BMW

BMW and ALPINA have long had a history of working together to produce special BMW automobiles. In addition to racing versions of BMW, ALPINA has developed a progression of BMW-based cars based on 3, 5, 6, 8, Z4 and Z8 models and offered them on a limited-production basis.

The latest manifestation of the unique BMW-ALPINA synergy is the B7, based on the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan. For an unabashedly sporty interpretation of the 7 Series, ALPINA chose the path of supercharging BMW's V-8 engine. The achievement is impressive: 500 hp @ 5500 rpm and 516 lb.ft. @ 4250 rpm.

Using the already advanced and sharp-handling 7 Series chassis, ALPINA fine-tuned the hardware to the B7's higher performance level. While retaining the regular models' Active Roll Stabilization - which counters body roll or "lean" in corners via electronics and hydraulics - ALPINA's engineers, working with BMW and tire supplier Michelin, adopted a firmer calibration of springs and shock absorbers. They also chose the European 760i's brakes, which have larger dimensions than those of the 750i.