GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Alpina B7 unveiled

Alpina has taken the drapes off its BMW 7 Series-based super-sedan that will make its world public debut at the Geneva motor show this March.

Called the B7, the largest Alpina gains the same 441kW/801Nm twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 that already powers the B5 Biturbo and began life under the bonnet of BMW’s M5.

Available with either two-wheel or all-wheel drive (using BMW’s own xDrive system), the new B7 can claim to be one of the fastest sedans ever made.

From rest, the all-wheel drive version can reach 97km/h in just 3.6 seconds and exceed 330km/h.

Like the B5 Biturbo, Alpina uses the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic, instead of choosing to adapt the BMW M5’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Generating well over eighty per cent of its maximum torque from just 2000rpm, Alpina says the B7’s engine has been optimised for huge reserves of torque low down for exceptional engine response.

The differences between BMW’s M5 engine and the B7’s engine are huge, says Alpina.

The B7 gets new twin-scroll turbochargers with enlarged inlet and outlet diameters that produce 20psi boost pressure, a new air intake system and a new indirect intercooler system (air to water). The engine block itself, meanwhile, also comes with new Mahle pistons that can withstand a new higher compression ratio of 10.0:1 and the high turbo boost pressures.

Finally, there’s a new exhaust system that reduces back pressure and weight. The same system also has active exhaust valves.

To help cope with the extra power and performance over the standard 7 Series the B7 gets tweaked air suspension that incorporates active roll stabilisation and rear-wheel steering.

With a ride height that can be adjusted manually or automatically at speeds over 225km/h the B7 rides 200mm lower for greater stability and less aerodynamic drag. The same system can be raised 200mm at urban speeds of less than 30km/h to clear speed humps or steep driveways.

Alpina-enhanced BMWs are not currently sold here in Australia officially, but that could all change following news that BMW Australia has been evaluating the smaller M4-based 301kW Alpina B4 Biturbo for importation.

With the homologation hurdles cleared, Alpinas like the B4 Biturbo will almost certainly be priced below BMW’s own M4, but since there’s little chance of the German car-maker ever making an M7, the new new big Alpina B7 could become BMW Australia’s flagship model if a decision is made to import it.