Alpina B6
Alpina B6 (F13)
Overview
ManufacturerAlpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH & Co. KG
Production2011–2019
AssemblyGermany: Buchloe
Body and chassis
Class
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (xDrive, Gran Coupé only)
Related
Powertrain
Engine4.4 L BMW N63 twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission8-speed ZF 8HP70 automatic
Dimensions
Length
  • 5,007 mm (197.1 in) (F06)
  • 4,894 mm (192.7 in) (F12/F13)
Width1,894 mm (74.6 in)
Height1,365–1,392 mm (53.7–54.8 in)
Kerb weight
  • Coupé: 1,945 kg (4,288 lb) (dry)
    2,320 kg (5,115 lb) (max weight)
  • Convertible: 2,095 kg (4,619 lb) (dry)
    2,430 kg (5,357 lb) (max weight)
  • Saloon (Gran Coupé): 2,105 kg (4,641 lb) (dry)
    2,550 kg (5,622 lb) (max weight)
Chronology
PredecessorAlpina B6 (E63)
Alpina B6 Gran Coupe

The Alpina B6 (F12) is the third generation of the high performance grand tourer manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina. Introduced at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the B6 was based on the BMW 6 Series and was available in coupé and convertible body styles, with the latter being introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.[1] A third saloon bodystyle called the gran coupé was introduced in 2014. The Alpina B6 gran coupé was replaced by the Alpina B8 gran coupe (G16) in 2021. [2]

Development and introduction

Alpina B6 (F13)

The B6 is based on the 650i and uses a modified version of its N63 twin-turbocharged V8 engine designated the M2/1. The engine was modified by the addition of new turbochargers with modified exhaust turbines, a BOSCH MEVD 17.2.H ECU, new MAHLE pistons and a larger intercooler. These modifications allowed the engine to generate 540 PS (397 kW; 533 hp) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) of torque (the B6 convertible's engine generated a total of 507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp)). The engine is mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with optional limited slip differential and a manual shifting mode called the Sport Shift mode which allows the driver to change gears via buttons located on the back of the steering wheel.[3]

The exhaust system is a titanium unit from Akrapovic with quad-exhaust tips and electronically controlled bypass valves. The B6 has an aerodynamic kit that includes a carbon-fibre front spoiler with an integrated front splitter along with an integrated NACA brake cooling duct and a rear lip spoiler and a rear diffuser.

The car comes with 20-inch Alpina classic multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres measuring 8.5 x 20 255/35 ZR20 at the front and 10 x 20 295/30 ZR20 at the rear.

The suspension system consists of electronically adjustable dampers (called Drive Performance) and active roll stabilisation (called Dynamic Drive) with Alpina specific software to control the system. The car has four driving modes, "sports", "sports +", "comfort" and "eco".

The car has Lavalina leather interior upholstery and myrtle wood trim as standard. The interior has Alpina logos and emblems throughout along with illuminated door sills, a panoramic roof, Alpina gauges, adjustable vented sports seats, heated rear seats, BMW driver assistance plus including active blind spot detection and a sports steering wheel. Alpina's customisation programme for the interior was exclusive to Europe only.

The B6 coupé and convertible came with rear-wheel-drive drive train while the later introduced gran coupe had all-wheel-drive drive train.[4][5]

Performance

Interior

The B6 coupé and convertible can accelerate from 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) in a quoted time of 4.4 seconds and can attain a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).[6] Although independent testing revealed that the top speed was higher than quoted figures and was recorded at 328 km/h (204 mph) thus making it faster than its BMW M counterpart, the M6.[7]

The gran coupé, when independently tested, had a 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) acceleration time of 3.7 seconds, 0–161 km/h (0–100 mph) acceleration time of 8.2 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 12.0 seconds and a top speed of 319 km/h (198 mph)[4] The Alpina B6 Gran Coupé has slightly less performance but a more luxurious ride than the BMW M6 Gran Coupé.[8]

B6 Edition 50

Alpina B6 Edition 50 convertible

Unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the Edition 50 is a limited production variant of the B6 available in coupé and convertible bodystyle only. The Edition 50 has a modified version of the 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in the standard B6 generating a maximum power output of 608 PS (447 kW; 600 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,500 rpm. This was the most powerful engine ever built by the manufacturer.

The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission had a limited slip differential included as standard. The Edition 50 had a 17 kg (37 lb) lighter Akrapovic titanium exhaust system and 20-inch forged multi-spoke alloy wheels exclusive to the model which reduced the weight by a further 15.6 kg (34.4 lb).

The Edition 50 was only available with classic Alpina blue or classic Alpina Green body colours with optional Alpina pinstripes. The interior had a Forest Green and black Nappa leather upholstery with contrast yellow stitching and ceramic finishing on the centre console paying homage to the 1982 B7 S Turbo. The stainless steel Edition 50 door sills had founder Burkard Bovensiepen's signature. The car had a plaque signifying the production number of the 50 units produced.

The B6 Edition 50 can accelerate from 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) in 4.2 seconds. The coupé can attain a top speed of 328 km/h (204 mph) while the convertibile can attain a top speed of 327 km/h (203 mph)[9][10]

Alpina B6 (F06)
Alpina B6 (F12)

References

  1. ↑ Pulman, Ben (12 September 2011). "BMW Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Convertible (2011) at the Frankfurt motor show". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  2. ↑ Scherr, Elana (2021-10-14). "2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe Is a Crystal-Studded Cruiser". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2021-11-29.
  3. ↑ Nishimoto, Alex (1 December 2011). "Tokyo 2011: Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo, B3 GT3 Unveiled". automobile mag. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  4. 1 2 Quiroga, Tony (May 2014). "2015 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe". Car & Driver. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  5. ↑ Lingeman, Jake; Kozak, Graham (3 June 2015). "A cut above: 2015 BMW Alpina B6 Gran Coupe review notes". Autoweek. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  6. ↑ "2012 BMW Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Coupe". Motor1. 30 November 2011. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  7. ↑ Potter, Brian (9 July 2012). "Alpina B6 Biturbo faster than M6 F13 - 208mph top speed [video]". Motor1. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  8. ↑ "2017 BMW M6 Gran Coupe vs. 2016 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe". 30 January 2017.
  9. ↑ Smith, Aaron (3 March 2015). "Alpina B5 and B6 'Edition 50' versions revealed". Autocar. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  10. ↑ "Alpina celebrates 50th with 200mph B6". Top Gear. 27 March 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
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