Geneva 2009: An M7 by any other name - 2009 BMW Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo
by Noah Joseph on Mar 4th 2009 at 4:19PM 
Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo
All indications are that BMW won't, in the end, be producing an M7 based on its new-generation F01 7 Series. That would've been cool, but before the Mercedes S63 AMG and Audi S8 can breathe a sigh of relief, Bavaria's pseudo-factory partner Alpina has something to say about it, and this is what it spake: the B7 Bi-Turbo – a BMW 7 Series with an attitude. At its heart is a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, which produces 507 horsepower thanks to larger-vane turbos and a new intercooler, driving through a retuned Switch-Tronic ZF six-speed automatic transmission, and a recalibrated suspension designed to optimize the balance between supercar control and luxury sedan comfort. 4.7 seconds is all it takes to hustle to 60 mph, while custom 21-inch rims riding on conventional rubber replace the stock run-flats and a bespoke leather and wood interior round out the package. You can read more about in the press release after the jump and view all its angles in the gallery below.
Gallery: Geneva 2009: BMW Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo
Photos Copyright ©2009 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.
PRESS RELEASE
B7 BITURBO
With the new BMW ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo, ALPINA presents its fourth generation of automobiles based on the BMW 7 Series. Prominent predecessors include the BMW ALPINA B12 6.0 and B7, which raised the bar in the high-performance luxury saloon segment. Newly interpreted and in every way state-of-the-art, the B7 Bi-Turbo unites exclusiveness, athleticism and comfort in perfect harmony.
Yielding exquisite levels of torque and power from the charged 4.4 litre V8, and in conjunction with the electronically-adjustable suspension with active roll stabilisation, the B7 Bi-Turbo promises to offer a spectrum of driving experiences so varied 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 Bi-Turbo and impart it a distinctive appearance and powerful stance.
Powertrain
The Bi-Turbo model designation that now graces this flagship BMW ALPINA saloon hints at even more powerful and torque-laden performance over its predecessor, while simultaneously improving upon fuel economy.
The fully-aluminium, 4395 cm3 V8 aggregate yields 507 peak horsepower (373 kW) at a moderate 5500rpm, with a maximum torque of 700 Nm available between 3000-4750rpm.
Two especially for the ALPINA powerplant constructed turbochargers with generously-dimensioned turbine vanes are responsible for the forced induction. Thorough exploitation of the engine's potential was achieved by means of optimising the indirect intercooler (air-water/water-air) with its short intake paths and flow-optimised intercooler tracts.
High-performance pistons are at work in the cylinders, carefully developed to harmonise with a compression of 9.2:1 and a maximum turbo boost of 1.0 bar. The result is a formidable specific output of 115hp (85kW) per litre, with a maximum average compression of 20.1 bar, a benchmark even amongst established sportscars.
One look at the torque and power diagram is enough to highlight that the B7 Bi-Turbo will accelerate fiercely and effortlessly from very low revs. Peak torque is available from an unusually broad range of rpm's, ranging from 3,000 to 4,750 rpm. This wide powerband coupled with the exquisitely geared ZF six-speed automatic sport transmission pampers the occupants with remarkably high levels of smooth drivetrain comfort in every driving situation.
The ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC, which has been programmed to shift exceptionally smooth and comfortable in Automatic mode, offers different shift characteristics for every taste and situation thanks to the additional Sport and Manual modes. Driving the B7 Bi-Turbo becomes an altogether different experience when using the buttons found on the back of the steering wheel for manually selecting the gears of the automatic transmission. This ensures shifts take place within a few hundred milliseconds and with only minimal interruption to the transmission of power, favourably comparable even to the best twin-clutch transmissions. As a result, the B7 Bi-Turbo sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, vehemently pressing on to an electronically-limited 280 km/h top speed.
Chassis & Suspension
Long gone are the days when a purely "hard and sporty" ride was a sought-after attribute of suspension set-ups. Striving for truly neutral handling continues to be the intelligent way forward, yielding the best of what is technologically feasible.
In pursuit of this goal, marginally shorter and uniquely calibrated springs reduce front and rear ride height by 15mm and 10mm respectively. Together with the 21" wheel and tyre combination the suspension is at once sensitive to inputs and direct in its feel, yet free from the harshness of a purely sports-oriented suspension, imparting this large saloon with an agility usually only associated with much smaller sports saloons. The light-weight 21" wheels, with their new interpretation of the ALPINA CLASSIC wheel design, are shod with an especially selected staggered MICHELIN tyre set-up: 245/35 R21 front and 285/30 R21 rear. Foregoing Run-Flat technology, conventional tyres are used to ensure a supple, comfortable finesse that is rare today.
ALPINA have integrated state-of-the-art electronic suspension technologies, skilfully and subtly adjusting them to the demanding requirements of our customers. As part of the B7 Bi-Turbo standard equipment, the electronic suspension system with Dynamic Damping Control and Dynamic Drive (active roll stabilisation) enable the driver to select from three distinct suspension set-ups: Comfort, Normal and Sport. The B7 Bi-Turbo offers the driver unheard-of versatility, delivering on long-distance comfort just as readily as on back-road pace, always with a maximum of enjoyment and safety.
Design
At once dynamic, graceful and potent - the silhouette of the B7 Bi-Turbo is significantly influenced by the evolutionary new design of the 21" ALPINA CLASSIC wheels. A turbine-like three-dimensional curve guides each of the 20 spokes from the centre of the wheel to the rim, at which point they have a milled surface. Depending on the angle of the viewer, the rotational speed of the wheels and the light, the appearance of these classic wheels is constantly changing. Of course they continue to possess the refined tyre air valves, safely and attractively hidden away behind the lockable wheel covers.
In true "form-follows-function" fashion, the typical ALPINA front integrates the fresh-air requirements of the transmission and engine oil coolers, which are separated out of the main cooler module for improved efficiency. The design of the front and rear spoiler follows clearly aerodynamically-oriented interests, reducing lift at the front and rear by 30% and 15% respectively. Left and right, the exhaust system's two double tailpipes are seamlessly integrated into the rear valance and are witness to the B7 Bi-Turbo's potency.
When climbing into the B7 Bi-Turbo, one immediately takes note of the ALPINA door sill trims which are finely illuminated in blue. The SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel is gloved and hand-stitched in the finest, most comfortable LAVALINA leather. In the driver's line of sight, red pointers over a field of blue dials grace the instrument cluster, where a Black-Panel LCD screen is responsible for communicating driver-important information.
Exclusive interior luxury wood trim in the form of Myrtle Burl, a knotted burl of the Laurel only found on the Pacific Coast of the United States, provides a warm and traditional ambience. Optional ALPINA Piano Lacquer interior trim with its silver diagonal rhombs, offers a modern and just as exclusive alternative.
Technical Data
B7 BITURBO Saloon SWITCH-TRONIC
Dimensions
Length (mm)
5087
Width (mm)
1902
Height, unladen (mm)
1484
Wheelbase (mm)
3070
Track front (mm)
1621
Track rear (mm)
1628
Luggage capacity DIN (l)
500
Fuel tank capacity (l)
approx. 82
Weight
Weight, unladen (kg)
2040
Permissible gross weight (kg)
2660
Permitted payload (kg)
550
Max axle load, front (kg)
1300
Max axle load, rear (kg)
1420
Max trailer load limit, braked (kg)
2100
Max trailer load limit, unbraked (kg)
750
Engine
Cylinders
V8 90°
Displacement (cc)
4395
Bore (mm)
88.3
Stroke (mm)
89.0
Compression ratio (:1)
9.2
Max output (kW/hp)
373 / 507
at rpm (1/min)
5500
Max torque (Nm/rpm)
700 / 3000
Engine management
BOSCH Motronic ME 9.2.1
Fuel type
Super plus
Emissions classification
Euro 5
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed Automatic ZF 6HP26 SWITCH-TRONIC
1st
4.17
2nd
2.34
3rd
1.52
4th
1.14
5th
0.87
6th
0.69
Final drive ratio
3,46
Performance
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)
4.7
Top speed (km/h)
280
Fuel consumption *
Urban (l/100 km)
17.7
Extra urban (l/100 km)
8.6
Combined (l/100 km)
11.9
CO² emissions (g/km)
286
Wheels and tyres
Standard wheels and tyres
ALPINA CLASSIC 21"
front
8.5 x 21 245/35 R21
rear
10 x 21 285/30 R21
* Information on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions according to 1999/94/EG:
Further information on specific fuel consumption and specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars is given in "Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch und die CO2-Emissionen neuer Personenkraftwagen which can be obtained free of charge at all points of sale and from the 'DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Helmut-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen'.
Equipment
B7 BITURBO Saloon SWITCH-TRONIC
Standard Equipment
Air conditioning, automatic
Airbags - front, side and head airbags, for driver and passenger
Alarm system with remote control and engine immobiliser
Armrest/centre console - rear, with storage compartment and cup holder
CD changer
Central locking switch
Central locking with crash sensor
Child seat ISOFIX attachments, rear
Climate comfort laminated windscreen
Control display - 6.5" colour display screen in combination with iDrive controller on centre console
Cruise control
Digital speedometer readout via Info Display in instrument cluster
Door sill finishers ALPINA
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incl. Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Electric windows, with open / close tip control
Electronic immobiliser
Exhaust system ALPINA, stainless steel with polished tailpipes
Extended lighting
Exterior mirrors - folding, automatically dimming
First aid kit and warning triangle
Floor mats ALPINA
Fog lights incl. heated windscreen washer jets
Front spoiler ALPINA
Glass sunroof
Headlight washer system
Heat absorbing thermal glass
Hi-Fi loudspeaker system - BMW Business
Instrument cluster ALPINA
Interior light system with 'soft on/soft off' function
Interior trim: ALPINA luxury wood Myrtle
Luggage compartment opening via remote key
Mobility System
Navigation system Professional incl. Bluetooth telephone preparation with telematics
On-Board Computer with extended functions
Paintwork: metallic paintwork in standard BMW colours
Park Distance Control (PDC), front and rear
Personal Profile
Production plaque, silver plated
Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation
Rear spoiler ALPINA
Rear-view mirror, automatically dimming
Remote key for central locking, auto rechargeable
Revcounter with oil temperature display
Seat heating, front
Smoker's package, deletion
Sport Automatic Transmission (6-speed) with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC
Sport seats, driver and front passenger, incl. electric seat adjustment with driver memory
Sport suspension ALPINA
Steering column with electric reach and rake adjustment
Steering wheel: SWITCH-TRONIC sport leather steering wheel with Multi-function
Sunblind - rear windscreen, electric adjustment
Tyre Puncture Warning System (TPWS)
Upholstery: Pearl leather with ALPINA Design - rhombs in green/blue in seats and door inserts
Voice Control
Wheels: ALPINA CLASSIC 21"
Xenon headlights
Standard equipment shown represents the specifications for the German market only. According to the specific requirements of other markets, alterations in models, standard and optional equipment may occur. For precise information, please contact the BMW ALPINA importer in your country.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mehdi Cheddadi 4:25PM (3/04/2009)
the price for that must be bunkers! i'd take a GT-R instead. kthxbai
Reply
rsfourever 4:32PM (3/04/2009)
that's really a nonsensical comparison. someone looking for a B7 is not cross-shopping it with a gt-r. in fact, barely anyone looking for a B7 is cross-shopping it with anything else at all. given the price/what you are getting, that is a purchase of love! and it is pure badass!
Mehdi Cheddadi 4:44PM (3/04/2009)
true, But I've got a 2004 740i and I'd still much prefer a GT-R hehe
TORONTO 8:03AM (3/05/2009)
wow... you must have that super rare... back to the future 740i... 2004 ?
It must be just like my 2007 735i....
Taglane 4:26PM (3/04/2009)
I was just going to criticize BMW for having such ugly designs based on that Liposuctioned X6 below this post, but now....
This design is amazing. Subtle but so much better looking than any BMW I have recently seen.
Reply
Dustin 4:45PM (3/04/2009)
I agree, it's nice to see a tuner with some taste and subtlety.
Jared 5:47PM (3/04/2009)
Meh. I'm not a fan of the tacked on aero junk. And I hate the stupid soap-bar shifter.
Dustin 6:33PM (3/04/2009)
Jared, the shifter is standard 7-series issue, not Alpina. And the aero kit is far from "junk," but in fact well thought out and functional.
"In true "form-follows-function" fashion, the typical ALPINA front integrates the fresh-air requirements of the transmission and engine oil coolers, which are separated out of the main cooler module for improved efficiency. The design of the front and rear spoiler follows clearly aerodynamically-oriented interests, reducing lift at the front and rear by 30% and 15% respectively."
zamafir 4:29PM (3/04/2009)
A blown bi turbo, 50 more hp, rwd, and it's a scant .2 seconds quicker to sixty than the aging S8? anyone else less than taken aback? I was hoping it'd show a large improvement over the S63 and audi's long in the tooth S8. Something tells me the quicker S63, and more refined (albeit a fraction of a second slower) S8 are still breathing a sigh of relief after this garish reveal.
Oh how i wish BMW would just focus on light driving machines and not xzibit inspired body kits.
Reply
Michael 4:45PM (3/04/2009)
Too bad this isn't BMW's work.
zamafir 4:53PM (3/04/2009)
Oh... Odd. I thought it was common knowledge, and has been for ages, that Alpina is essentially BMW's version of AMG and Audi's version of quattro gmbh. Are they no longer based in Bavaria, Do they no longer work closer with BMW than any other, did autoblog not call this essentially an M7? Oh... yes yes and yes. Though their certificate of origin, while an entertaining distraction, bares no relevance on my comments.
Michael 5:03PM (3/04/2009)
BMW M GmbH -> Mercedes-AMG, quattro GmbH
Alpina (and AC Schnitzer, among others) -> Brabus, Carlsson, Renntech, Abt Sportsline
aaron 11:59PM (3/04/2009)
Spoken like a true Audi fanboy.
larry a 1:11AM (3/05/2009)
Owned.
Visnick 4:58PM (3/04/2009)
Coming to a drug dealer near you
Reply
AntBee 5:03PM (3/04/2009)
I think I just jizzed in my pants! This is the Ultimate Driving Machine!
Reply
Taglane 5:10PM (3/04/2009)
Thanks for backing up your statement!
gtfo.
Reply
Bill E 5:18PM (3/04/2009)
Not a big BMW fan but that is pretty hot.
Reply
Damon 5:27PM (3/04/2009)
Zamafir... you're an idiot...
Quattro to Audi is All Wheel Drive... performance packages are S or RS or S-Line.
BMW M; Mercedes-Benz AMG and Audi S/RS line cars are comparable.
Mercedes Brabus; BMW Alpina and Audi ABT Sportline are comparable.
Reply
Michael 5:42PM (3/04/2009)
Actually, "quattro GmbH" is a subsidiary of Audi AG responsible for the research and development of the S and RS cars.