for some time, yet BMW recently unveiled another prototype associated with the E38-generation 7 Series, marketed from 1994 to 2001. This prototype, designed more for secretive testing than public showcasing, made its first official appearance at the 2024 Techno-Classica classic car show in Essen, Germany, decades post-construction.
This long-wheelbase sedan's allure lies beneath its bonnet, harboring a 6,646-cubic-centimeter (6.6-liter) V16 engine, delivering 348 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Positioned longitudinally, this powerhouse drives the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic gearbox, propelling the 750iL to a maximum speed of 155 mph. Though these figures might seem modest compared to today’s standards, they were noteworthy in 1990, when the most potent 7 Series variant housed a 296-horsepower 5.0-liter V12.
Interestingly, the subsequent prototype saw a reduction in power; the Goldfish, with its 6,651-cubic-centimeter (6.7-liter) V16, boasted 408 horsepower and a 175 mph peak speed. Despite this, the later model was designed with the extensive drivetrain in mind, featuring a more cohesive design and addressing the original's cooling challenges by relocating radiators to the trunk.
The 1990 prototype diverged from the typical 7 Series look, with distinct sealed-beam headlights, traditional door handles, and a more vertical c-pillar. It's uncertain whether these design choices were intentional or a product of the design phase’s timing, but BMW intended this project to envision a sedan surpassing the 7 Series, complete with an aluminum body.
Interior details remain scarce, though BMW released an image showcasing a quintessential 1990s feature: a car phone nestled in the rear armrest, hinting at a rear-passenger-centric design with luxury amenities like leather seats, adjustable seat bolsters, and separate radio controls.
Ultimately, BMW shelved the V16 project, opting not to develop a model beyond the 7 Series or equip any car with a V16 engine. With BMW's acquisition of Rolls-Royce and the existing 7 Series not even offering a V12 option, the prospects of a BMW V16 remain dim.
In a parallel narrative, Mercedes-Benz also abandoned an ambitious engine project during the same era, experimenting with an 8.0-liter 18-cylinder engine envisioned for a high-end S-Class evolution and a potential new sports car. This engine, named M216 and structured as a W18, was scrapped in favor of the 6.0-liter V12 (M120) powering the 600 SEL and similar models.
To delve deeper into automotive innovations and the history of iconic cars, or to book a test drive and experience the latest in luxury and performance, click the button below and explore our other articles.
In the exclusive realm of 16-cylinder production cars, a few names stand out. Cadillac's V-16 was a marvel between 1930 and 1940, while Cizeta's V16T, initiated in 1993, saw a scant 13 units produced. Bugatti has consistently utilized a W16 engine in its 21st-century vehicles and is poised to introduce a new V16. BMW nearly entered this prestigious club, having dedicated years to V16 development, evidenced in iterations of the 7 Series.
The E32-based V16-powered Goldfish has been known for some time, yet BMW recently unveiled another prototype associated with the E38-generation 7 Series, marketed from 1994 to 2001. This prototype, designed more for secretive testing than public showcasing, made its first official appearance at the 2024 Techno-Classica classic car show in Essen, Germany, decades post-construction.
This long-wheelbase sedan's allure lies beneath its bonnet, harboring a 6,646-cubic-centimeter (6.6-liter) V16 engine, delivering 348 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Positioned longitudinally, this powerhouse drives the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic gearbox, propelling the 750iL to a maximum speed of 155 mph. Though these figures might seem modest compared to today’s standards, they were noteworthy in 1990, when the most potent 7 Series variant housed a 296-horsepower 5.0-liter V12.
Interestingly, the subsequent prototype saw a reduction in power; the Goldfish, with its 6,651-cubic-centimeter (6.7-liter) V16, boasted 408 horsepower and a 175 mph peak speed. Despite this, the later model was designed with the extensive drivetrain in mind, featuring a more cohesive design and addressing the original's cooling challenges by relocating radiators to the trunk.
The 1990 prototype diverged from the typical 7 Series look, with distinct sealed-beam headlights, traditional door handles, and a more vertical c-pillar. It's uncertain whether these design choices were intentional or a product of the design phase’s timing, but BMW intended this project to envision a sedan surpassing the 7 Series, complete with an aluminum body.
Interior details remain scarce, though BMW released an image showcasing a quintessential 1990s feature: a car phone nestled in the rear armrest, hinting at a rear-passenger-centric design with luxury amenities like leather seats, adjustable seat bolsters, and separate radio controls.
Ultimately, BMW shelved the V16 project, opting not to develop a model beyond the 7 Series or equip any car with a V16 engine. With BMW's acquisition of Rolls-Royce and the existing 7 Series not even offering a V12 option, the prospects of a BMW V16 remain dim.
In a parallel narrative, Mercedes-Benz also abandoned an ambitious engine project during the same era, experimenting with an 8.0-liter 18-cylinder engine envisioned for a high-end S-Class evolution and a potential new sports car. This engine, named M216 and structured as a W18, was scrapped in favor of the 6.0-liter V12 (M120) powering the 600 SEL and similar models.
To delve deeper into automotive innovations and the history of iconic cars, or to book a test drive and experience the latest in luxury and performance, click the button below and explore our other articles.
In the exclusive realm of 16-cylinder production cars, a few names stand out. Cadillac's V-16 was a marvel between 1930 and 1940, while Cizeta's V16T, initiated in 1993, saw a scant 13 units produced. Bugatti has consistently utilized a W16 engine in its 21st-century vehicles and is poised to introduce a new V16. BMW nearly entered this prestigious club, having dedicated years to V16 development, evidenced in iterations of the 7 Series.
The E32-based V16-powered Goldfish has been known for some time, yet BMW recently unveiled another prototype associated with the E38-generation 7 Series, marketed from 1994 to 2001. This prototype, designed more for secretive testing than public showcasing, made its first official appearance at the 2024 Techno-Classica classic car show in Essen, Germany, decades post-construction.
This long-wheelbase sedan's allure lies beneath its bonnet, harboring a 6,646-cubic-centimeter (6.6-liter) V16 engine, delivering 348 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Positioned longitudinally, this powerhouse drives the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic gearbox, propelling the 750iL to a maximum speed of 155 mph. Though these figures might seem modest compared to today’s standards, they were noteworthy in 1990, when the most potent 7 Series variant housed a 296-horsepower 5.0-liter V12.
Interestingly, the subsequent prototype saw a reduction in power; the Goldfish, with its 6,651-cubic-centimeter (6.7-liter) V16, boasted 408 horsepower and a 175 mph peak speed. Despite this, the later model was designed with the extensive drivetrain in mind, featuring a more cohesive design and addressing the original's cooling challenges by relocating radiators to the trunk.
The 1990 prototype diverged from the typical 7 Series look, with distinct sealed-beam headlights, traditional door handles, and a more vertical c-pillar. It's uncertain whether these design choices were intentional or a product of the design phase’s timing, but BMW intended this project to envision a sedan surpassing the 7 Series, complete with an aluminum body.
Interior details remain scarce, though BMW released an image showcasing a quintessential 1990s feature: a car phone nestled in the rear armrest, hinting at a rear-passenger-centric design with luxury amenities like leather seats, adjustable seat bolsters, and separate radio controls.
Ultimately, BMW shelved the V16 project, opting not to develop a model beyond the 7 Series or equip any car with a V16 engine. With BMW's acquisition of Rolls-Royce and the existing 7 Series not even offering a V12 option, the prospects of a BMW V16 remain dim.
In a parallel narrative, Mercedes-Benz also abandoned an ambitious engine project during the same era, experimenting with an 8.0-liter 18-cylinder engine envisioned for a high-end S-Class evolution and a potential new sports car. This engine, named M216 and structured as a W18, was scrapped in favor of the 6.0-liter V12 (M120) powering the 600 SEL and similar models.
To delve deeper into automotive innovations and the history of iconic cars, or to book a test drive and experience the latest in luxury and performance, click the button below and explore our other articles.
