BMW ALPINA B8 GRAN COUPÉ.
10-02-2022 22:50 - CAR NEWS
The large air intakes on the ALPINA front apron ensure that the high-performance engine is supplied with sufficient cooling air flow. The BMW Iconic Glow kidney with illumated grille accentuates the powerful front. The ALPINA rear apron with a black diffuser insert takes up the precise contours of the body. The Coupé's sweeping silhouette is extended by a subtle ALPINA rear spoiler lip. The ALPINA Blue Metallic and ALPINA Green Metallic paint finishes are exclusively reserved for BMW ALPINA automobiles and add an elegant and exquisite touch also to the BMW ALPINA B8. There is also a wide variety of BMW and BMW Individual paint finishes available to choose from.
The eight-cylinder engine of the BMW ALPINA B8 is characterised by a dynamic and smooth power delivery and offers excellent responsiveness over the entire rpm range. The 4.4 litre V8 engine with bi-turbo charging achieves a maximum power output of 457 kW (621 hp). The maximum torque of 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) is available from just 2000 rpm and maintained up to 5000 rpm. The superior power delivery of the engine translates directly into stunning performance: from a standing start, the BMW ALPINA B8 accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The maximum speed is 324 km/h (201 mph).
The engine's power characteristics and superb throttle response are the result of optimised turbocharging and cooling systems, not to mention ALPINA's instantly recognizable throttle harmony. Two twin-scroll turbochargers facilitate the near-instantaneous conversion of exhaust gas energy into boost pressure, even at low engine speeds for early maximum torque. The ALPINA cooling system ensures thermal stability and optimum efficiency of the high-performance engine, even under continuous high loads. It consists of three external coolant coolers, an enlarged transmission oil cooler and a low-temperature cooling system (air/water/air) with ALPINA's specific intercoolers with 50 percent more cooling surface. The optimised cross section of the coolant feed enables maximum throughput.
The 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC converts the high engine output into superb driving performance. The latest 8HP76 transmission generation has undergone substantial development work in cooperation with the transmission specialists at ZF. Depending on the selected drive mode, shift dynamics have been raised to a whole new level without compromising on the smooth shift comfort that ALPINA is renowned for. A high-performance hydrodynamic torque converter with reinforced internals is used to reliably transmit the engine's high torque output. An aluminium transmission oil sump ensures the system is optimally cooled. The advanced turbine torsional damper absorbs drivetrain vibrations noticeably enhancing driving comfort. Specific transmission shift strategies are available for different driving situations. In SPORT mode, shift points are optimised for driving performance and gear shifts are noticeably dynamic. The COMFORT mode allows for relaxed cruising at low engine rpms even when travelling at highway speeds but remains responsive thanks to the instant availability of 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. MANUAL mode offers super-fast shifts taking mere milliseconds. Gear shifts can be initiated using either the ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC buttons on the back of the steering wheel or the optionally available ALPINA shift paddles. The anodised shift paddles in black matt, CNC milled from a single piece of aluminium, appeal with their high-quality and ergonomic design.