Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, BMW
2007 Chicago Auto Show: BMW Alpina B7 - An M7 in all but name
BMW Alpina B7 - Click above for high-res image gallery
They finally brought it out, so we covered it. Actually, we shouldn't sound so aloof. After announcing the BMW Alpina B7 way back in February of 2006, the Bavarians finally decided to show us the production version here in Chicago. And although it wasn't much of a revelation, it WAS a rather impressive vehicle in person. As we just told you last week, it's basically an M7 in all but name. The slightly streamlined 7-series adds the not-so-subtle Alpina classic rims (all 21 inches of them), a revised dash with a unique cluster, and the signature Alpina front and rear aero aids. Oh, and that supercharger underhood helps this particular V8 pump out 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Channeled through an Alpine refined version of the 6-speed auto tranny, that's good enough for a 0-60 sprint of 4.8 seconds and a VMAX of 186 mph. All for a starting price of $115,695. That's a full 40 large over a standard run-of-the-mill short wheelbase 7-series, but with only 200 of the B7s coming to these shores, it's likely they won't have any problem moving them. Original press release can be found after the jump.
Gallery: BMW Alpina B7
[Source: BMW]
PRESS RELEASE:
BMW ALPINA B7: BMW and ALPINA, Germany's Renowned Performance Specialists, Create a New High Performance 7 Series Model
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - February 16, 2006... Committed to developing the best performing vehicles in the luxury market, BMW with ALPINA has created a special high performance version of BMWís 7 Series luxury sedan. The 2006 BMW ALPINA B7 brings together the luxury, pioneering design, and advanced technology of the 7 Series Sedan with the scintillating performance of a supercharged, 500hp V-8 engine.
To power the BMW ALPINA B7, ALPINA specially developed a higher-performance version of BMWís 4.4-liter, 90-degree V-8 engine and mated it to a 6-speed automatic transmission featuring steering wheel mounted shift controls. The motor produces 500 horsepower at 5,500 rpm along with maximum torque of 516 lbs.-ft. at 4,250 rpm, and propels the B7 from 0-60 mph in a mere 4.8 seconds. ALPINA 21-inch wheels carry Z-rated performance tires, while the sport-tuned suspension includes Active Roll Stabilization. The B7 aerokit includes a rear spoiler to improve stability, handling, and performance at high speeds.
ALPINA was established in 1964 as an official and approved ìennoblerî of BMW automobiles. Their tradition is to take production BMWs and make them even more appealing to connoisseurs of automotive finery.
With this new model, BMW will raise the benchmark for the segment in terms of performance, refinement, technology, and luxury. Approximately 200 US-version cars are planned for the 2006 model year, with a release date in July 2006.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TheSwener 6:58PM (2/07/2007)
Damn, that's one huuuge bitch. And those 21's look tiny, put some more rubber around 'em!
But seriously, I don't think its worth the dough.
Reply
david 7:00PM (2/07/2007)
frank, release date of july 2006? typo? or do we need a flux capaciter installed?
Reply
Frank Filipponio 8:53PM (2/07/2007)
Believe it or not, that's the original, and to this day only, press release BMW has given us. :D
Reply
JapDot 9:27PM (2/07/2007)
I like the wheels on the pontiac better. Its kind of funny that posters on this site bash domestics, but when a BMW is shown there are only 3 posts. Check out the number of G8 posts for comparison.
Reply
MikeW 9:41PM (2/07/2007)
An M7 should have a 700hp V12
Take the basic 90degree V-block of the M5, add two more cylinders, split the journals for even firing, increase the stroke. All the more feasible now that ZF has a 6 speed auto with more than 553ft-lbs capacity.
Reply
Flip 11:26PM (2/07/2007)
The depreciation on this car will be simply stunning.
Reply
SOhp101 4:19AM (2/08/2007)
The B7 is not 'an M7 in all but name.' M models drive very differently compared to their Alpina counterparts.
Reply
Justin 3:01PM (2/08/2007)
I love it. I want one. The tires will die on these Pennsylvania roads...muahahha.
Reply
G. Snyder 4:34PM (2/08/2007)
MikeW - this is not an M7. There is no such thing as an M7 (to everyone) and there never has been. This is not "basically an M7". It is an Alpina tuned 7 - just like the ones before it. Is an Alpina B3 "basically an M3"? NO.
I would actually take an Alpina tuned 3 over an M3 any day now that I think of it.
Reply
Dr Mark Cole 4:26AM (2/12/2007)
I am Dr Mark Cole from UK, I saw your item on sell and i pick interest in buying,Please i need you to get me posted with the present condition of the item and the prize as well,More so if am on the right place to get this item please do get back to me as soon as possible so i can get my shipping agent ready and notified of the shipping proper.
This information will be very useful at this point.
1.Please also provide some pictures{ Do you have a pixes}
2.The condition of the item {Is the condition okay}
3.What is the asking price of the item{How much}
I await your urgent response.
Retards.
Dr Mark Cole Contact me via mail:mark_kindness@yahoo.co.uk
Reply
MEL 12:24PM (2/17/2007)
THE ALPINA WHALE TAIL DISGUISES THE BANGLE BUTT AND CERTAINLY MAKES THE CAR MORE DESIRABLE. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE 5 & 7 SERIES CARS DO NOT HAVE THE BEAUTIFUL DESIGN OF THE THREE SERIES. BOGGLES THE MIND.
Reply
beast95 6:41PM (4/05/2007)
I have one too - absolutely the best car I have had - and I have in my garage an 2006 M6 and a 2006 Corvette Z06.
Reply
et 8:02PM (6/12/2007)
I have one!!! Its Great!!!
Reply