THE ALL-NEW 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 xDRIVE

◾Unique combination of high-performance drivetrain with 600 bHP and xDrive all-wheel drive system provide a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.6 seconds.

◾Most advanced suspension and chassis technology with ALPINA calibration including for the first time Integral Active Steering for ultimate dynamics and comfort.

◾Carbon Core body in conjunction with ALPINA specific suspension geometry and MICHELIN® Pilot Super Sport tires lead to high agility, direct handling and precise steering.

◾Special ALPINA Sport+ Mode adjusts all vehicle, drivetrain and suspension settings to maximum dynamic performance lowering ride height by 0.8 inches at the touch of a button.

◾The ALPINA design and aerodynamic elements underscore the elegant and athletic appearance of the new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive.

Woodcliff Lake, N.J.: February 8, 2016 – Today, BMW of North America announced the all-new 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive, the third generation of ALPINA automobiles based on the BMW 7 Series offered in the US. The all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive stands for luxury paired with precision dynamics, effortless performance and comfort at the highest level. The 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 will be available in September 2016 at selected dealerships. Price will be announced closer to market launch.

New generation 4.4 liter V8 engine with twin-turbo charging.

The new 4.4 liter 8-cylinder engine with twin-turbo charging, gasoline direct injection and Valvetronic delivers an impressive output of 600 bHP between 5750 rpm and 6250 rpm, while the maximum torque of 590 lb-ft is available from 3000 rpm. The resulting performance figures are remarkable – the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive accelerates in just 3.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, 0.8 seconds faster than its predecessor while reaching a top speed of up to 193 mph (preliminary figure).The power output of this smooth high-tech engine unfolds 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 forward acceleration.

In addition, to ALPINA's engineering expertise, a number of significant technical details are responsible for this engine's power output and performance characteristics – particularly the air intake system, the intercooler and turbocharger configuration and the high-performance cooling system. The twin-turbo charging system comprises two specially developed turbochargers positioned in the V of the 8-cylinder engine. These feature twin-scroll turbochargers with enlarged inlet and outlet diameters. This configuration ensures optimal use of exhaust gas energy even at low engine speeds. The result is a fast power build-up and more torque at low engine speeds for overall exceptional engine response. At 2000 rpm the ALPINA's V8 twin-turbo engine already produces 494 lb-ft of torque ensuring optimal performance .

The overall aim during the development of the components of the ALPINA air intake system - from the air intake ducts to air filter housings and clean air intake manifold - was to achieve maximum airflow. All components of the high-performance cooling system are designed to remove bottlenecks and maximize effectiveness – special large-volume coolers are interconnected by large diameter hosing for maximum throughput. An indirect intercooler system (air to water) facilitates the implementation of short charge-air intake paths. Combined with additional external water coolers and a transmission oil cooler, the system ensures the thermodynamic stability of the V8 twin-turbo engine at all times, even under the highest loads and ambient air temperatures.

Inside the engine special Mahle pistons and NGK spark plugs are designed to deal with the temperatures and loads associated with 20 psi of boost pressure and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

The stainless steel ALPINA sports exhaust system is responsible for a reduction in back pressure and weight. Active exhaust valves allow the driver to influence the sound experience by switching the Driving Dynamic Control switch between Comfort and Sport Mode. In typical ALPINA fashion: the two twin tailpipes of the exhaust system are integrated elegantly and aesthetically into the rear apron.

Most advanced suspension and chassis technology with characteristic ALPINA dynamics.

The all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive features cutting-edge suspension technology, offering its driver an exceptional range of driving experiences. The focus to retain the exceptional long-distance cruising comfort of the predecessor while at the same time significantly sharpening the agility, handling and lateral dynamics commensurate to the power output of the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive.

The 2-axle air suspension system combined with Dynamic Damper Control and Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview guarantees the very highest level of driving comfort at all times while the Active Roll Stabilization minimizes body roll during cornering. The rear wheel steering of the Integral Active Steering system gives the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive a level of dynamic performance and light-footed handling, typically associated with sports cars. The Driving Dynamics Control switch serves as the central control over which to select the various parameters of all the systems that influence the driving dynamics of the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive. It also features an Individual Mode, which can be used to combine specific settings independently and in accordance to the driver's preference.

With the Driving Dynamics Control used to select the appropriate mode, the 2-axle air suspension system is primarily responsible for the exceptional level of ride comfort. It also enables ride height to be changed up or down which in combination with the other suspension systems facilitates the choice of a decidedly comfort or sport orientated chassis set-up. Overall, a maximum ride height adjustment range of 1.6 inches is available. At speeds above 140 mph the ride height of the BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive is lowered by 0.8 inches. This operating state, which can be activated manually to be effective regardless of the speed by selecting the special ALPINA Sport+ Mode, results in a lower center of gravity thereby increasing agility and high-speed stability. The lower ride height results in increased front wheel camber for even more direct turn-in when cornering. When needed, the ride height can also be raised by 0.8 inches up to a speed of 20 mph in order to increase ground clearance.

The settings of the Electronic Damper Control, which influences both rebound and compression, are also selected using the Driving Dynamics Control. A broad range of ALPINA damper set-ups are available ranging from Comfort+ Mode for effortless and relaxed cruising to ALPINA Sport+ Mode for maximum dynamic performance.

For the first time, the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive features Integral Active Steering, which in conjunction with the high-performance drivetrain and the all-wheel drive system, offers a dynamic driving experience par excellence. The Integral Active Steering combines a variable ratio electric steering system at the front axle with active steering on the rear axle whereby the wheels can turn a maximum of 3 degrees. Specially attuned to the ALPINA suspension and MICHELIN® performance tires, the rear axle steers opposed to the front axle at low speeds for increased agility and dynamic handling, while steering with the front axle at higher speeds for maximum high-speed directional stability.

The all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive is fitted with MICHELIN® Pilot Super Sport tires measuring 255/40 ZR20 at the front and 295/35 ZR20 at the rear, mounted on 8.5 x 20 and 10 x 20 ALPINA CLASSIC wheels. New lightweight 21 inch forged wheels take the traditional 20-spoke ALPINA CLASSIC design into a new minimalistic and technical direction. Forging results in high-density and high-strength aluminum alloy which enables a weight-optimized construction that saves 5.5 lb of unsprung mass per wheel. The MICHELIN® Pilot Super Sport tires are specifically designed to meet the demands of high-performance sports cars. They contribute directly to the precise steering feel and handling of the new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive while foregoing run-flat technology in the interests of improved ride comfort.

Comprising blue painted 4-piston fixed calipers and 15.5 in x 1.41 in discs on the front axle and floating calipers with 14.5 x 0.94 in discs on the rear axle, the high-performance brake system provides outstanding stopping power and deceleration.

BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system with ALPINA calibration

The all-wheel drive system builds upon 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 a more rear wheel drive bias torque distribution for even more dynamic handling.

Automatic 8-speed Sports Automatic with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC.

The BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive utilizes 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 twin-turbo in collaboration with ZF, the transmission offers exceptional driving comfort in all situations.Close gear ratios and a total spread of 7.81:1 improve shift comfort and efficiency. 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 higher speeds.

In Sport Mode the shift points have been optimized for improved driving performance and are considerably more dynamic with the option to activate the Launch Control function. For maximum dynamic performance, the driver selects the Manual Mode thereby actuating gear changes manually by using the SWITCH-TRONIC buttons on the back of the steering wheel or via the gear selector switch on the center console. In addition to lightning quick gear shifts (approximately a tenth of a second), this mode also holds the selected gear even when the engine hits the rev limiter.

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 twin-turbo engine. This means that no torque reduction is necessary during upshifts when selecting the Launch Control or when using the sportiest configuration of the Manual Mode. This contributes significantly to the striking longitudinal dynamics of the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive and allowing it to sprint from 0 – 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The transmission features the latest Comfort and Efficient Dynamics functions such as ConnectedShift (use of navigation data for an anticipatory shift strategy based on traffic routing) and Coasting (decoupling of the engine and transmission when coasting).

Athletic and elegant design throughout the B7.

The appearance of the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive is defined by athletic flair and 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 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive. The design blends form and function – the aerodynamic components reduce lift on the front and rear axles to almost zero for maximum driving stability at all speeds. Openings 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 B7 xDrive's cooling needs: when closed it further reduces the level of aerodynamic drag.

The 20 inch ALPINA CLASSIC wheels with twenty spokes and concealed air valves give the powerful BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive a touch of elegance and lightness. In the interests of weight reduction and a striking technical appearance, the optional 21 inch ALPINA CLASSIC forged wheels with visible wheel bolts do not feature concealed air valves and wheel caps.

The ALPINA sports exhaust system features two elliptical twin tailpipes that reflect the performance of the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive and its powerful V8 engine. They are precisely integrated in the rear apron and give the rear a smooth, 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 also available for the 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive.

Interior and Equipment.

An extensive range of standard equipment ensures maximum well-being and comfort, including high-end Nappa leather, comfort seats, a leather-covered instrument panel, ceramic inserts on selected control elements and soft close doors. Equipment features that enhance effortless driving also come as standard in the new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive, such as a full-color Head-Up Display, a rear view camera, the latest BMW navigation and communication and infotainment systems.

ALPINA details add exclusivity and individual style to the interior. Hand-finished using exceptionally high-quality LAVALINA leather, the sports steering wheel with blue and green stitching is captivating at the very first touch due to its gentle feel. Timeless Piano lacquer or classic Myrtle Luxury Wood - the ALPINA interior trim, door sills with blue illumination, ALPINA B7 model inscriptions and an individual production plaque are further examples of exclusive equipment features in the new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive.

Another exclusive ALPINA design is the full-color digital instrument panel in LED technology. In Comfort Mode it offers a classic look featuring round instruments with blue background and red needles. In Sport Mode the display changes to a more dynamic design with blue and green drag indicators and a focus on primary information, such as the centrally positioned permanent digital speed read-out.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 and X4 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 340 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 153 BMW motorcycle retailers, 125 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

ALPINA 1965 – 2016

For 50 years, automobiles have been created in Buchloe on the basis of BMW models. With his development of a Weber dual carburetor system for the BMW 1500, Burkard Bovensiepen laid the foundations for an exceptional enterprise, establishing the company ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen KG in 1965. The personality of the founder is reflected in the craftsmanship and spirit of the company's products to this day. As a technology enthusiast he has created vehicles for automobile gourmets in the last 50 years, and in terms of technical refinement his BMW ALPINA models are on a par with the big names of the industry. His motivation was always the pleasure he himself derived from aesthetically appealing objects, his own personal taste and his endeavor to achieve the very best - and these principles remain the driving force behind the entire company and its staff to this day.

The family business ALPINA under the leadership trio of Andreas, Burkard and Florian Bovensiepen is both well-grounded and unique. The company's model history is remarkable.

by BMW

Typically the leader when it comes to introducing the latest and greatest BMW has to offer, the 7 Series is a line of luxury vehicles that have been in production since 1977. BMW's flagship, the 7 Series is only offered as a sedan or extended-length limo. The 7 Series tends to showcase the most futuristic technologies and design offerings before the regular lineup receives them.

Remaining true to its original character from the beginning, the 7 Series has always been the ideal choice for the wealthy car buyer in the market for a roomy and elegant sedan. Set apart from the competition, the elite 7 Series continues to deliver the refinement and power that the German automaker is always known for.

The first 7 Series Luxury offering from BMW was the 1977 E23 and the replacement to the E3 large sedan. This first-generation 7 Series was designed to directly compete with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and was the largest sedan BMW had ever built. Riding a 110.0-inch wheelbase, the E23 measured 191 inches long, 71 inches wide, and had a height of 56 inches. With over 285,029 models built during its ten-year lifespan, the BMW E32 7 Series eventually replaced the E23 in 1986.

Assembled in Dingolfing, Germany, the E32 was launched in 1986 and ran until 1994. Riding on a 111.5-inch wheelbase, the successor to the E23 was 2 inches longer, 1.2 inches wider and 1 inch shorter. Weighing in at 3,790 pounds, the luxurious E32 offered exceptional luxuries like a wine cooler, integrated phone, and fax machines, double-glazing, and traction control system. The E32 also featured a system that kept the windscreen wipers firmly pressed to the glass at high speeds by automatically increasing spring pressure. This car was also offered in an 'L' extended wheelbase version with more rear legroom than the standard model.

Initial engine options were all six-cylinder petrol like the earlier generation, but by 1987 a V12 engine was introduced. The first V12-equipped 7 Series had a 5.0-liter engine that pumped out 296 hp. The base engine in 735i and 735iL models was a 208-hp 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder engine offered for most of the cycle. Standard was a four-speed automatic transmission while a five-speed manual was also available. In 1993 the 282 hp 4.0-liter V8 engine replaced the inline-6 yielding the 740i and 740il. Through the entire run, the 750iL was offered. The

Replacing the E32 was the BWM 7 Series E38 in 1994. Assembled in Germany and now Toluca Mexico, the E38 rode on a 115-inch wheelbase and had an increased length of 196.2 inches, a width of 73.3 inches, and a height of 56.5 inches. Launched on February 17, 1994, the E38 was the first 7-series offered with a diesel engine and the first to offer an optional five-speed automatic transmission. Regarded by many 7 Series enthusiasts as the 'finest era' for the 7 Series, the third generation featured much less technology to distract the driver and focused more on the sleek classic lines BMW was famous for. In 1998 the Dynamic Stability Control system debuted across the entire lineup.

The third-generation lineup included the standard-wheelbase 740i sedan, the long-wheelbase 740iL, and 750iL. Powering the 740s was a 282 hp 4.4-liter V8 engine while the 750iL had a 5.4-liter V12 capable of 326 hp. All of the models came with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Showcased on the new E38 were Xenon headlights, and an integrated satellite navigation system, for the first time offered by a European car manufacturer. Making its big-screen debut in 1997, the E38 750i was featured in the James Bond movie, Tomorrow Never Dies. An E38 735i was also featured in The Transporter, driven by Jason Statham in the 2002 movie.

Introduced in 2001 was the fourth generation of the 7-Series, the E65. Proving to be the most controversial version due to its extreme styling and iDrive user problems, the E65 still broke many records and became the best-selling 7-Series model ever, especially after it's 2005 update. Considered by many to be the most radical version, the fourth generation eschewed the more traditional exterior styling cues and instead favored more aggressive devilish looks. Many BMW enthusiasts were unhappy with the look and considered it abrasive and even unrecognizable as a BMW 7 Series. 2006 revamp certainly helped the design, but the model was definitely not winning any beauty awards at the time.

The first BMW to be powered by hydrogen was the Hydrogen 7. This fourth-generation would be the first time that specific chassis codes were used for each version, with the E65 standing for the standard-wheelbase model, the E66 as the long-wheelbase model, the E67 as the armored high-security model, and the E68 as the Hydrogen 7l. In 2002 there was only a V8 offered, but following that year the lineup would always include an eight- and twelve-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

From 2002 through 2005 the 745i and 745Li came equipped with a 325-hp 4.4-liter V8 engine while the 750i and 750Li that succeeded them came with a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8 engine. The performance stayed mostly the same for the 745's and 750s since the 750's were marginally heavier. With a capability of 438hp, the 760Li had a 6.0-liter V12 engine that was offered from 2003 on. From 2004 through 2006 BMW also offered a short wheelbase 760i version.

The interior of the fourth-generation featured an all-in-one system called iDrive, which controlled climate, navigation, and audio all in a single console-mounted dial and a central display. Unfortunately, the system required a steep learning curve that many drivers found confusing. iDrive continues to be upgraded throughout the years. Though its design was radical, the 7 Series of this generation still offered an excellent driving experience and offered innovative features like adaptive shock absorbers, self-stiffening antiroll bars, and self-leveling air springs.

Launched in November 2008, the fifth generation of the 7-Series was a complete redesign and continues to be in production today. The first 7-series where all of the engines are turbocharged, the FO1/F02 became the first 7-series offered with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The only engine not turbocharged is the Asian-market 730i and 730Li variants. The five models offered this generation include the 740i and long-wheelbase 740Li featuring a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 capable of 315 hp and 330 lb/ft of torque. The 750i and 750Li are powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out 400 hp and 450 lb/ft of torque. Standard for the 750 models is a six-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive. The rear-drive only 760Li is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 producing 535 hp and 550 lb/ft of torque. It has an eight-speed automatic as standard.

The first 7-series to utilize an electric motor is the ActiveHybrid7. Rather than the previously chosen MacPherson struts, the front suspension is a double-wishbone design.

Inside the limousine-like interior is an exceptionally luxurious and spacious interior with sleek leather and rich wood accouterments. Customizable for nearly every body type the front seats are highly adjustable.

A variety of high-tech features like night-vision cameras and sideview cameras make the drive as modern as possible. The Dynamic Driving Control systems feature four different settings that completely alter the vehicles' driving characteristics and provide a customizable driving option.

Many consider this most current generation to be the most attractive with its sleek bodywork and slimmer trunk lid. Compared to previous editions the iDrive electronics interface has been improved over the years and made user-friendlier. The interior is now much more traditional and the gear selector has been relocated to the center console instead of the steering column. In 2010 the 760Li was debuted, the 740i the following year, and both became the first six-cylinder-powered 7-Series in over 20 years.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_7_Series

http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/7-series/

by Jessican Donaldson