Motor Authority - blog Tag: Alpina

The 2009 season of the FIA GT Championship got underway with the official media launch and test days, which took place at the Paul Ricard HTTT circuit earlier this week. Cars from the FIA GT Championship, the FIA GT3 European Championship and the GT4 European Cup were entered for the test days, with a total of 49 cars taking part over the two day event. Two special cars, built according to the 2010 GT1 technical regulations, were also included in the event. They were the Nissan GT-R and the Ford GT1.

A number of changes to the motorsport series will be taking place for 2009, including a calendar reduced to eight events, the removal of... The 2009 season of the FIA GT Championship got underway with the official media launch and test days, which took place at the Paul Ricard HTTT circuit earlier this week. Cars from the FIA GT Championship, the FIA GT3 European Championship and the GT4 European Cup were entered for the test days, with a total of 49 cars taking part over the two day event. Two special cars, built according to the 2010 GT1 technical regulations, were also included in the event. They were the Nissan GT-R and the Ford GT1. A number of changes to the motorsport series will be taking place for 2009, including a calendar reduced to eight events, the removal of development tires, and less team assistance. The FIA also announced plans for the GT1 World project. The 2010 GT1 World project aims to set up a World Championship title for independent teams, with 12 events in 12 countries, on five continents. Letters of intent have been received from circuits in Argentina, Australia, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Romania, Russia, Bulgaria, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The single GT1 class would consist of six brands, a maximum of 24 cars, two cars per team and two teams per brand. Hans Reiter, from Reiter Engineering, also confirmed at the event that he would be building a new generation GT1 car : “As some of you may know, Lamborghini has recently released a new version of the Murcielago, SV version, 670hp, 6.7L, and this will be our car for the GT1 World Championship. Unfortunately, the car is not ready yet as the car was only launched in March, but should be ready for the second part of the season,” he explained.Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV2010 FIA GT1 race cars Read More

German tuner Alpina has given the world some fantastically tweaked BMWs over the years, from the AWD B3 Biturbo to the new B7, based on the latest 7-series and shown at this year's Geneva Auto Show. Finding places in the BMW lineup that aren't covered from the factory is the tuner's specialty, and the latest from Alpina doesn't disappoint: the diesel D3 Biturbo is the 3-series we never had. Alpina released a previous version of this car last year, but they have updated it this year with better performance and efficiency.

Yanking the twin-scroll four-cylinder oil-burner from the heart of a 123d, the Germans put their arts to work and raised... German tuner Alpina has given the world some fantastically tweaked BMWs over the years, from the AWD B3 Biturbo to the new B7, based on the latest 7-series and shown at this year's Geneva Auto Show. Finding places in the BMW lineup that aren't covered from the factory is the tuner's specialty, and the latest from Alpina doesn't disappoint: the diesel D3 Biturbo is the 3-series we never had. Alpina released a previous version of this car last year, but they have updated it this year with better performance and efficiency. Yanking the twin-scroll four-cylinder oil-burner from the heart of a 123d, the Germans put their arts to work and raised output for the D3 to 214hp from the stock 204hp. But like all diesels, the fun lies in the low-end rather than the high-end, and with 450Nm on tap, the fun should be in ample supply. Sprinting from rest to 100km/h in just 6.9s and topping out at 152mph, the D3 combines speed and efficiency. The performance puts the D3 in good standing with the likes of the six-cylinder 325d and 330d - while only burning the fuel required to power four cylinders. The donor engine gets an impressive 5.2L/100km (45mpg US) in its application in the 123d. While the slightly heavier 3-series chassis and more sport-oriented tuning cut into that number somewhat, it still manages 5.4L/100km (43.5mpg US) and 143g/km CO2. Available in saloon or touring (wagon) form factors, the D3 could be one of the best daily-drivers around. Read More

In the world of modified BMWs, few brands hold the power of the Alpina name, known for its tasteful treatments, high-power upgrades and willingness to venture into uncharted waters. The latest of the modified BMWs to roll out of Alpina's shop is the new fourth-generation B7.

Based on BMW's new 7-series, the new B7 is a take on the ultimate BMW sports sedan. Dressing the car up with more aggressive but not over-the-top aerodynamic elements is just part of the package. Big power lives under the hood of the B7 as well.

Starting with the 4.4L twin-turbo gasoline V8 makes upgrading to 505hp (373kW) and 517lb-ft (700Nm) of torque easier than it... In the world of modified BMWs, few brands hold the power of the Alpina name, known for its tasteful treatments, high-power upgrades and willingness to venture into uncharted waters. The latest of the modified BMWs to roll out of Alpina's shop is the new fourth-generation B7. Based on BMW's new 7-series, the new B7 is a take on the ultimate BMW sports sedan. Dressing the car up with more aggressive but not over-the-top aerodynamic elements is just part of the package. Big power lives under the hood of the B7 as well. Starting with the 4.4L twin-turbo gasoline V8 makes upgrading to 505hp (373kW) and 517lb-ft (700Nm) of torque easier than it sounds. With all that power on tap, the big four-door takes just 4.7 seconds to accelerate to 62mph (100km/h), and can carry on to an electronically limited 174mph (280km/h). Full torque is on tap from 3,000-4,750rpm. Like all good European sedans, this one comes with fuel economy estimates too: 13.2mpg US (17.7L/100km) in the city, 27mpg (8.6L/100km) on the open road and 19.7mpg (11.9L/100km) combined. That works out to CO2 emissions of 286g/km. The 7-series' dynamically adjustable suspension is also in effect, offering a range of attitudes for sporty and relaxed moods. At 4,312lb (1,960kg) the B7 is no lightweight, but all that size is put to good use in terms of comfort. An automatic 'SwitchTronic' gearbox sends power to the rear wheels, which are 21in evolutions of the classic twenty-spoke Alpina design. Tires are Michelin Pilot Sport 2s in 245-width up front and 285-width in the rear for sure-footed handling. Though many would rate the Alpina's body kit among the more attractive BMW modifications out there, the ethos at the company is 'form follows function' and those big scoops are there to direct air to the intake and cooling of the big V8. The front and rear aero sections also reduce lift by 30% and 15%, respectively. Inside, myrtle burl wood trim and custom accents to the leather and metal trim elements add a uniquely Alpina touch.Alpina B7 Read More

BMW-tuners extraordinaire Alpina has decided to return to motorsports after a 20 year absence. The comeback will be staged in the 2009 FIA GT3 European Championship - but the best part - the company will be selling exact copies of their race cars to individuals, collectors and other teams.

Alpina's racing history is a long and lauded one, despite the 20-year lay off. Drivers like Hans Stuck, Jacky Ickx and Niki Lauda all drove for Alpina at one point, each winning a European Touring Car championship for the company. Still, the Alpina race team is in its infancy, starting over again from scratch. The entire team has to be chosen - from... BMW-tuners extraordinaire Alpina has decided to return to motorsports after a 20 year absence. The comeback will be staged in the 2009 FIA GT3 European Championship - but the best part - the company will be selling exact copies of their race cars to individuals, collectors and other teams. Alpina's racing history is a long and lauded one, despite the 20-year lay off. Drivers like Hans Stuck, Jacky Ickx and Niki Lauda all drove for Alpina at one point, each winning a European Touring Car championship for the company. Still, the Alpina race team is in its infancy, starting over again from scratch. The entire team has to be chosen - from project manager to race engineer to mechanic, the company is looking for talented people to help it mount its comeback. The company’s new B6 GT3 race car is scheduled to make its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. It will feature a 4.4L V8 churning out 530hp (395kW) and 535ft-lb (725Nm) of torque. For more of Alpina's consumer-level work, check out our stories on the B6 S coupe and cabrio - which share at the least, corporate DNA and some design elements with the upcoming race car, the D3 Biturbo, and the B7 7-series based super-limo.Alpina B6 GT3 based on the BMW 6-series Read More

BMW specialist Alpina recently unveiled a teaser image for its upcoming B7 performance saloon, based on the recently launched 2009 BMW 7-Series, and now we have the first spy shots of the car, taken while it was testing in Germany. Trademark Alpina mods can be seen in the images, such as subtle aerodynamic modifications at the front thanks to a custom front lip, as well as a small spoiler at the back. As in the past, the new Alpina B7 should also see the standard BMW engines upgraded or replaced from their standard form.

BMW first released details on the new 2009 7-Series back in September, revealing that the range topping 750i would be... BMW specialist Alpina recently unveiled a teaser image for its upcoming B7 performance saloon, based on the recently launched 2009 BMW 7-Series, and now we have the first spy shots of the car, taken while it was testing in Germany. Trademark Alpina mods can be seen in the images, such as subtle aerodynamic modifications at the front thanks to a custom front lip, as well as a small spoiler at the back. As in the past, the new Alpina B7 should also see the standard BMW engines upgraded or replaced from their standard form. BMW first released details on the new 2009 7-Series back in September, revealing that the range topping 750i would be getting a 400hp (298kW) 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine with 450lbs-ft (610Nm) of torque. The current 2008 Alpina B7 has a 500hp (373kW) supercharged V8 engine, so expect significant upgrades to the new 4.4L V8 in the new 2009 B7. The only transmission available in the standard 750i is a six-speed automatic, however, BMW is expected to add a new eight-speed unit further down the track which Alpina may also end up using. The spy shots also reveal the tuner’s often-used Superleggera-style alloy wheels, which will probably see production. The current Alpina B7 rides on 21in wheels and also gets larger brakes and chassis tuning, so handling and braking upgrades should also come as part of the package. For the privilege of owning the Alpina B7, customers will have to pay a hefty premium over the 7-Series' standard price - last year’s Alpina B7 started at $115,775 for the basic model. The latest model is expected to make its world debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show.BMW Alpina B7 based on 7-series spy shots Read More