New Alpina B7 model prototype begins testing

[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

2016 Alpina B7 prototype begins testing

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The first G11/G12 Alpina B7 prototype has been spotted at BMW's M test center at the Nurburgring.

The G11/G12 BMW 7 Series has just been launched and the tuner Alpina is already testing its hot version. It receives Alpina aero parts at the front and rear - with a front bumper with lower lip and trunk spoiler. The new Alpina B7 may feature more than 600 horsepower (vs 540 hp of current B7).

The BMW M CEO recently reaffirmed that there will be no M7 coming, so the Alpina B7 will once again represent the top performing 7 Series for this newest generation.

Alpina B7

[YungDro]

It will be a monster Alpina B7 = M7

[Deluxx3]

More than 600HP?

[spuntyb]

The B7 is why BMW doesn't need an M7.

[misterbeemer]

Why the camo? We pretty much know what it is going to look like, wheels and all.

[IS3andME]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

The B7 is why BMW doesn't need an M7.

True, in a way. But false. The way you wrote it, it's almost dismissive of what M can do.
Meanwhile AMG has a S63 and S65. And BMW keeps shaking it's head "no" to an M7, yet will probably green light an X3/X4 M.

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by IS3andME

True, in a way. But false. The way you wrote it, it's almost dismissive of what M can do.
Meanwhile AMG has a S63 and S65. And BMW keeps shaking it's head "no" to an M7, yet will probably green light an X3/X4 M.

It's no M, I agree. But it's a close second for sure.

Don't get me started on the X3 M.

[ChrisMT79]

Alpina takes a completely different approach than that of the M division. Granted, numbers can be comparable, I love what Alpina does and look forward to really anything they get their hands on.

[ORIGIN M.]

Through the individual line BMW needs to offer a hidden option package that makes a seven series a ///M7 without the badges sort of a sleeper M Performance Automobile.

Why not !?!

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

Through the individual line BMW needs to offer a hidden option package that makes a seven series a ///M7 without the badges sort of a sleeper M Performance Automobile.

Why not !?!

M PERFORMANCE for 7.. Check the Edrive option...

[hayes180]

interesting

[N & M]

Right now BMW seems to be in strange soul searching path. It has this great brand called M which stood for ultimate performance in a segment and Alpina which used to stand for high performance with luxury and comfort intact. Then they added the half M cars where they wanted to bridge the gap between pure M and the rest of the range but sometimes this almost sounds like a in house competitor to Alpina.

Sounds confusing? It is becuase it is. It seems they want to offer many things but have not given enough thought and development time to honing where each product should be and what target market it should chase.

Then there are the rumors... There were hints that there will be an M model of some kind, hinting at M halfway model simular to Audi S8 but that seems to make no sense next to the Alpina B7.

[Ray knight]

M7 to me makes no sense at all. the 7 series is a HUGE luxury cruiser. its not a track car. i think an M7 would water down the M division too much. the Alpina B7 makes so much more sense. just an insanely fast full size luxury car. coming from an M5 to an M3, even the M5 does not really have the special M feeling like the M3 has. its just too damn big to be a "sports car". M7 would be fast yes but would not have the fun element like the smaller M cars have. if i want plush luxury and M performance i'd rather do an X5M over an M7.

[XFIVEM]

Originally Posted by Ray knight

M7 to me makes no sense at all. the 7 series is a HUGE luxury cruiser. its not a track car. i think an M7 would water down the M division too much. the Alpina B7 makes so much more sense. just an insanely fast full size luxury car. coming from an M5 to an M3, even the M5 does not really have the special M feeling like the M3 has. its just too damn big to be a "sports car". M7 would be fast yes but would not have the fun element like the smaller M cars have. if i want plush luxury and M performance i'd rather do an X5M over an M7.

Totally agree!!!

[lemetier]

The 760i should be at 600PS, possibly more, since the Ghost and Wraith will go to the 623PS version as standard and have a 650PS+ as the performance option. There is an ///M750i that may or may not appear in the U.S. (Most likely not IMO). We will get the B7 and I wouldn't be surprised to see the return of the B12 as well for RoW markets.

[arditdushi]

I'am really dissapointed from BMW.
We wanted an M7 but if they would make it with a v8 engine , it;s better with alpina.
I thought bmw would bring us a V12 bi-turbo to compete with s65 but

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Ray knight

M7 to me makes no sense at all. the 7 series is a HUGE luxury cruiser. its not a track car. i think an M7 would water down the M division too much. the Alpina B7 makes so much more sense. just an insanely fast full size luxury car. coming from an M5 to an M3, even the M5 does not really have the special M feeling like the M3 has. its just too damn big to be a "sports car". M7 would be fast yes but would not have the fun element like the smaller M cars have. if i want plush luxury and M performance i'd rather do an X5M over an M7.

Most people on these pages would like to string you up for even saying something positive at all about an M SAV... . however you are SPOT on in your assessment about an X5 M being a much sportier vehicle than a 7 series sled. I have seen an X5M on a big track like COTA and also on a small technical 1.8 mile " momentum" circuit .... and the X5M handles it all with aplomb and can pass a C7 Stingray on the straights...

Since the entire idea of a 7 series is comfort, and more comfort.... I agree that Alpina is the way to go. I have driven both an Alpina B7 and an X5 4.8 on track actually.. There is no need for an M version when the Alpina is available.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by arditdushi

I'am really dissapointed from BMW.
We wanted an M7 but if they would make it with a v8 engine , it;s better with alpina.
I thought bmw would bring us a V12 bi-turbo to compete with s65 but

A V12 Bi Turbo doesn't quite mix with the Efficient Dynamics Mantra.... but they will be bringing an X7 it sounds like...

There is the M sport appearance package to help keep up with the S7s and the S65s on looks.. and BMW can leave it to Alpina for the sportiest 7 as opposed to basically competing with themselves... by having an M7 and also supplying motors and chassis to Alpina.

[DocWeatherington]

I think this will be sick, especially if BMW doesn't hold them back an be like give them the AWD M we won't.

[lemetier]

Originally Posted by arditdushi

I'am really dissapointed from BMW.
We wanted an M7 but if they would make it with a v8 engine , it;s better with alpina.
I thought bmw would bring us a V12 bi-turbo to compete with s65 but

Why disappointed? The 750i X Drive is already very close to the S63 in performance numbers. The S65 is only a tenth of a second faster off the line as it struggles for traction and really only excels above 200kmh. Now imagine where the 760i will be with 150hp or so more above the 750. BMW did listen to everyone and more. A more agile, dynamic, performance oriented 7 with all the luxuries possible.

[raysspl]

It would be nice to see a RWD Alpina 7 for once

[TDN3DOC]

Originally Posted by IS3andME

True, in a way. But false. The way you wrote it, it's almost dismissive of what M can do.
Meanwhile AMG has a S63 and S65. And BMW keeps shaking it's head "no" to an M7, yet will probably green light an X3/X4 M.

Alpina will have more torque less HP.