The fastest-accelerating Alpina, ever.
BMW Alpina models are special, rare vehicles that set themselves apart from the pack with their commitment to performance, comfort, and exclusiveness. The newest BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe takes the sleek, four-door coupe to the next level in every way and is also faster, and more powerful than the BMW M6 Gran Coupe.
The new limited-production BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe will be a special-order model. Its body will be manufactured in the BMW 6-Series factory and then hand-finished with the Alpina goodies at the Alpina factory in Buchloe, Germany, taking approximately two weeks to complete.
The BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe takes the more subtle approach to differentiating itself from the standard model. A bolder front fascia that includes a new bumper, altered BMW kidney grille, and front spoiler with ‘Alpina’ letting stares ahead and optimizes airflow into the engine, oil coolers, and brakes while redirecting air away from underneath the car. The four-door coupe also sports a new hood with distinct character lines that emphasize speed. At the rear, a larger spoiler is integrated into the trunk and a diffuser-look lower apron adds to the new athletic abilities of the BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe.
The real fun stuff starts under that sculpted hood. The 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine was refined extensively by Alpina to produce a substantial amount of power. New MAHLE pistons were installed to handle the powerful 17.4 PSI (1.2 BAR) of boost pressure produced by the two new, larger-diameter turbochargers, and the 10.0:1 compression ratio. Even though these new turbochargers are larger, there was no sacrifice to the quick throttle response at low engine speeds in the BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe. A new high-performance water-to-air intercooler with short intake distances and optimization of air intake ducting and housing helps to keep the response instantaneous. A total of 600 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 590 lb-ft. of torque between 3,500 and 4,500 RPM is always on tap.
All that power is sent through a tuned and tailored eight-speed automatic gearbox through the performance-optimized BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system. Alpina teamed up with ZF to create the performance-oriented Alpina Switch-Tronic eight-speed Sport Automatic transmission that is tailored to take advantage of the engine’s powerband and give the BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe unprecedented performance. Three shift modes are available that include the basic Automatic, Sport, and Manual.
Thanks to the powerful engine and tailored gearbox, the BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe is the fastest-accelerating Alpina model ever developed. The sprint to 60 mph takes only 3.6 seconds to complete and top speed is pushed all the way back to an electronically-limited 200 mph.
The chassis was also boosted and beefed up to help support those power figures. The BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe utilizes the standard BMW double-wishbone front suspension, integral rear axle, Dynamic Damper Control, and Adaptive Drive from the factory models with its own personal twist. The systems were all modified for performance by Alpina, stiffer springs were added, and the front wheel camber was increased. The classic Alpina-designed wheels were installed in a staggered 8.5 x 20 front and 10.0 x 20 rear with 295/30 ZR20 and 255/35 ZR20 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires for loads of grip. A more potent braking system also comes standard featuring 374 x 36 mm front and 370 x 24 mm rear discs clenched by blue calipers sporting ‘Alpina’ lettering.
Inside, the BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe is all about comfort and class. Many standard BMW features are still present but new blue Alpina instrumentation, Alpina steering wheel with hand-stitched Lavalina leather, and Alpina production plaque are prominently displayed. Beautiful Alpina luxury wood in either Myrtle or Piano adorns the cabin while blue illuminated door sills with Alpina lettering greet passengers.
The new BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe will be available as a 2016 model-year vehicle. Customers will be able to order the car from dealers starting in March 2015 with US deliveries starting at BMW Centers in June. Pricing has not been announced.
BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.4 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Maximum Boost Pressure: 17.4 PSI / 1.2 BAR
Maximum Horsepower: 600 at 6,000 RPM
Maximum Torque: 590 lb-ft. from 3,500 to 4,500 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Alpina Switch-Tronic 8-Speed Sport Automatic
Drive: All-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.6 seconds (preliminary)
Top Speed: 200 mph (electronically-limited)
Wheels, Tires, and Brakes:
Front Wheels: 8.5 x 20
Rear Wheels: 10.0 x 20
Tires: Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Front Tires: 255/35 ZR20
Rear Tires: 295/30 ZR20
Brake Calipers: Blue painted with ‘Alpina’ lettering
Front Brake Discs: 374 x 36 mm
Rear Brake Discs: 370 x 24
BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe Gallery
Source: BMW Alpina
Would you pick the BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe over a standard M6 Gran Coupe?
