ALPINA is expanding its offering with the new BMW ALPINA B8 Gran Coupé which is due in Canadian showrooms in the summer of 2021.
A 4.4-litre v8 engine
The eight-cylinder engine of the BMW ALPINA B8 is characterized by a dynamic power delivery and offers responsiveness over the entire rpm range. The 4.4-litre V8 engine with bi-turbo charging achieves a maximum power output of 612 hp. The maximum torque of 590 lb.-ft is available from just 2,000 rpm and maintained up to 5,000 rpm.
Its power characteristics and throttle response are the results of optimized turbocharging and cooling systems. Two twin-scroll turbochargers facilitate the near-instantaneous conversion of exhaust gas energy into boost pressure, even at low engine speeds for early maximum torque.
The ALPINA cooling system ensures thermal stability and optimum efficiency of the engine, even under continuous high loads. It consists of three external coolers, an enlarged transmission oil cooler and a low-temperature cooling system (air/water/air) with ALPINA’s specific intercoolers, offering 50% more cooling surface than the units found in the BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe.
An 8-speed sport automatic transmission
The latest 8HP76 transmission generation has undergone development work in cooperation with the transmission specialists at ZF. Depending on the selected drive mode, shift dynamics have been raised without compromising comfort.
A hydrodynamic torque converter with reinforced internals is used to transmit the engine’s high torque output. An aluminum transmission oil sump ensures the system is cooled. The turbine torsional damper absorbs drivetrain vibrations. Specific transmission shift strategies are available for different driving situations.
In SPORT mode, shift points are optimized for driving performance and gear shifts are noticeably dynamic. The COMFORT mode allows for relaxed cruising at low engine rpms even when travelling at highway speeds, but remains responsive thanks to the availability of 590 lb.-ft of torque. MANUAL mode offers shifts with the paddle shifters.
The ALPINA sport suspension
Front axle struts with hydro mounts enhance the ride comfort and work in combination with Eibach springs to guarantee balanced suspension characteristics. Reinforced sway bars on the front axle and stiffer lower wishbone mounts result in excellent lateral dynamic properties.
The Integral Active Steering system offers a direct steering response with feedback and agility. The Active Kinematics Control System from ZF enables the wheels of the rear axle to pivot a maximum of 2.3° left or right.
At low speeds, the rear axle steers as opposed to the front axle for increased agility and dynamic handling. Conversely, at higher speeds, the rear axle steers “with” (congruent to) the front axle for maximum directional stability. The behaviour of the entire system, as with all driving systems onboard the B8, has been fine-tuned precisely by ALPINA.
The intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensures a dynamic transmission of power to the road. A rear-axle limited-slip differential and a traction-dependent torque distribution increases vehicle stability when entering the corner and exiting the corner.
Wheels & tires
The tires – specially developed for the BMW ALPINA B8 – are available in sizes 245/35ZR21 on the front axle and 285/3 ZR21 on the rear axle. In cooperation with Pirelli, they are specially adapted to the BMW ALPINA B8. The Pirelli Noise Cancelling System fitted to the front tires improves acoustic comfort.
The 21-inch wheels feature the brand’s classic design of 20 spokes. The ALPINA CLASSIC 20-inch forged wheel is also available for winter and all-season tires in a 20 spoke design without a wheel hub cover.
The ALPINA brake system can be recognized by its blue brake calipers bearing white ALPINA lettering. Four-piston fixed brake calipers from Brembo with 15.6-inch diameter brake discs on the front axle and floating brake calipers with 15.7-inch diameter brake discs on the rear axle provide safety reserves and thermodynamic stability, even under high loads.
Interior design
The large air intakes on the ALPINA front apron ensure that the high-performance engine is supplied with sufficient cooling airflow. The ALPINA rear apron with a black diffuser insert takes up the precise contours of the body. The Gran Coupé’s silhouette is extended by a subtle ALPINA rear spoiler lip.
The ALPINA Blue Metallic and ALPINA Green Metallic paint finishes are exclusively reserved for BMW ALPINA automobiles. There is also a variety of BMW Individual paint finishes available to choose from. Each ALPINA steering wheel is intricately hand-finished with natural, untreated LAVALINA leather.
