2007 BMW Alpina B7 - Engine

Meet Alpina, a German company whose history with BMW goes back 46 years but is little known in the U.S., as the B7 is only the second model officially brought to our shores. The first, about four years ago, was the Alpina Roadster V-8, essentially a version of the Z8 roadster with an automatic transmission. All 450 bound for North America found owners.

Alpina’s partnership with BMW—B7s roll off the assembly line in Dingolfing, Germany, with standard 7s—separates it from other BMW tuners, and that is particularly helpful when tweaking hugely complex 7-series electronics to deal with a supercharger.

The B7 imported here is based on the short-wheelbase 750i, but since Alpina started development back when the 7-series—the 745i—was powered by a 325-hp, 4.4-liter V-8, that’s the basis for the B7. To handle the 11.6 psi of intercooled boost whipped up by the centrifugal ­supercharger, the engine gets lower-compression-ratio pistons as well as a ­stronger crankshaft and connecting rods. The result is a mighty 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful 7-series—wait, it’s the most ­potent BMW—on offer.

A centrifugal supercharger doesn’t make big boost at low rpm, and in fact, a half-throttle launch in the B7 feels much like the power delivery of a turbo, with a surge appearing around 2500 rpm. That means the B7’s sticky Michelins are never overwhelmed, which adds to the B7’s deceptively quick mystique. Sixty mph arrives in 4.4 seconds—a full second quicker than the 750i, and the gap widens from there—as the cabin fills with a subdued bellow from the V-8. Wind roar isn’t really noticeable until—Whoa! Does that say 100 mph? And the supercharger never makes a peep.

2007 BMW Alpina B7

* Competes with: Audi S8, Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG
* Looks like: A land yacht turned speedboat
* Drivetrain: 500-hp, supercharged 4.4-liter V-8 with six-speed automatic; rear-wheel drive
* Hits dealerships: January 2007
* MSRP: $115,000


Tired of neighbors boasting that their hot-rod European sedan can beat your BMW 7 Series? Get in line for the Alpina B7, a version of BMW's flagship that gives the Audi S8 and Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG something to chew on. German tuner Alpina has had its way with many cars in the BMW lineup, but the only other one to hit U.S. shores — officially, anyway — was the Roadster V8, a modified version of BMW's Z8 sports car.

For the 7 Series, Alpina offers a supercharged V-8 delivering 500 horsepower to the rear wheels, enough to hustle the full-size B7 from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. How does that compare? According to their respective automakers, the S8 does the same run in 4.9 seconds and the S63 AMG takes 4.5 seconds.

The B7 went on sale at the beginning of 2007. Alpina says it will build as many as requested, but buyers need to special-order the car through BMW. Delivery takes about four months.

Exterior
In contrast with the treatment some of BMW's M cars get, Alpina dressed the B7 to look a lot like the 7 Series it's based on. Changes include revised bumpers and glossy Shadowline trim around the windows. The trunk holds a spoiler, which sticks out a few inches beyond the deck lid. Twenty-spoke, 21-inch wheels display massive 14.7-inch front brakes, which are an inch bigger than those on the 750i.

Interior
In addition to the host of standard equipment in the 750i, the B7 adds heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an Alcantara leather headliner and sunshades for rear passengers. If the doors aren't closed all the way, a soft-closing feature pulls them the rest of the way shut. Audio hardware includes a 13-speaker stereo with a six-CD changer.

Alpina exclusives include a new instrument cluster with a 200-mph speedometer, a blue background and red pointers. The steering wheel has green stitching and Alpina's shield logo in place of the BMW emblem.

Under the Hood
Alpina put the 745i's 4.4-liter V-8 in the B7, as today's 750i and its 4.8-liter engine were not around when development began, and the 760Li's V-12 was deemed too heavy for a sporty offshoot. Modifications to the 745i's engine include a supercharger, a strengthened crankshaft, new pistons and fuel injectors, and a new exhaust system. Total output is 500 hp and 516 pounds-feet of torque, a considerable increase over the 325-hp 745i — not to mention the 360-hp 750i and 438-hp 760i. Alpina says the B7 can reach a top speed of 186 mph, and it earns a respectable 23 mpg on the highway.

A six-speed automatic transmission includes shift buttons on the steering wheel for manual control.

Safety
Eight airbags are standard, including front knee airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows. Side-impact airbags for the backseat are optional. Four-wheel-disc brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are standard.

for get detail please to http://www.cars.com.

Alpina

In ALPINA's more than 40-year history of manufacturing automobiles, turbo-charged engines have consistently set enduring accents. Launched in 1989, the BMW ALPINA B10 Bi-Turbo is just one example of the cult status some of these automobiles achieved. In fact, ALPINA's turbo-charging history began in 1978, based on the 5 Series and 6 Series of the day (E12 & E28 and E24). The new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo continues this tradition for the first time on the basis of the BMW 3 Series with its world premiere at the 2007 Geneva Salon d'Automobile

The heart of the B3 Bi-Turbo offers 265 kW (360 hp) at 5,500 - 6,000 revolutions per minute, as well as maximum torque of 500 Nm from 3,800 - 5,000 rpm. The B3 Bi-Turbo's engine has a sporty engine's willingness to rev to 7,000 rpm. Equally as present but usually reserved for diesel engines, there is vigorous torque from 1,500 rpm onwards. The result: a powerband broader than ever before experienced, guaranteeing both sporty and bullish driving dynamics

Technically, this is all made possible due to the exceptional BMW base engine with injectors centrally located over the pistons – the state-of-the-art in direct injection technology. For more than a year, ALPINA engineers researched, developed and tested, both on the engine test bench and on the road. Ever refining the ALPINA engine map to leverage all the advantages offered by modern direct injection, the potential inherent in the BMW foundation was maximised. The use of extremely durable MAHLE pistons allows for a maximum boost of 1.1 bar with a 9.4:1 compression ratio. The result, peak specific values of 89 kW (121 hp) per litre and a maximum average pressure of 21 bar

The allure of the new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo is found in its V8 like performance, but with the advantages of a much lighter and noticeably thriftier 3.0-litre straight-six, a six with an aluminium block and twin-turbo charging. The smooth-running nature inherent in this engine concept is even more prominent when the engine is charged

The BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo embodies pure driving enjoyment – whether cruising along or enjoying all 7,000 revs in each gear. The reason for the spontaneous responsiveness of the B3 Bi-Turbo is the ZF 6-speed sport automatic transmission with its very short shift sequences, which smoothly processes the power through the drivetrain without any uncomfortable interruption of forward momentum. The driver may also choose to shift manually at the wheel using SWITCH-TRONIC, which contributes in no small part to both the awe-inspiring performance numbers and the ability to save fuel in top gear. Frugality and driving excitement are therefore not contradictory in the B3 Bi-Turbo. Driven by high torque means using sixth gear on the Autobahn is more than sufficient in almost all situations

The engine's kick surprises even those in the know: 0-100 km/h in 4,9 seconds and thrust-like acceleration that keeps pulling all the way up to a top speed of 285 km/h. Indulgence without remorse: in spite of its stellar performance, the new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo achieves excellent fuel economy in relation to its competitors. One of the B3 Bi-Turbo's features that literally stands out are the four exhaust tips, with their catalytic converters contributing significantly to the achieving of low Euro4 emissions standards

The intense driving experience and an immediate bonding with the B3 Bi-Turbo are markedly influenced by fine materials and superior ergonomics. The standard leather interior features comfortably-padded sport seats with excellent lateral support, making long journeys a joy. The ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel falls perfectly to hand and affords a clear view of the typical ALPINA blue instruments with their red pointers. As demanded by any enthusiastic driver, the provision of essential information in the form of the analogue oil temperature gauge located below the rev counter means the B3 Bi-Turbo can be pushed to its limits, once the minimum oil temperature of 50° C has been reached. Next to the analogue speedometer, the B3 Bi-Turbo also provides a digital speed read-out as well as average fuel economy and instantaneous fuel economy figures – thrifty driving also creates driving pleasure

Immediately noticeable is the B3 Bi-Turbo's light-footed, extremely agile handling. The secret lies in an ideal 50/50 weight balance between front and rear axles in combination with a ALPINA's neutral and supple suspension. Augmenting this agility are light-weight 18' ALPINA CLASSIC wheels shod with conventional MICHELIN tyres, 225/40 ZR18 front and 255/35 ZR18 rear, with a conscious choice having been made not to use heavy Run-Flat tyres. 19' wheels offer an even higher level of potential lateral acceleration – in either DYNAMIC or CLASSIC design

ALPINA's newest creation reduces aerodynamic lift, especially approaching top speed. The greatest contributors are the optimised front and rear aerodynamics, helping guarantee true driving safety, not just creating a feeling of safety

In quite exclusive fashion, we'll complete but a few hundred B3 Bi-Turbos in Buchloe per annum for automotive connoisseurs. As tradition holds, each automobile will be fitted with an ALPINA plaque identifying its unique production number

The new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo – revel in its unique driving experience infused with impressive grace, power and thrift

BMW Alpina B10 V8S

There's an important question to ask yourself when checking over a BMW Alpina B10 V8S - what's it for? Sounds flippant. But isn't. Because for £5850 less than the £57,850 Alpina is charging for the privilege of parking a 375bhp B10 V8S in your private, CCTV-guarded space, you could have yourself a 400bhp M5.

You don't need me or anyone else to tell you why the M5's special, which returns us to the question of just where the B10 V8S fits into the grand scheme of things. According to Sytner's Nick Godfrey, wise to all things Alpina on account of selling them for a goodly number of years, this highly modified 5-series is aimed at those customers who actively don't want an M5. Such people exist? Sure, reckons Godfrey.

They want power and speed, but they don't want a race car. Ride quality and quiet cruising count to these people. So does an automatic gearbox.

Exclusivity is an issue, too, but then I don't cross the road every day afraid of being mown down by packs of unruly M5s.

Alright, enough cheek, although with Alpina now an official satellite of BMW, it's worth clarifying this potential crossover of purpose. And knowing the B10's niche helps establish if it's any good at what it's supposed to do, even if one might suppose that with a 4.8-litre V8 grunting out 376lb ft of torque, it's supposed to go quite quickly.

Speed, and lots of it, is certainly one of the Alpina's more impressive party pieces. Not having to live with the electronic limiter that restrains the M5 to 155mph, the B10 swooshes on up to 177mph. The claimed 0-62mph figure is 5.4sec; knock off a couple of tenths to give you a rough 0-60mph, and it's not so far adrift from the storming 4.9sec evo wrung from the last M5 we figured. The pleasure from the B10 results from being able to repeat the feat time after time, thanks to the efforts of its Switchtronic five-speed auto.

Consistent with Nick Godfrey's assertion that the Alpina is a sort of smoothed-off M5, the B10 goes about its business with a softer tone of voice than its fabled stablemate. Aurally there's no doubting the V8's potency, and when the ZF auto kicks down to release all 375 ponies you get visions of Days of Thunder, but there's never a hint of the cackling beast that bellows beneath the bonnet of the M-powered Five. Yet it's not like you'll be disappointed in the way the B10 sounds or goes, particularly beyond 4000rpm when the revs stack up ever more swiftly and the soundtrack picks up its

2007 BMW Alpina B7

BMW doesn’t make an M version of the 7-series, but if it did, such a car would probably look at lot like the Alpina B7. And since Alpina-tuned BMWs still carry the factory warranty, the B7 is a lot like any other BMW on the showroom floor. There are a few differences from the standard 7-series, like the 21-inch wheels and the aero kit, but the B7’s looks are not just for show.

Under the hood is BMW’s familiar 4.4-liter V-8 with a centrifugal supercharger attached to bump the output to 500 horsepower over the standard 360 hp in the 750i’s 4.8-liter V-8. Torque is 516 pound-feet at 4250 rpm, a number that’s better than the 6.0-liter V-12 found in the 760Li. BMW claims a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.8 seconds for the B7, and that sounds conservative since we hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds in a 760i we tested. With a price of $115,695, the B7 is $40,000 more than a 750i, but $6,400 less than the long-wheelbase 760Li V-12. If that sounds like a relative bargain to you, hurry up and place your order – only 200 copies are coming stateside.