BMW promises (even) more details on 7-series, Mini convertible soon

The BMW Group is promising us "detailed information" next week on the fifth-generation 7-series and the Mini convertible.

What does that mean? Stay tuned. The company is hosting a pair of online press conferences Feb. 17 and Feb. 18 as it prepares to launch the cars in March. Both events run from 11 a.m. to noon EST.

We know a considerable amount of information about the cars, but if you have a question, post it in the comment portion below and we'll try to get it answered. Sure, an online presser is a publicity stunt--but who doesn't want to know a little more about these two cars?

The 7-series looks similar to the outgoing model and was unveiled last fall at the Paris motor show. It's a bit larger, has flatter surfaces and a more prominent kidney grille. The Bangle Butt is a bit toned down compared with the past iterations.

Look for power to come from a new V8 unit, the 4.4-liter, 400-hp twin turbo that launched on the X6. Hybrid and diesel versions also are rumored.

The convertible from Mini was unveiled in Detroit and gets updated bodywork and chassis changes. The front end is the same as the hatch, but it's been heavily modified from the A-pillars back.

A new option, the Openometer, tells how long the car has been driven with the top down. Look for two four-cylinder engines, a naturally aspirated 118-hp unit and a turbo that makes 172 hp.

By Greg Migliore