Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo (2010)

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With the new Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo, Alpina presents its fourth generation of automobiles based on the BMW 7-Series. Prominent predecessors include the BMW Alpina B12 6.0 and B7, which raised the bar in the high-performance luxury saloon segment. Newly interpreted and in every way state-of-the-art, the Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo unites exclusiveness, athleticism and comfort in perfect harmony.

Yielding exquisite levels of torque and power from the charged 4.4 litre V8, and in conjunction with the electronically-adjustable suspension with active roll stabilisation, the Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo promises to offer a spectrum of driving experiences so varied as to be unheard of in this class of automobiles. The evolution of the traditional 20-spoke 21" Alpina CLASSIC wheels underline the fresh design language found throughout the Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo and impart it a distinctive appearance and powerful stance.

POWERTRAIN - FIRST-CLASS IN BOTH PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY

The Bi-Turbo model designation that now graces this flagship BMW Alpina saloon hints at even more powerful and torque-laden performance over its predecessor, while simultaneously improving upon fuel economy.

The fully-aluminium, 4395 cm3 V8 aggregate yields 507 peak horsepower (373 kW) at a moderate 5500rpm, with a maximum torque of 700 Nm available between 3000-4750 rpm. Two especially for Alpina powerplant constructed turbochargers, one located above each of the V8's two cylinder banks, are responsible for the forced induction. The turbochargers operate in parallel, with generously-dimensioned turbine vanes measuring 44mm in diameter.

Thorough exploitation of the engine's potential was achieved by means of optimising the indirect intercooler (air-water/water-air) with its short intake paths and flow-optimised intercooler tracts. All three intercoolers, the low-temperature intercooler integrated into the radiator package, as well as the two engine-near intercoolers are enlarged by approximately 35%, ensuring very high thermo-dynamic efficiency.

High-performance pistons are at work in the engine, carefully developed to withstand the thermo-dynamic forces created by 9.2:1 compression and a maximum turbo boost of 1.0 bar. The result is a formidable specific output of 115hp (85kW) per litre, with a maximum average compression of 20.1 bar, a benchmark even amongst established sportscars.

Further technical subtleties of this high-tech, EU5-emissions rated powerplant include petrol-direct-injection and Double-VANOS. These contribute in no small measure to the Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo's "Best-in-Class" fuel economy 12.1 l/100km [23.4 Imp. MPG] and a CO2 emissions rating of 282g/km (mixed fuel economy according to ECE norm).

The Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo delivers proof, both in form of its characteristics and its technical data, that high levels of performance and favourable fuel economy are not necessarily a contradiction in terms. Ending in two polished double-tailpipes, the stainless-steel Alpina exhaust system offers up that deep and sonorous yet not intrusive V8 sound that one has come to expect from Alpina.

DRIVETRAIN COMFORT - UNIQUELY SUPERIOR

The Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo is the result of the consistent execution of the Alpina philosophy, in itself the reason why the sharp yet gracious Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo shines so brilliantly in everyday use.

One look at the torque and power diagram is enough to highlight that the Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo will accelerate fiercely yet effortlessly from very low revs. Peak torque is available from an unusually broad range of rpm's, ranging from 3,000 to 4,750 rpm. This wide powerband coupled with the exquisitely geared ZF six-speed automatic sport transmission pampers the occupants with remarkably high levels of smooth drivetrain comfort in every driving situation.

The Alpina SWITCH-TRONIC, which has been programmed to shift exceptionally smooth and comfortable in Automatic mode, offers different shift characteristics for every taste and situation thanks to the additional Sport and Manual modes. Driving the Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo becomes an altogether different experience when using the buttons found on the back of the steering wheel for manually selecting the gears of the automatic transmission. This ensures shifts take place within a few hundred milliseconds and with only minimal interruption to the transmission of power, favourably comparable even to the best twin-clutch transmissions. As a result the Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, vehemently pressing on to an electronically-limited 280 km/h top speed. Although one rarely finds oneself in need of such haste, the ventilated and generously-proportioned (374 mm dia. front, 370 mm dia rear) high-performance braking system guarantees deceleration values on par with pure-bred sports cars.

THE SUSPENSION - HARMONIOUS, ACCOMPLISHED, IMPRESSIVELY VERSATILE

Long gone are the days when a purely "hard and sporty" ride was a sought-after attribute of suspension set-ups. Striving for truly neutral handling continues to be the intelligent way forward, yielding the best of what is technologically feasible. In pursuit of this goal, marginally shorter and uniquely calibrated springs reduce front and rear ride height by 15mm and 10mm respectively.

Together with the 21" wheel and tyre combination the suspension is at once sensitive to inputs and direct in its feel, yet free from the harshness of a purely sportsoriented suspension, imparting this large saloon with an agility usually only associated with much smaller sports saloons. The light-weight 21" wheels, with their new interpretation of the Alpina CLASSIC wheel design, are shod with an especially selected staggered MICHELIN tyre set-up: 245/35 R21 front and 285/30 R21 rear. Foregoing Run-Flat technology, conventional tyres are used to ensure a supple, comfortable finesse that is rare today.

Alpina have integrated state-of-the-art electronic suspension technologies and skilfully, subtly adjusting them to the demanding requirements of our customers. As part of the Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo standard equipment, the electronic suspension system with Dynamic Damping Control and Dynamic Drive (active roll stabilisation) enable the driver to select from three distinct suspension set-ups: Comfort, Normal and Sport. These are intentionally calibrated to provide noticeably different set-ups, influencing the characteristic of the dampers, the active roll stabilisation as well as the parameters of the power steering assist, throttle response algorithms and load-reversal damping. The Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo offers the driver unheard-of versatility, delivering on long-distance comfort just as readily as on back-road pace, always with a maximum of enjoyment and safety.

Seasoned drivers are not kept from pushing the Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo hard at the limit: the Sport plus mode automatically shifts the traction control systems into Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), an extension of DSC. This allows noticeably more slip at the driven wheels and delayed intervention by the traction control system.

DESIGN & INTERIOR - EVOLUTIONARY STYLING, DOWN TO THE LAST DETAIL

At once dynamic, graceful and potent - the silhouette of the Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo is significantly influenced by the evolutionary new design of the 21" Alpina CLASSIC wheels. A turbine-like three-dimensional curve guides each of the 20 spokes from the centre of the wheel to the rim, at which point they have a milled surface. Depending on the angle of the viewer, the rotational speed of the wheels and the light, the appearance of these classic wheels is constantly changing. Of course they continue to possess the refined tyre air valves, safely and attractively hidden away behind the lockable wheel covers.

In true "form-follows-function" fashion, the typical Alpina front integrates the fresh-air requirements of the transmission and engine oil coolers, which are separated out of the main cooler module for improved efficiency. The design of the front and rear spoiler follows clearly aerodynamically-oriented interests, reducing lift at the front and rear by 30% and 15% respectively. Left and right, the exhaust system's two double tailpipes are seamlessly integrated into the rear valance and are witness to the Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo's potency.

When climbing into the Alpina BMW B7 Bi-Turbo, one immediately takes note of the Alpina door sill trims which are finely illuminated in blue. The SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel, 385mm in diameter, is gloved and hand-stitched in the finest, most comfortable LAVALINA leather. In the driver's line of sight, red pointers over a field of blue dials grace the instrument cluster, where a Black-Panel LCD screen is responsible for communicating driver-important information. Exclusive interior luxury wood trim in the form of Myrtle Burl, a knotted burl of the Laurel only found on the Pacific Coast of the United States, provides a warm and traditional ambience. Optional Alpina Piano Lacquer interior trim with its silver diagonal rhombs, offers a modern and just as exclusive alternative.

Discreet metal Alpina emblems adorn the upper seatbacks of the standard leather Comfort seats, as much a part of the comprehensive standard equipment as metallic paint or a navigation system with Bluetooth telephone preparation.

Even the engine bay carries a subtle signature by tidily presenting itself with a newly-designed Alpina engine cover.

BMW Z8

The spectacular 507 roadster, built during 1956-59 in only 253 examples, is considered by many enthusiasts and collectors to be one of the most beautiful cars ever built. In developing the Z8, BMW designers were challenged to imagine what the original 507 would be like if it had never ceased production and had evolved over four decades. The result of this creative direction is a thoroughly contemporary interpretation of that famous and coveted roadster – a car that is truly a perfect blend of performance and sensuality; of modern technology and classic elegance.

The world’s first look at the Z8 concept was the Z07 design study displayed at the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show and shortly thereafter at the1998 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Again encouraged by favorable public reaction, BMW decided to build the Z8 in limited numbers.
BMW 507 designer Count Albrecht Goertz has paid the Z8 the ultimate compliment: “If I were to design the 507 today, it would look like the Z8.” Vastly different from the esthetic of current exclusive high-performance cars, the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car features a long hood, tapered overhangs, a cockpit positioned toward the rear, and a low beltline. The front-fender air vents or “gills,” here with integrated fiber-optic turn signal lights, are a design element usually associated with the classic 507 even though the concept dates from earlier BMWs. In a world of sharp-edged, angular sports cars, the Z8 is romantically curvaceous.

The roadster’s advanced lighting technology includes Xenon lowbeam headlights with dynamic auto-leveling and, concealed in the leading edges of the headlamp covers, high-intensity washers. The Z8 is the first car ever with neon turn signals and brake lights that illuminate ten times faster than conventional bulbs, giving other drivers more time to react. Another example of the attention to detail the designers lavished on the Z8 is the two round red lenses bracketing the rear license plate. The left one is a rear foglight; the right one is a backup light that, despite its red lens, illuminates white for reversing.

Building the Z8 in Germany is as unique a process as is the car itself. Z8 bodies are constructed and painted at BMW’s Dingolfing plant, approximately 60 miles northeast of Munich; the front and rear bumpers are manufactured at the nearby Landshut facility. Completed bodies are then shipped to the former pilot-plant area of the company’s Munich factory for final assembly. There, a small team of highly skilled craftspeople largely hand-build Z8s in 31 assembly steps. The complete construction and finishing process takes about 10 times as long as that for a 3 Series sedan.

The Z8 cockpit continues the theme of a modern re-creation of the 507. Thus in the tradition of great sports cars, the Z8 has a pushbutton starter for its engine. The ignition switch is mounted on the dash, just above the starter button instead of in the traditional steering-column location. A new electronic steering lock, along with BMW’s Coded Driveaway Protection, helps deter theft. Other standard equipment includes heated leather seats, a power roadster top and a removable aluminum hardtop with heated rear window. The extensive Nappa leather upholstery and trim is accented with body-color painted surfaces and aluminum control knobs, all connoting –5 –more– astounding attention to detail. Interior trim consists of aluminum and colorkeyed painted surfaces; among the few changes for ’02 are new choices for combining trim colors with the four available upholstery schemes.

There was never any question about what engine should power the Z8. The 3.2-liter aluminum V8 that powered the original 507 was, at the time, BMW’s most powerful engine. For a car that personifies BMW’s passion for driving, only the most powerful road engine in BMW history, the S62 5-liter V-8 - also found in the M5 sedan - would do. Delivering 394 horsepower and 368 lb-ft. of torque, the Z8’s aluminum engine is completely civilized in traffic and around town, thanks in part to its infinitely adjustable, electronically controlled valve-timing system.

Called High-Pressure Double VANOS 1, the system varies valve timing on the intake and exhaust valves of both cylinder heads – thus on all four camshafts – helping optimize power, torque and emission control. The “high-pressure” designation signifies the fact that this engine, like other BMW M engines but distinct from regular production BMW powerplants, includes a dedicated oil pump for the VANOS system. The engine’s “drive-by-wire” throttle system operates eight individual intake throttles and includes M Driving Dynamics Control, which allows the driver to select between Normal and quicker Sport response characteristics. A unique g-sensitive engine-lubrication system automatically ensures proper oil circulation in hard cornering situations. Because a V-8 engine’s cylinder heads are canted at a 45° angle, there could be insufficient natural oil flow out of the heads under extreme cornering loads. In addition to the usual pressure pump, there are two scavenging pumps, one for each cylinder bank. In straight-ahead driving, these pumps pick up oil from the rear of the 1 – VANOS = VAriable NOckenwellen Steuerung = variable camshaft control, or variable valve timing. –6 –more– engine and return it to the sump. In hard cornering (0.9g or more), the Dynamic Stability Control system’s lateral-g sensor switches magnetic valves to different pickup points, at the curve-outer side of each head and the pan.

The original 507’s body was aluminum. Taking up that tradition in a 21st-century form, all the Z8’s body panels, except its bumpers and door hinges, are aluminum. Here BMW has taken the use of this lightweight alloy a step further and designed an entire space frame in aluminum. This concept combines moderate weight with body rigidity that is unparalleled by any other open sports car in this category. The monocoque frame is made of extrusion-pressed beams much like the trusses of a timber house. Nearly 1,000 rivets and 190 ft. of fused welding seam (MIG) hold the frame and body panels together. The frame is made largely in-house at BMW’s Dingolfing plant, where the existing aluminum processing center also makes the 3 Series convertible hardtop, M3 hood and 7 Series hood and front fenders. The space frame, which is 30 percent lighter than if it were made of steel, provides exceptional torsional rigidity to eliminate most of the body or –7 –more– “cowl” shake usually associated with an open-top car: “The chassis is rigid enough,” commented Car and Driver in April 2001, “to harness [the engine’s] thrust without any creaks or groans.” This also provides an extremely stable platform for precise suspension tuning, and contributes to excellent driver feedback. The central frame’s stiffness also allows much lower side sills than is normally the case for a roadster. Pairs of unique aluminum “Y” arms that connect the Z8’s front and rear sections to its space frame provide much of the torsional rigidity and accident protection. In a crash, the arms are designed to crumple, absorbing energy and transferring forces to the sturdy center floor pan. In simulations of the rigorous European Union’s 40-mph offset crash test, the Z8’s passenger cell remained completely intact. “Smart” 2-stage airbags, safety belts with force limiters and automatic tensioners, twin Rollover Protection hoops behind the seats, and a reinforced windshield frame provide additional protection.

The Z8’s impressive technology also includes Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), one of the most advanced vehicle control systems in the industry. Scenarios where DSC could help “save the day” include those where the driver might have misjudged a traffic situation; failed to match speed to road conditions; had a lapse of attention; or been confronted with an unavoidable or critical situation. With wheel-speed sensors and a powerful microprocessor at its heart, DSC incorporates a range of functions that facilitate full and effective use of the Z8’s immense performance and handing capabilities with an added measure of safety. It incorporates all-speed traction control; electronic brake proportioning for always-optimum distribution of brake force among the four wheels; antilock braking; Dynamic Brake Control, which assists the driver in obtaining the shortest stopping distance in an emergency; and enhancement of vehicle stability during hard cornering and accident-avoidance maneuvers. In this last function, figuratively speaking, DCS could be described as a “giant hand” gently exerting its influence on a car to help stabilize it when the driver’s abilities or actions might not be able to do so. DSC employs its highly sophisticated technology of sensors, computing power and actuating systems to achieve stabilizing effects that can be likened to such a “hand.”

Ordering and taking delivery of a car as exclusive as the Z8 should be a memorable experience; BMW has taken steps to ensure that it is just that. Owners awaiting delivery of their roadster will be offered a high-quality scale model of the Z8. A handmade book will be presented to the owner of each Z8 upon delivery, including photographs of his or her car in production and actual paint and upholstery samples from the car. Z8 owners are offered the opportunity to take delivery of their roadster at BMW headquarters in Munich, Germany, where they may even watch the final assembly of their roadster. Munich delivery also includes a tour of the Z8 assembly area, and an optional European tour is offered. Alternatively, delivery is also possible at the BMW Performance Center at Spartanburg, South Carolina. The purchase of a Z8 includes a special driving course at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

BMW 3-Series UK Version

The new mid-life refresh of the fifth generation BMW 3-Series is set to maintain BMW as the number one manufacturer of premium cars. With its unsurpassed driving dynamics, executive class refinement and technological innovation, the BMW 3-Series has defined the compact executive segment since the first E21 model appeared in 1977. Its dominance is so strong that the compact executive segment has long been referred to as the BMW 3-Series class by its competitors. And this dominance makes the launch of any new BMW 3-Series an important event in the calendar of the car-buying public and motoring commentators alike.

The BMW 3-Series might lead the pack but BMW has never lost sight of its customers and their expectations. The BMW 3-Series starts at £21,475 OTR for a 318i ES Saloon and £22,665 OTR for a 318i ES Touring, and rises to the 335i and 335d Tourings priced at £36,170 OTR and £38,250 OTR respectively. This range provides aspirational buyers, each with differing requirements, the opportunity to comfortably enter, or stay with, BMW 3-Series ownership. For those wanting the ultimate in BMW 3-Series ownership, of course, the alphabet stops at M!

The range diversity is highlighted by the fact that a total of 24 BMW 3-Series Saloon and 24 BMW 3-Series Touring models are offered within the range, and that doesn’t include M cars. Such a diverse spread of engines, bodystyles, and specifications, in addition to 73 optional equipment lines, means that very few identical cars are ever made.

Klaus Kibsgaard, Managing Director of BMW (UK) Ltd, said: “A new BMW 3-Series is a big event and one that is clearly not lost on UK car buyers who have kept the car at the top of its segment for more than a decade. Now more than ever the BMW 3-Series is subject to some strong competition - both economic and market-driven. But with award-winning engines, class-leading driving dynamics, exceptional residual values, and low whole life running costs through EfficientDynamics, the BMW 3-Series range will wear its compact executive crown for the foreseeable future and provide BMW with a strong sales performance for the last few months of the year.”

Design

The current generation of BMW 3-Series was launched to wide acclaim in Spring 2005. For 2008 the design of the car has been subtly enhanced to bring it up to date. The front bumper, lower valance and headlight configuration have been changed, while the bonnet now features precision lines to accentuate the sporting nature of a BMW and give the car a more dramatic look. At the side a re-profiled sill and larger door mirrors underscore the rear-wheel-drive configuration and provide better rearward visibility respectively. At the rear new headlight clusters feature LED light technology, a new bumper and re-profiled boot lid complete the exterior design changes. Inside, the biggest news is the introduction of an all-new iDrive concept for those buyers who specify one of the two navigation systems. A new iDrive controller combines with a new operating system and new menu features to deliver improved functionality and ease-of-use.

Drivetrain

The BMW 3-Series comes with a choice of award-winning powerplants. The current, and twice overall, winner of the International Engine of the Year awards powers the BMW 3-Series as does a clutch of other title winning powertains. The latest engine to be introduced to the BMW 3-Series is an all-new 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine that records 245hp and 520Nm of torque, but still posts a 49.6mpg combined consumption figure and an emissions figure of 152g/km.

Much of the new BMW 3-Series range features powerplants that were recently updated to feature EfficientDynamics technologies. A new development sees the introduction of the 318d available with an automatic gearbox for the first time. This move opens up another option to those buyers wanting diesel economy with the relaxed driving characteristics of an automatic. No other manufacturer can match BMW’s heady mix of highly-efficient and dynamic engine output and performance with its low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures.

Chassis and Safety

The BMW 3-Series features the same 50:50 weight distribution and front-engine, rear-wheel-drive chassis as every non-X BMW models of the last 40 years. All new BMW 3-Series models come as standard with Dynamic Stability Control to enhance the driving dynamics and provide a high degree of active safety. With its five star EuroNCAP adult occupant impact, the BMW 3-Series provides a substantial safety cocoon for the driver and passengers.

Market

The BMW 3-Series range comprising four different body styles, Saloon, Touring, Coupé and Convertible, account for nearly half of all BMW UK’s sales. The launch of a new BMW 3-Series is therefore a very important event for both car buyers and the marque itself. The BMW 3-Series Touring and Saloon went on sale September 20th, 2008 and are offered in ES, SE or M Sport trim specifications with a choice of five petrol and five diesel engines. One of the specification levels also makes the BMW 3-Series in the UK unique - the UK is the company’s largest market for M Sport models. No other market comes close in terms of sales of this specification with UK buyers accounting for nearly double the number of German customers who choose M Sport. The BMW 3-Series also offers strong residual values for true low cost overall life ownership.