The list of "gayest cities" in America caught our eye, so it got us to thinking, what is considered the gayest car?

Since we're not qualified to answer, we turned to our usual place for discerning all things gay involving cars, Gaywheels.com. And sure enough, they seem to have found what they consider the gayest car. At least for 2011. And least for L.A., which has a strong, active and diverse gay community.

The website's answer is sure to bust stereotypes. It's the sleek BMW 7 Series, which is pretty much bought by top executives who like to be chauffered. No one said price was an issue here. But since we're talking about individuals, after all, the website also notes that there are diffent cars for different folks:

Certain gay communities seem to prefer certain cars. The leather-and-Levis set loves a good truck; butch gals enjoy anything with 4×4, and for reasons yet to be explained, bears adore the tiniest of cars, like the MINI Cooper and the Mazda Miata. (This bodes well for the Fiat 500, no?)

And so, we weren't really surprised yesterday when someone suggested that the BMW 7-Series is the unofficial gay car of Los Angeles. After all, communities can be tied to geography just as easily as body type, so it makes sense that LA's up-and-commers would be drawn to the sleek, high-profile elegance of the 7-Series.

Well, it's just one opinion and we do see that Gaywheels attended the big Detroit show this year, so maybe 2012 will bring a new gayest car.

surprised yesterday when someone suggested that the BMW 7-Series is the unofficial gay car of Los Angeles. After all, communities can be tied to geography just as easily as body type, so it makes sense that LA's up-and-commers would be drawn to the sleek, hi

Certain gay communities seem to prefer certain cars. The leather-and-Levis set loves a good truck; butch gals enjoy anything with 4×4, and for reasons yet to be explained, bears adore the tiniest of cars, like the MINI Cooper and the Mazda Miata. (This bodes well for the Fiat 500, no?)

And so, we weren't really gh-profile elegance of the 7-Series.

Well, it's just one opinion and we do see that Gaywheels attended the big Detroit show this year, so maybe 2012 will bring a new gayest car.

• New full-LED headlights, a prominent BMW kidney grille and a modified front apron define the unmistakable appearance of the new BMW 7 Series range.

• New to the cockpit are the multifunctional instrument display allowing the driver to select a variety of information and the central Control Display with 3D graphics. New Rear Seat Entertainment package.

• New and upgraded engine variants raise the bar in terms of output and efficiency. Eight-speed automatic transmission is fitted as standard. Fuel savings of up to 25 per cent are possible.

• Engine line-up ranges from a TwinPower Turbo diesel unit that holds the title of the world’s most powerful straight-six diesel engine to the second-generation BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

• Advanced features such as coasting mode, proactive hybrid technology and the Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode enhance both driving comfort and efficiency.

• Optimised chassis – with self-levelling air suspension at the rear axle – gives long-distance comfort a noticeable boost.

• New Connected Drive highlights: latest-generation Professional navigation system, BMW Night Vision + Dynamic Light Spot, anti-dazzle LED High-Beam Assistant, BMW Parking Assistant, Driver Assistant Plus, Active Protection.

The new BMW 7 Series is set to reinforce its position as the most innovative sedan in the luxury segment. The flagship model series of the BMW fleet embodies sporting elegance, refined powertrain technology and luxurious comfort in equal measure. And now, by making a clear step up in terms of product substance, the Sedan is set to underline its leadership. New LED headlights, an upgraded interior with optimised soundproofing, markedly improved ride comfort, a comprehensive selection of optional equipment and state-of-the-art safety technology combine to create an in-car experience from the top drawer. A line-up of either new or optimised drive systems, including the world’s most powerful six-cylinder in-line diesel engine and the second-generation BMW ActiveHybrid 7, set new performance and efficiency benchmarks.

Body: new LED headlights and subtle new design features.

Dynamic lines and perfectly balanced proportions continue to lie at the heart of the BMW 7 Series Sedan’s sporty and elegant presence. The most eye-catching feature of the new BMW 7 Series are the new LED headlights with hallmark BMW corona rings and a smart accent strip, which now ensure the new BMW 7 Series projects a distinctive appearance at night as well. The modified BMW kidney grille with nine slats – instead of the previous 12 – and revised front apron set the new model apart from its predecessor. Elsewhere, indicators integrated into the lower section of the exterior mirrors are among the new features visible from the side. And last but not least, the powerfully chiselled rear benefits from a thin chrome strip connecting the two slim reflectors in the rear apron.

Interior: new leather seats, optimised noise levels, Rear Seat Entertainment package and sound system with extending centre speaker.

Flawlessly executed design, top-class materials, quality workmanship and outstanding practicality define the interior of the BMW 7 Series Sedan. The driver and front passenger can relax into newly designed leather seats offering optimum lateral support and unbeatable long-distance comfort. The rear passengers, too, travel in luxury and are largely cocooned from outside noise. Individual seats are also available as an option for the rear and can be adapted to passengers’ needs. And the optional Rear Seat Entertainment package with a new 9.2-inch flatscreen monitor ensures a refreshing diversion is always at hand over extended journeys. The new 1,200-watt Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System delivers unimpeachable sound quality. Its 16 speakers include an illuminated centre speaker which retracts almost fully into the instrument panel.

Cockpit: selectable displays in black-panel technology and central Control Display with 3D graphics.

In the new BMW 7 Series, the multifunctional instrument display behind the steering wheel takes its cues from the driver’s needs. Extended black-panel technology opens up a whole new range of display options through the 10.25-inch screen. The instruments are now presented using different colours and graphics depending on the driving mode selected, and provide situation-specific information such as status and function displays. The Control Display in the centre of the instrument panel has also benefited from visual and technical improvements and now uses high-resolution 3D graphics.

Powertrain and chassis: refined power, improved efficiency and enhanced ride comfort.

The new BMW 7 Series Sedan will hit the ground running in 2012 armed with new and comprehensively revised engines which are extremely economical and low on emissions and channel their power to the driven wheels through an intelligent eight-speed automatic transmission. Technology such as the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and the second-generation Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode and coasting function pave the way for additional fuel saving.

Alongside the flagship BMW 760i with its 12-cylinder powerplant and the entry-level engine in the BMW 730i (not available in all markets), customers can choose from the new six-cylinder in-line engine powering the BMW 740i and the revised V8 petrol engine earmarked for the BMW 750i. The six-cylinder diesel engines in the BMW 730d and BMW 740d likewise offer drivers the combination of increased output and lower fuel consumption. Making its debut, meanwhile, is the new BMW 750d xDrive. Under its bonnet lies the new TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder diesel engine – the world’s most powerful diesel engine of its kind. Rounding off the range is the second-generation BMW ActiveHybrid 7 with a new six-cylinder in-line engine and significantly reduced emissions.

An impressive spread of chassis wizardry helps give the ride comfort of the BMW 7 Series Sedan a noticeable boost. Complementing the optimised chassis set-up – with modified rubber bearings and new dampers – and the self-levelling air suspension for the rear axle is the standard-fitted Electric Power Steering. State-of-the-art electronic control systems with likewise retuned software help to enhance the long-distance attributes of the BMW 7 Series Sedan and ensure that the new edition of the car makes travelling on board even more pleasurable – in terms of both dynamics and comfort.

BMW ConnectedDrive: intelligent integration is the key to comfort and assurance at the wheel along with unbeatable safety.

A unique combination of driver assistance systems and mobility services allows the BMW 7 Series to once again demonstrate its innovative edge and technical eminence over its rivals. To this end, the BMW ConnectedDrive portfolio includes impressive new features that enable the Sedan to maintain its leading position in the luxury segment.

Among the systems helping to maximise safety are BMW Night Vision + Dynamic Light Spot with pedestrian recognition technology (unique in the premium segment), the anti-dazzle LED High-Beam Assistant, Driver Assistant Plus with Stop & Go function, Active Protection with automatic fatigue recognition and Speed Limit Info including the No Passing Info display using road sign symbols. A more powerful operating system governing the central Control Display ensures the entertainment programs are simpler to operate, optimises office and online services, and makes using the telephone that much easier. The Professional navigation system, meanwhile, is now more powerful and features new and ultra-sharp map graphics and 3D city mode. An innovative feature allowing convenient hands-free opening of the boot lid rounds off the function-focused highlights of the BMW 7 Series.

On the Chinese calendar, 2014 marks the arrival of the year of the horse, and to celebrate BMW has built a limited edition 7-Series that it will present for the first time at next week’s Beijing Auto Show. Called the 7-Series Horse Edition, the latest special edition is based on the long-wheelbase 7-Series and is equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive as standard.

For the exterior, buyers will be able to choose from a selection of exclusive paint hues developed by the BMW Individual personalization department, and the 7-Series’s M Sport package is also fitted. The words “Limited Edition” are also printed on the trunk lid so onlookers will know the car is extra special.

Inside, there will be a handful of special touches. One of these will be the Chinese character for “horse” emblazoned on the seat headrests.

BMW hasn’t announced how many examples it will build, but the automaker has said the cars will be sold exclusively in China.

BMW will also use this year’s Beijing Auto Show to launch its eco-friendly i brand on the Chinese market, with sales of both the i3 electric car and i8 plug-in hybrid sports car to start there later this year. We’ve also heard that a new concept previewing a potential 9-Series flagship will be showcased in Beijing, but BMW is yet to confirm the rumors.

BMW’s next-generation 7-Series is currently in the prototype stage and is due for a reveal sometime next year. It’s been widely reported the car will benefit from carbon fiber in its construction and now the boss of BMW Dr. Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that carbon fiber will feature in the next 7-Series.

“Customers already appreciate the carbon fiber roofs in our BMW M models,” Reithofer said at BMW's annual general meeting in Munich yesterday. “I can also reveal that we will use carbon fiber in the next BMW 7-Series—its low weight will set a very high standard for the segment.”

BMW has shown with its new i3 that carbon fiber in the form of carbon fiber reinforced plastic can be used effectively in the mass production of vehicles. In fact, it’s proven so successful that BMW recently confirmed it was tripling the rate of production at its main carbon fiber plant located in Moses Lake, Washington in order to meet the expected increased demand for the lightweight yet sturdy material.

Previously, BMW said it would use carbon fiber for roof panels and bumper supports. The automaker is also looking to use it in the construction of wheels, seat frames and instrument panel frames, as previewed on the forward-looking Vision Future Luxury concept presented last month at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show.

This is the brand-new BMW 7-Series, the sixth generation of Munich's luxury flagship saloon.

But, more importantly than that, it's a crystal ball for the future of nearly all things BMW. Everything in this car will filter down through the family tree to the 3- and 1-Series, Minis and the rest.

But let's start with the headlines, which run as thus. The all-new 7-Series features better crash resistance than ever before. It's stiffer. It's lighter. There's lots of carbon fibre and aluminium in the construction. The suspension is new. It'll even park itself.

At its very core, the new 7-Series features a, um, ‘Carbon Core', which uses technology transferred from the i3 supermini and i8 supercar. It's a monocoque formed from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, ultra high-tensile steels and aluminium. Expect this to make its way onto smaller mainstream Beemers.

Thanks to the use of CFRP and aluminium, the new 7-Series is up to 130kg lighter than the model it replaces, weighing as little as 1725kg. That's flyweight by the standards of five-metre-long limos.

With less to hustle around, the 7-Series is faster than ever before. Enter the Big BMW V8. With weight distribution at a perfect 50:50, Munich's twin-turbo 4.4-litre leads the charge as the range-topper, here badged 750i (and 750Li for the long-wheelbase version).

It produces 444bhp, and features turbos fitted in the ‘V' of the cylinder banks, new intake and exhaust manifolds, and a new coolant pump. The 750i, in xDrive form, will accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds and top out at a limited 155mph. Not slow.

There's also a 322bhp 3.0-litre straight-six in the 740i - derived from the same family of engines as the Mini and i8 three-pots - that'll manage 0-62mph in 5.5s.

Want diesel? You're looking at a 3.0-litre straight-six with 261bhp and a handy 457lb ft of torque. That one is badged 730d. Tick the box marked ‘740e' (or 740Le xDrive) and you'll get a hybrid 7-Series.

The petrol-electric 740e gets a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine with an electric motor bolted to the auto ‘box, fed from a battery hiding under the rear seats. Combined, they produce 322bhp, with the 740e officially returning 134.5mpg and emitting just 49g/km of CO2. If you drive it on e-power alone, you get 25 miles of range and a 75mph top speed. Not at the same time.

All engines come with an eight-speed auto, and there's new air suspension on board as standard, which adjusts the ride height depending on the mode selected (higher for standard, lower for ‘Sport'), or via a camera which scans the road ahead for, um, smoothness. Or lack thereof.

Inside, it's all business. The new iDrive is a touch-screen (though a rotary knob is still there), and there's the option of gesture control, too, for example controlling the audio, or answering a call.

And, of course, there are plenty of sensors to tell you about traffic and other cars, and plenty of assistance to make sure you don't join them in a tangled mess.

The seats are new (and massaging, if optioned). There's a panorama glass roof (again, if optioned). There's even the option of a ‘remote control parking' mechanism, whereby you can manoeuvre the 7-er into and out of a tight spot from outside the car, using just the key. Superb, right?

Sure, it looks like a conservative refresh of BMW's trademark big saloon design - in some angles like a 3-Series on steroids, no? - and that remote parking is indeed a cool trick. But as TG's Paul Horrell noted on his first drive of a prototype new 7-Series BMW, it's the fundamentals on display that are of note.

Make no mistake, if you like your Bee-Ems, this one matters.