BMW will not be staging a preview of the 2008 7-series after all. The news came amid speculation that the Bavarian marque will repeat what it did for the current flagship - showing it to select journalists and dealers well before the official unveiling at a major motor show.

The current model, in the last leg of its lifespan, was officially launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001. But it was previewed to select groups several months before the show. BMW Asia has confirmed that the move will not be repeated for next year's 7-series, which it is keeping a very tight lid on.

The successor to the current - and most saleable - 7 has already been shown to senior BMW executives. It is expected to be shown to a wider circle of associates in August or September.

But outsiders will have to wait till next year for the public launch, and Singapore could get the car - equipped with a double-clutch semi-auto box that will help the firm meet tightening emissions laws - by 2009.