WOODCLIFF LAKE, New Jersey — BMW fans will be happy to hear that an all-new Alpina is on its way with the release of the 2011 BMW Alpina B7, coming to the U.S. market in the spring. The B7, based on the current 750i sedan, will debut next month at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. BMW sold a limited-edition Alpina B7 during the 2007 and 2008 model years but calls this one "newly interpreted."
The 2011 Alpina B7 has BMW's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, tweaked by Alpina to make 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The all-aluminum direct-injection engine has three intercoolers and high-performance pistons. It's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Alpina Switchtronic transmission control, which has Sport and Manual modes — the latter with steering-wheel-mounted shift control buttons. BMW calls your attention to the stainless-steel dual exhaust, an Alpina specialty, with a "deep and sonorous yet not intrusive V8 sound."
BMW spokesman Matthew Russell says the B7 uses special turbochargers supplied to Alpina by Honeywell-Garrett, giving the B7 1.0 bar of boost versus 0.7 bar for the standard 750i. The turbochargers are remapped to allow a higher volume of air to flow, he explains. The B7's special pistons help accommodate the additional boost by giving the B7 a lower compression ratio, at 9.2:1 versus 10.0:1.
The B7 has an electronically adjustable suspension with active roll stabilization and a choice of Comfort, Normal and Sport suspension settings. Special springs reduce ride height by 0.5 inch in front and 0.4 inch in back. Front and rear spoilers and a set of lightweight 20-spoke 21-inch Alpina Classic wheels complete the package.
On the interior, Myrtle Burl wood or optional Alpina piano lacquer trim are offered, along with the requisite Alpina metal badging and a roof-panel plaque. The signature Alpina Blue metallic paint color is available but not required.
The Alpina B7 will be sold in both short- and long-wheelbase versions, BMW said. Pricing is to be released closer to the car's springtime appearance in U.S. showrooms.
Inside Line says: Spring fever comes early. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
coondawg says:
12:57 AM, 03/24/2010
Like most women who think they know about cars, the person who wrote the above article is a little confused... and in turn confuses the reader with so called facts that are simply made up and on further investigation(watching the VIDEO) proved completely erroneous . The Video informs that the B7 is SUPERCHARGED 4.3L V8 powers the car.. However the above article claims a TWIN-TURBO 4.4L V8..... with 3 intercoolers ... WOW .3 intercoolers .. Slight difference..
What I want to know is who checks the facts before they print these observation ? Who is Laura Sky Brown and what qualifies her to write about BMW Alpina ... ?
xylo says:
05:24 PM, 01/12/2010
The new 7-series front end is butt-ugly; kind of a shame as the rest of the design is very nice i.m.h.o. BMW does offer an M-sport appearance package for the new 7-series that improves the look of the front end considerably. I'm puzzled why that isn't included on the Alpina.
icecubefosho says:
10:08 AM, 01/12/2010
2010 Jaguar XJ/L Supersport anyday from this hideous monster