2011 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive - Short Take Road Test - Car and Driver (blog)
Like an M car, the Alpina-tuned B7 isn’t solely focused on increasing power—as BMW does within the 7-series lineup in moving from the V-8 750 to the V-12 760—instead delivering a rich mix of cosseting luxury, rocket-ship thrust, and... (Rear-drive and long-wheelbase 750s also can become B7s. ) Under the hood, the twin-turbocharged 4. 4-liter V-8 is massaged to produce 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, 100 more hp and 66 more lb-ft than in a run-of-the-mill 750. Those considerable... Alpina then enhances temperature management by adding an engine-oil cooler, a transmission cooler for the beefed-up six-speed automatic, and a larger radiator. The springs are stiffened by about 20 percent, and the Alpina sits lower than an equivalent 7er by 0. 6 inch in front and 0. 4 inch in the rear. Next comes the makeup, starting with Alpina’s gorgeous 20-spoke, 21-inch wheels. If you can persuade your eyes to move on from the rolling stock, you’ll notice a unique front fascia, a trunk-mounted spoiler, and special exhaust finishers resting below a new rear valance. Inside, there are handsome blue-faced gauges, an Alpina-specific steering wheel with gearshift buttons on the back, cushy-soft nappa leather upholstery, a numbered Alpina plaque on the overhead console, and Alpina logos scattered throughout. Source: www.caranddriver.com
