BMW Alpina - time-tested quality

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The German auto industry has experienced ups and downs, but every time it rises like a Phoenix from the ashes. A similar fate was with the independent company Alpina, which to this day is engaged in the refinement of BMW cars. The review article will tell about the history, the most popular models and the prospects for cooperation between the two brands.

A bit of history…

The name Alpina first appears in the distant 1970, the staff of the company was then 70 people, and 13 years later the company was registered as an independent manufacturer. This is a little slyness, since the basis of production was BMW components, models of the German brand. Over time, the specialization of the brand has not changed, the competence of the management includes:

• refinement of the interior for individual orders;
• changing gearbox settings, developing aerodynamic components of our own production;
• expanded use of compressors, weight reduction of a specific BMW Alpina model.

It is noteworthy that the order is formed at the Alpina2 office, while specialists transmit the necessary information to BMW factories.

Motorsport played a big role in the popularity of the young brand, where the brainchild of Bovensiepen became a formidable force. Success did not come immediatelybut sharply and massively. Behind the shoulders of the racing team, victories on the tracks of Spa-Francorchamps, Nürburgring, finally winning the ETCC championship in 1977.

First success

BMW Alpina B10 was the first model based on the fifth series of the Bavarian giant. The car saw the world in 1988. Main innovations:

• engine upgrade based on Mahle piston system, amending the propulsion unit control unit;
• used a new custom-designed suspension. The kit was complemented by unique shock absorbers and springs;
• external changes have affected the front bumper, exhaust system and wheels;
• the interior has been redesigned with seat upholstery, leather steering wheel, gear knob;
• BMW Alpina overcomes the first "hundred" in just 7.4 seconds, while the speed limit is 255 km/h.

The car was produced from 1988 to 1992. Considering that mass production was not supposed (the company works on individual orders), the number of copies, which exceeded five hundred, was a serious achievement.

Sporty four-door

The manufacturer once again decided to pamper his fans with a powerful car. The new restyling of the BMW Alpina B6 affected the engine. Upgrading the turbocharged "eight" now produces 600 horsepower with a torque of 800 "Newtons". The car accelerates to 100 km / h in 3.6 seconds, there is a speed limiter (at around 321.8 km / h).

Other changes:

• transmission optimized for increased engine performance;
• suspension stiffer with new springs, dampers and stabilizers;
• as before, the all-wheel drive sedan is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission Switch-Tronic.

The appearance of the BMW Alpina remained unchanged, except for the change in the shape of the hood, the replacement of light elements of the optics with LEDs, and the processing of the exhaust system. In the cabin, only the branded steering wheel of the German manufacturer stands out.

Specialists admit that modification of the BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe is the fastest car in the history of the company.

Prospects

The company, as an independent manufacturer, will continue to work on individual orders and mass production of "hot stuff". Further cooperation may affect not only BMW, but also other giants of the European auto industry. Qualified specialists, coupled with powerful production, will allow you to "bring to mind" any car.

Rising and falling again, Alpina has proven how the pursuit of excellence can bear fruit in the future. After all, it is not so important which car needs to be turned into a “candy”, the main thing is to do it with skill and inspiration.