Although relatively obscure in North America, Alpina has long been a top BMW tuner in Europe. While the tuner offers potent power packages for 3 and 5 Series Bimmers, BMW won't promote Alpina wares as it would be in direct competition with those of its popular M3 and M5 super screamers. Yet, with no plan to produce an M7, BMW has teamed with Alpina to offer a dealership-sold tuner 7 Series.
The BMW Alpina B7 offers M-like upgrades of power, handling, and style for a car that delivers a huge performance gain while retaining a luxurious ride. Similar to the new M5, the B7 delivers a stout 500 horsepower due to an 11.5psi boost delivered from an Alpina-engineered centrifugal supercharger system paired with an intercooler. Unlike most centrifugal superchargers, Alpina's operates in total silence. A special crankshaft, upgraded connecting rods, heavy-duty pistons, and unique head gaskets ensure the V-8 engine can withstand repeated high-boost forays. Larger-capacity fuel injectors, special spark plugs, and custom computer calibration maintain the air/fuel mixture according to spec. A unique exhaust system employs metallic catalysts (versus traditional ceramic type) to keep the exhaust flowing fast and clean.
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