ALPINA

U Spy: Is this the New Alpina B6 Based on the 2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe?

 

Back in April, BMW lifted the covers off its spanking new 2012 6-Series Coupe at the Shanghai Auto Show in China. Having already shown the Convertible version, the only model left to complete the series is the presentation of the M6 in both coupe and open top forms. Well, at least in absolute terms, as we’ve yet to hear from BMW’s longtime tuner, Alpina, which is considered a manufacturer in its own right. And that’s where Carscoop reader Michael from Germany steps in. Michael spotted this partially camouflaged 2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe parked somewhere in Munich. And while the lack of any aero parts such as the typical M-style front bumper with larger air vents minimize the possibility of it being the new M6, there are two elements that make us believe it could be the upcoming Alpina B6.
We’re talking of course about the multispoke alloy wheels and the dual round tail pipes on either corner, both of which are typical styling traits of of Alpina’s cars along with the characteristic white decals and subtle front and rear spoilers.
Alpina’s most recent take on the BMW 6-Series was the B6, which was based on the previous generation E63 Coupe and E64 Convertible models. Launched in 2006, the B6 was fitted with a modified 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine pushing out 500 ponies. In late 2007, the Buchloe-based tuner presented the B6 S, again based on the 650i, but with its tweaked 4.4-liter force-fed V8 delivering 530-horses. It remained in production until late 2010.
Given that Alpina’s B5 BiTurbo (built on the new 550i) is fitted with the same 4.4-liter V8 engine found under the hood of the 2012 650i but tuned to crank out 507HP, it’s very likely that the tuner will use this V8 on its upcoming B6, perhaps with a higher output.

Geneva 2011: Alpina BMW B5 Bi-Turbo Touring is a 5-Series Estate on Steroids

Catering to the needs of those looking for an über fast premium station wagon, longtime BMW tuning house Alpina has developed the B5 Bi-Turbo Touring based on the station wagon version of the latest 5-Series. With 507HP and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) under the hood and up to 1,670 liters of storage space, Alpina's creations is a party animal at the front while keeping it...professional at the back.
The Alpina-prepped bi-turboocharged V8 engine accelerates the Touring from 0-100km/h (62mph) in 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 303km/h (188mph). A performance braking system with 375mm discs up front and 345mm at the back ensures that the Touring will come to a halt. Power is transferred to the rear-wheels through a modified version of BMW's 8-speed Sport automatic transmission.
A lowered suspension with sports springs and new 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels wrapped around in Michelin Pilot Super Sports tires size measuring 255/35 ZR20 at the front and 285/30 ZR20 at the rear complete the performance upgrades.

As for the styling updates, the Touring benefits from a discrete aero package with a front apron, roof spoiler and a rear diffuser, while interior mods include a bespoke leather treatment for the sports seats and steering wheel, along with blue ALPINA gauges and unique decorative trims.

 New Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Based on 2011 5-Series Coming to Goodwood

 

Independent BMW customizer Alpina has published the first official sketch of its upcoming B5 Bi-Turbo ahead of the sports saloon world premiere at next month's 'Goodwood Festival of Speed' event in the UK.
As the car's name suggests, the B5 Bi-Turbo is based on the new 2011 BMW 5-Series sedan. So far, Alpina is keeping a tight lid on details about the car, but if the company's previous and current models are anything to go by, then the B5 Bi-Turbo could be all the M5 you'll ever want.
We wouldn't be surprised if the new B5 uses the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with an output of 500-horsepower and a hefty 516 lb-ft (700Nm) of torque found under the bonnet of Alpina's 7-Series B7 Bi-Turbo.
Engine aside, the sketch shows that the B5 will be mildly dressed up with a new body kit comprising of a front lip spoiler and rocker panels, as well a set of larger multispoke wheels. Interior upgrades also expected to be part of the package.

New BMW Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo with 400 Ponies Available for Order in the UK

 

Following its recent world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the new BMW 335i-based Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo is now available for order in the UK with first deliveries to start in July.
Offered in four-door saloon, Touring, Coupe and hardtop Convertible forms, the new B3 S comes with a modified 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight six upgraded to deliver a hefty 400HP at 6,000 rpm and 540Nm or 398.3 lb-ft of peak torque.
The 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint takes 4.7 seconds for both the saloon and coupe models which are also capable of achieving a top speed of 186mph or 300km/.
Alpina's take on the 335i range is identified on the outside by a redesigned front spoiler, a new rear diffuser which encloses the tailpipes and a different set of alloy wheels. The BMWs interiors are upgraded with a new steering wheel and modified instruments while Alpina also offers various lather trim options.
Prices for the Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo start from £49,250 on-the-road for the sedan version.

2011 BMW Alpina B7 with 500HP to go on Sale in the U.S. this Spring

 

The Alpina-prepped B7 sedan will be returning to BMW's U.S. lineup this year offering American buyers an alternative to Mercedes-Benz's S-Class AMG models. Boasting a bevy of performance and styling upgrades over the standard 7-Series sedan, the Alpina B7 is probably the closest thing you'll get to an M7, which as you already know, BMW has no plans to build.
The second Alpina B7 to be sold in the States after the first generation model that was offered as a limited edition for the 2007 and 2008 model years, will be available in both short- and long-wheelbase models.
The formal introduction of the car in the U.S. will take place at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show in February, and go on sale in Spring of 2010.
BMW's official performance partner has fitted the B7 with a modified version of the Bavarian firm's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with direct-injection that delivers 500-horsepower (compared to the standard 750i's 400HP V8) and a hefty 516 lb-ft (700Nm) of torque.
Linked to a six-speed sport automatic transmission with Sport and Manual modes, the V8 unit accelerates the rear-wheel drive sedan from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.5 seconds.
Alpina also recalibrated the car's Dynamic Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilization while the B7 sits 15mm lower up front and 10mm at the back thanks to the new, shorter springs. In addition, the Bavarian firm notes that the stability control now allows noticeably more slip at the driven wheels.
The B7 rides on newly styled 21-inch alloy wheels shod in MICHELIN PS2 tires size 245/35 R21 at the front and 285/30 R21 at the rear.
On the outside, the B7 is fitted with front and rear aprons, and a boot-lid spoiler which are said to reduce lift at the front by 30% and rear by15%.
As for the interior, the 7-Series-based model has been upgraded with blue illuminated door sill trims, an Alpina SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel in hand-stitched LAVALINA leather, Black-Panel LCD screen instrument cluster branded with ALPINA and specific decorative trim. An additional ALPINA plaque indentifying the car is mounted on the inner roof panel just ahead of the sunroof
Prices for the new BMW Alpina B7 will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

New BMW Alpina B7 BiTurbo Long Makes World Debut at Tokyo Show

Alpina was one of only two foreign car brands (the other one being Lotus) to make its way to this year's Tokyo Motor Show floors. The BMW customizer brought along several vehicles, the most important being the new Alpina B7 BiTurbo Long as it had its world premiere. As you've probably figured out by now, the only difference between this model and the B7 BiTurbo that was first saw in Geneva is that it is based on the long wheelbase BMW 7-Series offering a few more inches of space for the rear passengers.
Like the 'base' Alpina B7 BiTurbo, it too features a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 producing 507 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of peak torque thanks to the larger turbos and a new intercooler. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a tweaked six-speed automatic transmission.

Other highlights include a subtle aero kit with front and rear aprons, and a discreet boot lid spoiler, plus a bespoke interior, 21-inch alloy wheels and a retuned suspension.

Study Shows that Supercar and Luxury Automakers Reduced Average CO2 Emissions in 2009

 

It's not only volume brands that are reducing their average CO2 performance across their fleet, so are supercar and luxury vehicle makers, according to a report by auto consultancy JATO Dynamics that compares the average CO2 output of vehicles sold by selected specialty car brands in the first half (H1) of 2008 to the same period in 2009. With the exception of Maserati that recorded a 20g/km increase in CO2 output, all other makers included in the study showed a reduction in the average CO2 emissions of the cars they sold in the first half of 2009 compared to H1 2008.
"Of course, supercars are starting from a high base and have more scope to reduce emissions than mainstream cars, but the speed with which they are improving their CO2 performance should be credited," commented David Di Girolamo, Head of JATO Consult.
"Sales volumes might be on a smaller scale, but those manufacturers we studied sell close to 100,000 cars combined each year, and we know well that the days of supercar makers being excluded from the environmental debate are over," Girolamo added.
Ferrari showed the highest reduction in CO2 emissions as the Italian supercar maker recorded a 40.4 g/km improvement in CO2 output of new cars sold in H1 2009 over the same period in 2008.
JATO Dynamic claims that this is the greatest volume reduction of any brand on sale in Europe representing a 9.5% improvement matching that of the best performing volume brand of H1 2009 (in Europe) which is Chevrolet.
This also shows that Ferrari is well on its track to achieving its goal to trim down CO2 emissions from 400 g/km per vehicle to 280-300 g/km, by 2012.
Percentage-wise, the overall winner in CO2 volume reduction is Alpina, a German maker that sells modified BMW cars, with a 14.1% improvement over H1 2008 - although notably on a smaller scale than many of the other companies included in the study.
However, readers should be aware of a significant factor when it comes to CO emissions and that is none other than the annual km / miles covered by these specialty cars. Meaning a Ferrari or a Lamborghini may deliver for example 350g of C02 per km, but many of these cars are driven less than 30,000 km / 20,000 miles in a period of ten years. Do the math and that comes to a (theoretical) average of 7 tons of CO2.
A VW Golf 1.4 TSI 122HP with a manual transmission for example returns 144g of CO2 per km but will cover an average of around 20,000km or more per year which comes to 28.8 tons of CO2 in ten years of use (that is, if the car has been well serviced during that time).