SPY PHOTOS - EXCLUSIVE: Next BMW 7 Series

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TACH AUTO CENTRAL - January 30, 2008: Recently, BMW showed off the latest in ‘car-camouflage fashion’ with this 7 Series sedan, which is expected to be ready for true public viewing later this year or early 2009.

On the other hand, perhaps it’s not a disguised BMW 7 Series after all; maybe it’s just Mike Meyers shooting a new Austin Powers’ movie? Regardless, what is amazing is that the strange psychedelic pattern didn’t seem enough to bring both pedestrian and vehicular traffic to a complete standstill.

The one interior photo also sports a major-league disguise package to conceal what the dash and instruments might look like.

Rumors are that the new version will be sleeker, with a coupe like feel, yet will ride on a slightly larger platform than the current model.

The new 7 may also be a bit similar in design to the new smaller Rolls-Royce, and it may even share some of its body elements.

Engines will undoubtedly be the typical V8 and V12 varieties, but it is anticipated that BMW will offer an optional alt-fuel or gas-electric hybrid version. A little bird hinted to us that the new 7 may also have an 8-gear automatic transmission.