The Alpina-prepped B7 sedan will be returning to BMW's U.S. lineup this year offering American buyers an alternative to Mercedes-Benz's S-Class AMG models. Boasting a bevy of performance and styling upgrades over the standard 7-Series sedan, the Alpina B7 is probably the closest thing you'll get to an M7, which as you already know, BMW has no plans to build.
The second Alpina B7 to be sold in the States after the first generation model that was offered as a limited edition for the 2007 and 2008 model years, will be available in both short- and long-wheelbase models.
The formal introduction of the car in the U.S. will take place at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show in February, and go on sale in Spring of 2010.
BMW's official performance partner has fitted the B7 with a modified version of the Bavarian firm's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with direct-injection that delivers 500-horsepower (compared to the standard 750i's 400HP V8) and a hefty 516 lb-ft (700Nm) of torque.
Linked to a six-speed sport automatic transmission with Sport and Manual modes, the V8 unit accelerates the rear-wheel drive sedan from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.5 seconds.
Alpina also recalibrated the car's Dynamic Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilization while the B7 sits 15mm lower up front and 10mm at the back thanks to the new, shorter springs. In addition, the Bavarian firm notes that the stability control now allows noticeably more slip at the driven wheels.
The B7 rides on newly styled 21-inch alloy wheels shod in MICHELIN PS2 tires size 245/35 R21 at the front and 285/30 R21 at the rear.
On the outside, the B7 is fitted with front and rear aprons, and a boot-lid spoiler which are said to reduce lift at the front by 30% and rear by15%.
As for the interior, the 7-Series-based model has been upgraded with blue illuminated door sill trims, an Alpina SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel in hand-stitched LAVALINA leather, Black-Panel LCD screen instrument cluster branded with ALPINA and specific decorative trim. An additional ALPINA plaque indentifying the car is mounted on the inner roof panel just ahead of the sunroof
Prices for the new BMW Alpina B7 will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
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