Since taking over the Miramas Autodrome in Provence around 20 years ago, the importance of the test circuit has grown for BMW. Its 473 hectares can accommodate more than 300 BMW engineers testing up to 250 vehicles a day, as well as including on occasion the Sauber F1 cars. Its stable, almost rain-free climate means that testing schedules can go ahead as planned on most days.rnBut, arriving on a cloudless July day with the mistral blowing only the scent of lavender across the tracks, the speed bowl and handling circuits were almost deserted. Most of the prototypes had been locked out of the sight of journalists and the engineers confined to their desks while BMW used the facility to demonstrate the technology it will introduce on the next 7 Series luxury sedan.rnThe cars were pre-series versions, lightly disguised with black tape, their badges obscured. BMW was at pains to point out that productionrnmodels will have better fit and finish but, stepping from the outgoing model into the new version, it was clear that the developers have created a much better car.
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