2018 Alpina BMW B5 Bi-Turbo
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About the Car
2018 Alpina BMW B5 Bi-Turbo
Cutting-edge BMW engine technology combined with in-depth ALPINA development and engineering means the new BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo delivers on output and torque. The new 4.4 litre 8-cylinder engine with Bi-Turbo charging, Valvetronic variable valve timing and high-pressure direct fuel injection, delivers an impressive output of 447 kW (608 hp) between 5750 and 6250 rpm. A maximum torque of 800 Nm is available from only 3000 rpm.
The resulting performance figures are outstanding, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, the new BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo surpasses the 200 km/h mark after just 11.4 seconds on to a top speed of 330 km/h.
The power output of this high-tech engine unfolds smoothly and with impressive emphasis across the entire rpm range. Excellent throttle response and high torque ensure that even at low engine speeds driver inputs are immediately transformed into effortless acceleration.
A number of significant technical details are responsible for the engine’s power output and performance characteristics – especially with regards to the air intake system, the intercooler and the turbocharger configuration as well as the high-performance cooling system. The Bi-Turbo charging system comprises two specially developed turbochargers positioned in the V of the 8-cylinder engine. These feature optimized twin-scroll turbocharger housings and compressor wheels with enlarged inlet and outlet diameters. In combination with appropriately sized turbines this configuration ensures very effective use of exhaust gas energy even at low engine speeds. The result is a fast power build-up and more torque at lower rpms for overall exceptional throttle response. 670 Nm of torque is available at only 2000 rpm.
The overall aim during the construction of the output related components of the ALPINA air intake system – from the so called raw air intake ducts to air filter housings and clean air intake manifold – was to achieve maximum de-throttling.
All components of the high-performance cooling system are designed to remove bottlenecks and maximise effectiveness – special large-volume coolers are interconnected by large diameter hosing for maximum throughput. An indirect inter-cooler system (air/water/air) facilitates the implementation of short charge-air intake paths – with a main intercooler supplying the two large volume engine-near intercoolers. Together with additional external water coolers and a transmission oil cooler, the system ensures the thermodynamic stability of the V8 Bi-Turbo engine at all times even under the highest loads and ambient air temperatures.
Inside the engine Mahle pistons and NGK spark plugs are used to deal with high temperatures and loads associated with 1.4 bar charging and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.
The stainless steel ALPINA sports exhaust system with two twin tailpipes is responsible for a reduction in back pressure and a great V8 soundtrack. Active exhaust valves allow the driver to influence the sound experience by switching between Comfort and Sport Mode. A typical ALPINA feature: the two twin tailpipes of the exhaust system are integrated elegantly and aesthetically into the rear apron.
Fuel consumption in the combined cycle measured according to ECE norms is 10.5 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 240 g/km. The new BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo is already homologated according to the new exhaust emissions standard Euro 6C.
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS – LEADING DYNAMICS AND RIDE COMFORT
The new BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo is fitted with cutting-edge suspension technology based on the excellent chassis of the new BMW 5 Series. By means of indepth development work, ALPINA engineers have revised the suspension to match the high power output of the 4.4 litre V8 Bi-Turbo in order to deliver pronounced driving dynamics, over and above those of the predecessor, while maintaining first-class ride comfort.
Shorter and stiffer springs bring about overall sharper handling, and have the added benefit of lowering the centre of gravity whilst improving aerodynamics. The Touring variant of the new BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo has a rear-axle air suspension which ensures a neutral ride height and balanced handling characteristics regardless of loads.
Adaptive dampers, developed together with ThyssenKrupp-Bilstein, increase lateral dynamics while simultaneously allowing a pronounced range of adjustment. Using the Driving Experience Control switch, the electronically adjustable dampers are regulated in both compression and rebound, offering maximum dynamic performance in Sport+ Mode or all-out ride comfort for gentle cruising in the ALPINA specific Comfort+ Mode.
New wishbones, specifically engineered for the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo, generate 1 degree of negative camber on the front axle for neutral handling, optimum lateral grip and precise steering. The adaptation of the active roll stabilisation (Dynamic Drive), which now utilises electronic actuators, specifically takes into consideration the kinematics of the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo’s suspension and light-weight 20″ wheel and tire set-up.
For the first time the new BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo comes with Integral Active Steering for added agility and safety. This comprises an electromechanical steering system with variable ratio at the front axle and electromechanical rear-wheel steering with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees. At lower speeds the system improves agility markedly by means of the rear wheels steering ever so slightly in opposite direction to the front wheels. At higher speeds the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels for improved high speed and directional stability.
New, forged wheels take the traditional 20-spoke ALPINA CLASSIC design in a new minimalistic and technical direction. Forging results in high-density and high-strength aluminium alloy which enables a weight-optimized construction resulting in a weight-saving of over 15 kg or nearly 25 % compared to traditional cast aluminium wheels of the same size.
Tires from Pirelli were last fitted to a BMW ALPINA in 1985, but their engineers convinced ALPINA to rekindle the cooperation more than thirty years later. The new BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo comes equipped with super high performance tires measuring 255/35 ZR20 at the front and 295/30 ZR20 (Touring: 285/30 ZR20) at the rear. These “ALP” labelled Pirelli P Zero tires were explicitly developed for use on the new BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo and in accordance to ALPINA’s requirements with regards to dynamics and comfort. Combining motorsport technology with a flat shoulder contour and an innovative tread pattern facilitates high lateral loads and precise steering feeling without compromising wet handling.
The brake system of the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo consists of four-piston fixed brake callipers and 395 mm discs on the front axle and floating brake callipers with 398 mm discs and an electromechanical parking brake on the rear axle. At additional costs, specially sportive drivers can choose an optional brake system which combines light-weight drilled composite discs with high performance brake pads for even more fading resistance under very demanding thermodynamics loads. (Attention: special heat resistant brake pads and drilled brake discs can lead to noise discomfort.)
For the first time the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo exploits the technical potential of BMW’s xDrive system and its intelligent and dynamic distribution of drive power which continuously and fully variable distributes torque between the front and rear axle within milliseconds for maximum traction and control. The programming of the torque distribution control, which is interconnected with the Dynamic Stability Control and the engine management system, is performance-oriented and it increases driving agility and dynamics markedly – especially under lateral acceleration – while maintaining balanced and neutral handling. Besides allowing optimum traction under acceleration by eliminating slip induced losses, the system continuously monitors a wide range of sensory inputs – for example steering angle, lateral acceleration, yaw angle and speed – to distribute torque so as to achieve maximum safety in challenging conditions or when encountering sudden changes in road surface friction. The DTC Mode of the Dynamic Stability Control offers an even more pronounced rear wheel drive torque distribution and allows for more slip when driving at the limit.
Optionally available, a mechanical limited slip differential from Drexler, assembled by hand and using motorsport grade CNC machined components.
2018 Alpina BMW B5 Bi-Turbo Front View
TRANSMISSION
Power transmission in the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo is taken care of by a new generation of the excellent 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC. Further refined and adapted to the performance characteristics of the high-torque V8 Bi-Turbo in collaboration with ZF, the transmission offers exceptional driving comfort in all situations.
A total spread of 7.81:1 improves shift comfort and fuel economy. In Automatic Mode the combination of eight gears and high engine torque makes for relaxed, luxurious cruising at low engine rpm even when travelling at speed. In Sport Mode the shift points are optimized for improved driving performance and gear changes are considerably more dynamic. It is also possible to activate a Launch Control function in this mode. For maximum dynamic performance, the driver selects the Manual Mode thereby actuating gear changes manually using the SWITCH-TRONIC buttons on the back of the steering wheel. In addition to extremely fast shift times close to a tenth of a second, this mode also supresses forced upshifts in the engine speed limit range.
All components of the transmission such as the torque converter with lock-up clutch, the planetary wheel sets and the inner cooling are designed to specifically cope with the high torque output of the V8 Bi-Turbo engine. This means that no torque reduction is necessary during upshifts when utilising Launch Control or when using the sportiest configuration of the Manual Mode. This contributes significantly to the striking longitudinal dynamics of the new BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo, allowing for a sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
The transmission features the latest Comfort and Efficient Dynamics functions such as Connected Shift (use of navigation data for an anticipatory shift strategy based on traffic routing) and coasting (decoupling of the engine and transmission when coasting).
DESIGN
The appearance of the new BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo is defined by an athletic flair and natural elegance. The ALPINA design and aerodynamic elements emphasize its performance character, with the front and rear spoiler striking a harmonious balance and highlighting the powerful presence of the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo.
The design blends form and function – the aerodynamic components reduce uplift on the front and rear axle to almost zero for maximum driving stability at all speeds. Vents at the front of the vehicle allow the precise and effective flow of air to the individual components of the high-performance cooling system. The iconic BMW kidney grille is fitted with an integrated air flap control system that adapts to the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo’s cooling needs: when closed it further reduces the level of aerodynamic drag.
Engineering craftsmanship meets timeless design. The ALPINA CLASSIC 20″ forged wheels with unmistakeable twenty spokes and minimalistic design minimise unsprung masses which benefits handling, steering feel and also comfort. In the interests of weight reduction the wheels feature visible wheel bolts and forego centre hub covers.
The ALPINA sports exhaust system features two elliptical twin tailpipes that reflect the performance of the new BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo and its powerful V8 engine. They are neatly integrated in the rear apron for an elegant look.
The exclusive paint finishes in ALPINA Blue metallic and ALPINA Green metallic are a hallmark feature reserved solely for BMW ALPINA automobiles. Other BMW and BMW Individual paint finishes are likewise available for the new BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo.
INTERIOR AND EQUIPMENT
In the interior, the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo offers a luxurious ambience, exquisite materials and a modern clarity.
An extensive range of standard equipment ensures the very highest level of well-being and comfort, including high-end Nappa Leather, Comfort Seats and 4-Zone Auto Climate Control for effortless and save driving. Also standard are the latest BMW navigation, communication and infotainment systems which are operated using innovative and intuitive controls.
Discreet ALPINA details add a touch of exclusive individual style to the interior. The hand-crafted ALPINA sports steering wheel made of particularly high-quality LAVALINA leather with blue/green stitching is captivating at the very first touch. Illuminated door sills, model designations and an individual production plaque are further examples of the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo’s exclusive equipment features. Several interior trim options exist, including timeless ALPINA Piano Lacquer, classic ALPINA Luxury Wood Myrtle, and a new ALPINA Luxury Wood Walnut Nature – whose rough cut surface is warm and modern at the same time.
Another highlight is the full-colour digital instrument panel in LED technology featuring a distinctive ALPINA design. In Comfort mode it offers a classic look: instruments with a blue background, red needles and clearly legible figures. In Sport mode the display changes to dynamic style with green drag indicators. It is also possible to select an Eco Pro mode. A hallmark ALPINA feature is the centrally positioned permanent digital speed indicator.
There are virtually no limits to our customers’ wishes when it comes to customising the design of their BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo. From paint finishes to interior trim finishers and upholstery colours – everything the extensive program of BMW and ALPINA equipment has to offer can be selected. A BMW ALPINA rarely leaves the ALPINA manufactory in Buchloe, Bavaria, without drawing on the customising potential available. The company’s philosophy allows customers to create their very own personal interior which our expert upholsterers then craft by hand with consummate expertise.