(continued from above)
Yielding exquisite levels of power and torque from the
twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8, and in conjunction with the
electronically-adjustable suspension with active roll stabilization, the new BMW Alpina B7
promises to offer a spectrum of driving experiences so broad 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
B7 and impart it a distinctive appearance and powerful stance.
Both
short- and long-wheelbase models will be offered in rear- and
all-wheel-drive configurations. The BMW Alpina B7 made its North American
premiere at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show in February, and went on sale at
authorized BMW Centers in Spring of 2010.
500-Horsepower Engine
The B7 sedan is equipped with BMW's twin-turbocharged 4.4
liter, all-aluminum, High Precision Direct Injection V-8 engine which has been
enhanced by Alpina and is capable of producing 500 (373 kW) horsepower and 516
lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. This performance/luxury Sedan achieves 0-60 mph in 4.5
seconds. With maximum torque available across an unusually broad engine range, from
3,000 to 4,750 rpm, the B7 accelerates effortlessly from virtually any speed.
The two 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 optimizing the indirect intercooler
(air-water/water-air) with its short intake paths and flow-optimized intercooler
tracts. All three intercoolers, the low-temperature intercooler integrated into
the radiator package, as well as the two near-engine intercoolers are enlarged
by approximately 35%, ensuring very high thermodynamic efficiency.
High-performance pistons have been specified to withstand the thermodynamic
forces created by a 9.2:1 compression and a maximum turbo boost of 1.0 bar. The
result is a formidable specific output of 115hp (85 kW) per liter, with a
maximum average compression of 20.1 bar, a benchmark even amongst established
sports cars.
BMW Alpina B7: Review (2/2)
