For BMW fans lamenting the automaker’s decision not to build
an M7, take solace in the fact that semi-official tuner Alpina, which has been
making BMWs go faster for more than 50 years now, offers up a genuine
alternative in the form of the B7 xDrive. Now a new generation of the BMW
Alpina B7 xDrive has arrived. The car
is set to go on sale in September, as a 2017 model,
and we’ll get our first look at it during next month's 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
The current B7 xDrive, with its 540 horsepower and 538
pound-feet of torque, is certainly no slouch. However, with Mercedes-AMG’s S63
packing 577 hp and nowAudi’s S8 Plus packing
as much as 605 hp, Alpina’s engineers knew they needed a proper response.
Thankfully, they’ve delivered in full with the latest B7 xDrive. The car shares
its twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 with the 750i but instead of a stock 445 hp
the Alpina engineers managed to dial things up to 600 hp. Torque is up at 590
lb-ft. Also lifted from the standard 750i is an eight-speed automatic, albeit
modified with Alpina’s own shift programs.
As you may have guessed, the resulting performance figures
are remarkable. Alpina claims a 0-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds, making this
luxurious, full-size sedan quicker than most sports cars. The top speed is an
estimated 193 mph. The good news is that engine response is excellent
throughout the rev range. That’s because the engine, which features Alpina’s
own intake, intercooler and turbocharger designs, is already delivering as much
as 494 lb-ft below 2,000 rpm.
When it comes to handling, the B7 xDrive benefits from the
already impressive air suspension system fitted to the standard 7-Series as well as
standard all-wheel drive. The suspension system can be adjusted on demand
thanks to a drive modes selector and at high speeds it lowers the car by around
0.8 of an inch. Aiding things further are some Alpina-specific settings for the
adjustable dampers as well as a four-wheel-steering system. With the latter,
the rear wheels steer in opposite direction to the front at low speeds for
increased agility and dynamic handling, and in the same direction at higher
speeds for improved stability.
You’ll easily spot the BMW Alpina B7 xDrive by its
functional aero enhancements and 20-in wheels complete with Alpina’s signature
multi-spoke design (there are 20 spokes in case you were wondering). Alpina
also offers a 21-in version of this set. Inside these sit four-piston brake
calipers finished in blue. They’re biting 15.5-in discs up front and 14.5-in
discs at the rear.
Hop inside and you’ll find the plush design of the standard
7-Series as well as the BMW’s flagship’s latest technologies, including a
head-up display and gesture control interface. However, Alpina adds its own leather
trim as well as special accents around the dash and on the steering wheel.
There are also custom treadplates.
source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1102268_2017-bmw-alpina-b7-xdrive-revealed-with-600-horsepower#image=100544980
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
No comments:
Post a Comment