We’ve already delivered to you the specs of 2011 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo in line with the brand new BMW 5-series, but now the German company released full details of this car. So in an effort to know what they’ve done to the auto’s V8 engine to get 507 hp (same as M5’s V10), or what exact variety of brakes and suspension components they’ve used, scroll down and skim on!

Press Release:

The finely honed balance between athleticism, comfort and each-day luxury that has defined ALPINA automobiles for many years reaches a brand new dimension within the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo. Five different generations of five Series-based ALPINA automobiles were developed within the last 35 years, revealing to these within the know a special and exclusive driving experience. The sixth generation draws from the best ingredients provided by those previous generations to create a mouth-watering palette of characteristics for essentially the mostsome of the most discerning of drivers within the high performance luxury saloon segment.

THE POWERTRAIN – Top quality In Both Performance And Economy

First introduced within the BMW ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo, the all-aluminium V8 powerplant endows the hot B5 Bi-Turbo with sensational pace. It achieves 507 horsepower (373 kW) at a moderate 5,500rpm, with maximum torque of 700Nm from 3,000 to 4,750rpm. The “Bi-Turbo” appellation refers back to the two turbochargers comfortably nestled contained in the V shaped 8 cylinder block. They work in parallel, each feeding among the two cylinder banks. Specially developed for ALPINA in partnership with Honeywell-Garrett, the bespoke exhaust turbines are generously dimensioned. In comparison with its super-charged predecessor, this engine configuration delivers more torque over a broader rev range and improves throttle response at low revs.

To fully leverage the possibility of the engine, ALPINA have optimised the indirect inter-cooling system (air-to-water / water-to-air) with short intake tracts and increased inter-cooler flow. The high-performance cooling package gains its thermo-dynamic efficiency by using a large-volume low-temperature
inter-cooler, in addition to two water-to-air inter-coolers placed with regards to the engine. The pistons are a high-performance variant developed along with Mahle to house the extraordinary temperatures and pressures related to as much as 1.0 bar charging and the engine’s 9.2:1 nominal compression ratio. Altogether this leads to a formidable specific output of 115.3 horsepower (85kW) per litre and an average total compression of 20.1 bar. Direct injection and Double-VANOS contribute to the B5 Bi-Turbo’s class-leading performance on the subject of emissions and economy within the super saloon segment: 10.8 l/100km (26.2 Imp. mpg) and 252g/km CO2 (Combined as per the ECE Norm).

TRANSMISSION – The Eight-Speed All-Rounder

Adapted and tested in cooperation with ZF, the advanced SWITCH-TRONIC 8-speed sport automatic transmission sets a brand new benchmark. With ALPINA’s philosophy the guiding credo, our engineers have spent thousands of development and test hours ensuring that no other performance automatic transmission
comes just about providing this level of both comfort and sportiness. The blend of eight speeds and many torque makes for unparalleled comfortable gear changes and not using a noticeable interruption to the delivery of power – only the accompanying acoustics and the dynamic rev counter provide feedback as to the workings of the transmission. The 700Nm of torque means the B5 Bi-Turbo excels at gliding along at low speeds in a high gear with minimum revs, benefiting both consumption and luxury. In Sport mode a wholly different character emerges: the transmission is crisp and unmistakably immediate. The innovative single-cylinder step-down (EZA), specially developed by ALPINA for the B5 Bi-Turbo makes it possible for super quick up-shifts in only milliseconds, regardless of the high torque.

Depending at the load onthe transmission, the injection of fuel right into a given cylinder is interrupted for a fragment of a second, creating the required reduction in torque that the automated transmission needs for the up-shift. The advantage versus the average timing retardation are noticeably quicker shifts, and improved thermo-dynamic efficiency by way of reduced exhaust temperatures in addition to lower fuel consumption. The single-cylinder step-down (EZA) is accompanied by a tone nothing short of spectacular, as each shift harbours a deeply sonorous back-pressure burble.

The Manual mode gives the driving force full control over every shift. The SWITCH-TRONIC buttons are ergonomically and aesthetically positioned on the back side of the steering wheel, and can be used by the driver in whatever manner he or she wishes, based on traffic and the roadway at hand. The system also allows for multi-simultaneous down-shifts in fractions of a second, hereby the transmission will skip several gears depending on accelerator loads and revs. In this manner the 8-speed sport automatic transmission with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC reveals itself to be multi-faceted and able to provide the proper shift characteristic for any and all situations.

The intelligent coupling of state-of-the-art engine and transmission technologies give the B5 Bi-Turbo strong performance figures: just 4.7 seconds to 62mph (100km/h) are needed, at the way up to a top speed of 191mph (307km/h). Even if the driver is seldom in such a rush: massive braking capability in the form of ventilated high-performance brakes (front: 374mm/14.7in; rear 370mm/14.6in) ensures braking on par with pure-bred sports cars.

SUSPENSION – Excitingly Sporty, Relaxingly Comfortable

The times when “properly stiff” suspensions were seen as a positive handling characteristic are long gone. It remains a fact that a truly neutral set-up, even at the limit, provides the best technical compromise. This is achieved in part through shorter yet very progressive springs and special suspension arms, which in
combination results in more camber on the front track. Together with 20″ wheels and tyres, ALPINA have achieved a very balanced and direct chassis set-up, discarding a pure sport-orientated approach for an agile suspension with precise turn-in. The new light-weight 20″ ALPINA CLASSIC are shod with the most advanced high performance tyre technology available today.

Making their debut on the B5 Bi-Turbo, the new MICHELIN PILOT SUPER SPORT tyres, which measure 255/35ZR20 at the front and 285/30ZR20 at the rear, provide highest levels of high-speed stability. In addition to improved all-round capabilities, these non run-flat tyres provide greater traction on wet roads, offer improved hydro-planing behaviour and excellent rolling comfort.

To fulfil the highest demands in terms of comfort, everyday usability and razor-sharp handling when called for, the B5 Bi-Turbo is equipped with electronicallyadjustable suspension (Variable Damper Control). Using the control switch mounted to the left of the shift lever, the driver can select between Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. This system has been artfully calibrated by ALPINA, and is tied into other system parameters controlling steering assistance, torque cushioning and DSC. The B5 Bi-Turbo transitions effortlessly from cultivated luxury to thorough-bred sportiness. Light steering, ultra-comfortable suspension and an imperceptibly shifting transmission B5 Bi-Turbo the ideal partner in stop-and-go traffic, when covering great distances or when encountering less than perfect road surfaces. Yet at the touch of a button, the B5 Bi-Turbo will track through tricky corners and exciting sections of road with an agility and light-footedness like no other in its class.

When the 8-speed sport automatic’s manual mode is combined with the selection of the Sport or Sport+ modes, the driver benefits from a new feature: no mandatory up-shifts. When truly pressing on through twisty sections of road or around hairpins, skilled drivers can remain in their selected gear and not be
interrupted by an up-shift. The optionally available Dynamic Drive reduces body roll in corners, awarding the B5 Bi-Turbo even more agility. When placed in Sport+ mode by the driver, the B5 Bi-Turbo’s dynamic control systems offer a heightened form of DSC called Dynamic Traction Control (DTC),
which allows noticeably more slip at the rear wheels and delays the point at which the traction control systems take over.

DESIGN & INTERIOR – Classic Craftsmanship Meets Modern Technology

The new B5 Bi-Turbo presents typical ALPINA virtues and design cues in a new and convincing fashion, with a refreshing and dynamic appearance. The self-assured and powerful front commands attention with its decidedly sport-orientated lines and striking air. The rear is especially harmonious, clearly communicating the B5 Bi-Turbo’s ALPINA family heritage. The ALPINA exhaust’s two double-ended-pipes are artfully integrated into the rear valance, a discreet rear diffuser completing the silhouette. The diffuser may be deleted as needed, should the customer desire the optional ability to tow a trailer. In combination with the rear spoiler, the B5 Bi-Turbo’s total aerodynamic package yields the highest levels of safety and stability, especially at high speeds. The resulting reduction in lift, speed-dependent, can reach a remarkable – 60% front and – 30% rear.

The interior reveals the expected discreet touches that suggest the B5 Bi-Turbo’s exclusive pedigree. The standard equipment level is comprehensive: leather interior, versatile and adjustable Comfort seats, an excellent navigation system with Bluetooth preparation, and Xenon headlamps all ensure the motive force’s and
passengers’ well-being. The hand-stitched LAVALINA leather SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel can be positioned exactly as needed to see the blue ALPINA gauges with black-panel LCD technology, thanks to the electrically-adjustable steering column. The classic ALPINA burled Myrtle wood trim provides a warm ambience – found only at the USA’s Pacific Coast it is cultivated from dedicated Laurel tree groves grown for just this purpose.

THE BMW ALPINA B5 BITURBO – Brilliantly Balanced High Performance

The overall harmony and the accomplished manner with which the B5 Bi-Turbo’s last fine calibrations were achieved are a common thread, and as always carry that ALPINA flair, our signature. Sovereign performance and opulent torque assure excellent performance, this in conjunction with “best-in-class” fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Neutral turn-in and road-holding, agile handling and a many-faceted, adjustable suspension satisfy the best demands when it comes to comfort and a sporting nature. The inside’s warm ambience and modern treatments foster a feeling of well-being. In case you would only award themselves that something unique, exclusive volumes and the ALPINA philosophy of hand-craftsmanship offer an almost endless spectrum of personalisation.