*Layout
Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
*Engine
3.5-liter inline six, dohc, 24-valve, turbocharged and intercooled
*Transmission
Five-speed manual
*Suspension
Independent, MacPherson struts and lower wishbones, Alpina coil springs, anti-roll bars
*Brakes
13.1-inch rotors (f), 11.8-inch rotors (r)
*Wheels And Tires
Alpina alloys, 8.5x17 (f), 9x17 (r) 235/45 (f), 265/40 (r)
*Dimensions
Length/Width/Height (in.): 185.7/68.8/54.8
Wheelbase: 68.8 in.
Curb Weight: 3,730 lb
*Performance
Peak Power: 360 hp @ 6000 rpm
Peak Torque: 382 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
0-60 mph: 5.1 sec.
Top Speed: 181 mph
Ten Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About Alpina
1. Alpina's ties to BMW began after founder Bovensiepen tuned his Fiat 1500. It broke down once too often, so he needed a brand that was built properly in the first place. BMW fit the bill.
2. The first Alpina-tuned BMW was the 1500. After the 1800 was launched in 1963, fitting the Alpina tuning kit to the smaller-engined car gave it performance equal to that of the newcomer.
3. BMW was so impressed by Alpina's aftermarket modifications it gave the company factory approval, meaning the cars fell under BMW's own warranty.
4. Alpina was officially recognized in Germany as a manufacturer in 1983.
5. The Alpina logo features a pair of inlet trumpets and a crankshaft.
6. Every Alpina car is fitted with a plaque in the cabin with its own particular build number-handy for weeding out the fakes.
7. In the past 10 years, Alpina's worldwide sales have tripled, with 2007 being the company's best year yet after selling 1,500 cars.
8. The alloys on the current B7 are 21 inches in diameter and cost $4,200. Each.
9. The first Alpina officially imported into the USA was the company's version of the Z8, simply called the Alpina Roadster. U.S. customers bought 450 of them.
10. Bovensiepen proved his cars were up to the task by driving them to victory in the European Touring Car Championship of 1970, as well as the Spa-Francorchamps 24-Hour race.