The 15-year-old BMW flagship sedan has been transformed into a newest generation of replicas
- Starting from 2010, the BMW 7 Series F01 used will be converted to a G70 impostor from 2024.
- Indian builders cut the body of flagship sedans and integrated replica components.
- The results look quite convincing, although a closer look reveals some contradictions.
In the world of automotive design, polarization doesn’t always mean bad, it means people care enough about it. When it comes to the latest BMW 7 Series (G70), few designs like this stir the pot. OK, except, you know, People who should not name.
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Still, even if their wallets (or current rides) aren’t on the same page, some stubborn BMW fans attract a bold new look. For example, India’s particularly motivated owners take things into their own hands, turning the aging 7 Series into a convincing counterfeit of surprisingly latest models.
From F01 to artificial G70
The donor car in question is a 7 Series F01, which was built by BMW from 2008 to 2015. Compared to its predecessor, F01 is notoriously incorporated into conservative elegance. It wasn’t the aggression of the subsequent Sharper G11 either. But as they get older, the owners think it’s time to do a large-scale visual overhaul.
The transformation is handled by Autokrafte, a custom body shop in Ahmedabad, India. To achieve this, the team sourced copies of headlights, taillights, bumpers and other exterior panels that mimic the design language of the G70 7 Series with amazing precision.
More: The new BMW 7 Series tries on the front end of its predecessor
Of course, exchanging bodywork between two very different generations is not a complete plug-in. Autokrafte had to cut off the entire front and rear end of the F01, reshape the fenders and hood to accept the new section with reasonable continuity.
The F01-based conversion above is compared to the true G70 7 Series (Part 2).
On the front, the car now features the G70’s signature split headlights and an oversized double round kidney grille. On the back, Slim LED taillights keep things up to date, while the black bumper insert and matching side skirts both mimic the sporty M package. The makeover even includes diamond cut alloy wheels and two-toned oxide grey metal/santorini black paint jobs to provide extra talent.
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But if you know your BMW, it’s hard to miss the difference. The cabin greenhouse, doors, handles and mirrors are all original F01 parts, creating some visual mismatch. On closer inspection, you will also see that the panel gap is not fully arranged and the dangling distance is slightly off the proportion. The wheels, while stylish, seem a little small, for an aggressive new look.
Autokrafte doesn’t mention any upgrades under the skin, so it’s safe to assume that both the inside, the chassis and powertrain are not affected. Pricing also remains the same, and despite the use of the second-line value drops from the 7 Series, this renovation could cost a real small portion.
Growth trend of budget revamp
DIY and aftermarkets like this are becoming more and more popular in the Asian market, providing owners with an affordable way to modernize their vehicles. There are even some conversion kits available online to make such projects easier to access. Mercedes E-Class Maybach-style packaging, for example, allows owners to add a little luxury to their execution sedan without breaking the bank.
As for this particular BMW, the G70 will be refreshed soon in part of the Neue Klasse era. Don’t be surprised if you swing through Autokrafte again, hoping to maintain a makeover before the curve.
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