Autoblog

Aurora Racing preps GT1-spec Alpina B6

Noah Joseph — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, BMW, Racing

What you see above is a BMW 6 Series - but just barely. Since leaving Munich, it's been transformed into the B6 by Alpina, then into the race-spec B6 GT3, and is now in the process of being converted to top-tier GT1 spec by yet another company, Aurora Racing Designs.

The motorsport concern is a joint effort by former McLaren engineer Nicholas Galbraith and former Alpina racing designer Andreas Puschel. Together they're taking the development of the B6 GT1 off Alpina's hands so that the BMW tuner can focus its energies on its current customer GT3 racing program. Sounds promising. We'd guess the chassis is targeted to join various Le Mans Series grids and the new FIA GT1 World Championship in time for next season. BMW racing fans should stay tuned for more.

[Source: Planet Le Mans via Motorpasion]

Aurora Racing preps GT1-spec Alpina B6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: BMW Alpina B6 GT3 puts the 'Ring on notice

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Tuners, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW Alpina GT3

BMW tuner par excellence Alpina is returning to the motor racing scene for the first time in two decades with the new B6 GT3, which the pseudo-works firm unveiled for the first time here at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the 6 Series, the B6 GT3 features a unique radial supercharger fitted to its 4.4-liter V8 to drive 530 horsepower to the rear wheels - in proper Bavarian style - in what looks to be a compelling competition package.

Alpina itself will be fielding a pair in the European FIA GT3 series and at "selected 24-hour endurance races" (Nurburgring, Le Mans... we're looking at you), but the B6 GT3 will also be offered to private teams. Alpina has fitted adjustable everything to the car and a full array of electronic control systems to ensure that gentlemen racers - not just professional drivers - will be able to handle it and so that the car will qualify for a wide array of racing series. We're looking forward to seeing the green menace tackling the Green Hell soon, but in the meantime had to content ourselves with checking it out at Alpina's show stand here in Geneva where it was displayed alongside the new B7 Bi-Turbo, which we'll have for you shortly. In the meantime, click on the thumbnails below to view our gallery from the show floor and follow the jump for a brief press release.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: BMW Alpina B6 GT3

Gallery: Alpina B6 GT3

Continue reading Geneva 2009: BMW Alpina B6 GT3 puts the 'Ring on notice

Geneva 2009: BMW Alpina B6 GT3 puts the 'Ring on notice originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alpina ends 20-year racing respite with B6 GT3

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, BMW

Click above for a high-res image.

Aside from serious enthusiasts and obsessive Bimmerphiles, Alpina isn't as recognized today as it was in the past. The BMW ubertuner and specialty marque has a long history in motorsports that includes wins at the 24 Hours of Spa, the 24 hour at the Nurburgring and three European Touring Car Championships. Alpina will attempt to reinvigorate its image and its motorsports heritage when it enters its 6-series-based B6 GT3 in the 2009 FIA European Championship next year, along with running a handful of high-profile endurance races.

The B6 S is the basis for the B6 GT3, and comes packing a supercharged, 4.4-liter V8 dolling out 530 hp and 535 lb.-ft. of torque. That should make it competitive with the rest of the field, including Aston Martins, Ferraris and Lamborghinis. The B6 GT3 isn't strictly for Alpina's own works team, as it plans to sell race-ready versions to privateer teams and wealthy collectors.

Alpina's full press release is available after the jump.

[Source: Alpina via WCF]

Continue reading Alpina ends 20-year racing respite with B6 GT3

Alpina ends 20-year racing respite with B6 GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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