2011 Alpina B5 Bi-turbo created from BMW 5-Series

The finely honed balance between athleticism and luxury that has defined ALPINA automobiles for decades reaches a new dimension in the 2011 BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo.

First introduced in the BMW ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo, the all-aluminium V8 powerplant endows the new B5 Bi-Turbo with sensational pace. It achieves 507 horsepower at a moderate 5,500 rpm, with maximum torque of 516 lb-ft from 3,000 to 4,750 rpm. The “Bi-Turbo” appellation refers to the two turbo-chargers comfortably nestled inside the V shaped 8 cylinder block. They work in parallel, each feeding one of the two cylinder banks. Specially developed for ALPINA in partnership with Honeywell-Garrett, the bespoke exhaust turbines are generously dimensioned. Compared to its super-charged predecessor, this engine configuration delivers more torque over a broader rev range and improves throttle response at low revs.

To fully leverage the potential of the engine, ALPINA have optimised the indirect inter-cooling system (air-to-water / water-to-air) with short intake tracts and increased inter-cooler flow. The high-performance cooling package gains its thermo-dynamic efficiency through the use of a large-volume low-temperature inter-cooler, as well as two water-to-air inter-coolers placed close to the engine. The pistons are a high-performance variant developed together with Mahle to deal with the extreme temperatures and pressures associated with up to 1.0 bar charging and the engine’s 9.2:1 nominal compression ratio. Altogether this results in a mean total compression of 20.1 bar.

Direct injection and Double-VANOS contribute to the B5 Bi-Turbo’s class-leading performance in terms of emissions and economy in the super saloon segment, at 26.2 mpg.

Adapted and tested in cooperation with ZF, the advanced SWITCH-TRONIC 8-speed sport automatic transmission sets a new benchmark. With ALPINA’s philosophy the guiding credo, our engineers have spent thousands of development and test hours ensuring that no other performance automatic transmission comes close to providing this level of both comfort and sportiness.

The Manual mode gives the driver full control over every shift. The SWITCH-TRONIC buttons are ergonomically and aesthetically positioned on the back side of the steering wheel, and can be used by the driver in whatever manner he or she wishes, based on traffic and the roadway at hand. The system also allows for multi-simultaneous down-shifts in fractions of a second, hereby the transmission will skip several gears depending on accelerator loads and revs. In this manner the 8-speed sport automatic transmission with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC reveals itself to be multi-faceted and able to provide the proper shift characteristic for any and all situations.

The intelligent coupling of state-of-the-art engine and transmission technologies give the B5 Bi-Turbo strong performance figures of just 4.5 seconds for 0-60 mph all the way up to a top speed of 191 mph. Even if the driver is seldom in such a rush: massive braking capability in the form of ventilated high-performance brakes ensures braking on par with pure-bred sports cars.

Together with 20-inch wheels and tyres, ALPINA have achieved a very balanced and direct chassis set-up, discarding a pure sport-orientated approach for an agile suspension with precise turn-in. The new light-weight 20-inch ALPINA CLASSIC are shod with the most advanced high performance tyre technology available today. Making their debut on the B5 Bi-Turbo, the new MICHELIN PILOT SUPER SPORT tires, which measure 255/35ZR20 at the front and 285/30ZR20 at the rear, provide highest levels of high-speed stability.

To fulfill the highest demands in terms of comfort, everyday usability and razor-sharp handling when called for, the B5 Bi-Turbo is equipped with electronically-adjustable suspension (Variable Damper Control). Using the control switch mounted to the left of the shift lever, the driver can select between Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. This system has been artfully calibrated by ALPINA, and is tied into other system parameters controlling steering assistance, torque cushioning and DSC. The B5 Bi-Turbo transitions effortlessly from cultivated luxury to thorough-bred sportiness. Light steering, ultra-comfortable suspension and an imperceptibly shifting transmission B5 Bi-Turbo the ideal partner in stop-and-go traffic, when covering great distances or when encountering less than perfect road surfaces.

When the 8-speed sport automatic’s manual mode is combined with the selection of the Sport or Sport+ modes, the driver benefits from a new feature: no mandatory up-shifts. When truly pressing on through twisty sections of road or around hairpins, skilled drivers can remain in their selected gear and not be interrupted by an up-shift.

The optionally available Dynamic Drive reduces body roll in corners, awarding the B5 Bi-Turbo even more agility. When placed in Sport+ mode by the driver, the B5 Bi-Turbo’s dynamic control systems offer a heightened form of DSC called Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), which allows noticeably more slip at the rear wheels and delays the point at which the traction control systems take over.

The front commands attention with its decidedly sport-orientated lines and striking air. The rear is especially harmonious, clearly communicating the B5 Bi-Turbo’s ALPINA family heritage. The ALPINA exhaust’s two double-ended-pipes are artfully integrated into the rear valance, a discreet rear diffuser completing the silhouette. The diffuser can be deleted as needed, should the customer desire the optional ability to tow a trailer. In combination with the rear spoiler, the B5 Bi-Turbo’s total aerodynamic package yields the highest levels of safety and stability, especially at high speeds. The resulting reduction in lift, speed-dependent, can reach a remarkable – 60% front and – 30% rear.

The interior reveals the expected discreet touches that suggest the B5 Bi-Turbo’s exclusive pedigree. The standard equipment level is comprehensive, with a leather interior, versatile and adjustable Comfort seats, navigation system with Bluetooth preparation, hand-stitched LAVALINA leather SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel and blue ALPINA gauges with black-panel LCD technology. The classic ALPINA burled Myrtle wood trim provides a warm ambiance – found only on the USA’s Pacific Coast it is cultivated from dedicated Laurel tree groves grown for just this purpose.

 

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