Alpina works closely with BMW and their processes are integrated into BMW’s production lines, thus Alpina is recognized by the German Ministry of Transport as an automobile manufacturer. In contrast to other performance experts which are aftermarket tuners. The beginnings of Alpina found its roots in 1962 as the Weber dual carburetor was developed or the new BMW 1500. Compared to cars from BMW’s in-house motorsport rooted subsidiary, BMW M, Alpina’s vehicles have more emphasis on luxury, higher torque and have automatic transmissions instead of manual or semi-automatic transmissions. The new 2016 model year BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe gains subtle BMW enhancements and benefits in particular from the results of continuous development by Alpina. The four-door Gran Coupe already is widely recognized for its aesthetic beauty and impressive driving performance.
A more dynamic front spoiler and fascia enclose the subtly-revised BMW kidney grill and shape the transition to the new Alpina hood which features character chines, lending the new B6 xDrive Gran Coupe an even more powerful appearance and accentuate its class-leading performance potential. The Alpina design features blend seamlessly and stylishly into the surfaces and lines of the BMW 6 series Gran Coupe, accentuating its dynamic, graceful silhouette. As mentioned earlier, the design and shape of the Alpina front spoiler ensures the effective flow of sufficient air to the radiator modules of the performance cooling-system, including inter-cooler, water and oil. A subtle, integrated splitter directs air over and around rather than underneath the vehicle, thereby stabilizing the front end at high speeds. Special NACA air channels at the front of the underbody suck cold air towards the powerful brake system with blue callipers which are visible through the delicate spokes o the Alpina classic 20inch wheels.
Continuous development of the 4.4 litre V8 Bi-Turbo V8 engine has resulted in a number of upgrades leading to a significant increase in power output in the new B6 xDrive Gran Coupe. The engine now develops 600Hp at 6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 590lb.ft between 3,500 and 4,500rpm. Two specially constructed, large diameter turbochargers, operating in parallel are primarily responsible for achieving a high power and torque output over a very broad engine speed range, without sacrificing spontaneous throttle response at low rpm. The high-performance water air intercooler system with a short intake distances consists of a large volume low temperature heat exchanger and two near engine intercoolers. Additional oil and water coolers are located just behind the front spoiler to ensure overall thermodynamic efficiency of the engine. Extensive optimization of the air intake ducting and air filter housing leads to a substantial reduction of losses, which together with an upgraded fuel supply system results in the hike in output of 60hp over the previous model year.
Hardware modifications to the transmission, output and driveshafts enable unrestrained power delivery. In combination with the single cylinder fade out and Alpina specific software modifications, this eliminates the common reduction of torque required by the transmission in order to up shit. This allows super quick up shifts under full loads which, together with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, means the B6 xDrive Gran Coupe requires only 3.6 seconds for the sprint from 0-100Km. The Alpina all-wheel drive system exploits the technical potential of BMW’s xDrive system and its intelligent, dynamic distribution of drive power which continuously and variably distributes torque between the front and rear axle within milliseconds, for a maximum of traction and control. The B6 xDrive Gran Coupe features a full stainless steel exhaust system with Alpina trademark elliptical twin tailpipes.
The new B6 xDrive Gran Coupe has a comprehensive, comfort orientated range of standard equipment, a luxurious interior and only the highest quality materials. Nappa leather and a leather instrument panel remain standard in addition to essential features such as electric comfort seats. The BMW Navigation system with BMW ConnectedDrive services is also standard. Blue Alpina instrumentation, an Alpina steering wheel covered in hand stitched Lavalina leather, the Alpina production plaque overhead, door sill trims with blue illuminated Alpina lettering and the classic Alpina luxury wood trim in Myrtle or Piano lacquer, these are some of the exclusive features of the B6 xDrive Gran Coupe’s interior.
The price of this vehicle is slated at $126,050.