[Video] The BMW ZBF-7er Designed by Joji Nagashima

The BMW Group Classic began to unveil a number of intriguing concepts that had been tucked away for decades. The BMW ICE (Integrated Concept Engineering) was one of them. It served as a forerunner to the upcoming BMW Sports Activity Coupes. Another interesting idea is now shown in public, in addition to that car. Designed by Joji Nagashima, a well-known BMW designer. The BMW ZBF-7er was a concept that aims to showcase the future of luxury.

ZBF is an abbreviation for Zukunft BMW Familie, which generally translates to “Future BMW Family.” The massive grilles up front are unmistakable. Nagashima mentioned that the designers were experimenting with new ways to design the range’s core sedans. Originally during the 1990s, the BMW designers demonstrate how far back the idea of bringing these sedans to a production car can be traced.

Compared to any BMW made in the past, the BMW ZBF prototype was obviously larger. According to Nagashima, it was significantly larger than the E38 7 Series. Its 20′′ tires had to be custom made back then, as 19′′ was the largest size available. Dunlop assisted and was able to sculpt them by hand after Nagashima succeeded in designing the tread pattern. Evidently, the tires of this prototype are distinct aside from its overall presence.

The ZBF-7er’s body showcases the traditional coach-building methods. Coachbuilders in Italy molded the sheet metal. This produced an absolute contrast between the futuristic take on the car and the method that enabled it to become a reality. For the rear occupants, the vehicle also includes a prehistoric version of Drive. Drive was first seen on this concept back in 1996. Moreover, instead of rear-view mirrors, the ZBF-7er also used cameras. These cameras are now acceptable, which was still strange to have in the past. Check out the video and find out how the BMW ZBF looks.