Our paths crossed for the first time in May 2010 when BMWBLOG’s Road Test Editor Shawn Molnar and thenew ALPINA B7 spent some quality time at New Jersey Motorsports Park race track. “An epitome of power, luxury and exclusivity” were our first impressions of the B7, therefore, a year later, decided to see if the B7 lives up to its hype in an urban setting.And what a better place to take such an exclusive and unique vehicle than the sunny and exquisite beaches of South Florida. On a beautiful day surrounded by palms and luxurious automobiles, I find myself behind the wheel of a 2011 F01 B7 BiTurbo, ALPINA’s latest and greatest creation that marks the return of the German automaker to the North American market. Built on BMW’s current 7 Series platform, the B7 comes in four different flavors: rear-wheel drive and xDrive, both available on the short or long-wheelbase platforms.
The sportiest offering is the rear-wheel drive, short-wheelbase F01 B7, a variant that many say mimics the abilities and performance of a theoretical BMW M7.
“B7′s engine is an art within itself”
Keeping all that power at normal temperature levels is achieved through several cooling solutions implemented across the front-end, especially through the two air openings integrated into the front-bumper. The low-temperature intercooler integrates into the radiator package.
To further set apart from the 750i, ALPINA uses a SWITCH-TRONIC gearbox, essentially a modified ZF wet six-speed automatic that offers different settings for all drivers out there: Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+.
First impressions of the B7 gave me mixed feelings, but luckily, all in a positive way. The ALPINA BLAU trademarked paint, a color available on no other BMW in America, gives the car the exclusive and unique look one expects from a high-end automobile. The next item that stood out was its “nose” that sits closer to the ground, due to the larger tires at the rear and the different suspensions, a setup used in the B7 to cope with its enhanced power and in order to achieve a fairly balanced weight distribution 51.4:48.6 front-to-rear.Observing from the side, one can see the lower stance of the B7. The car features a unique ALPINA electronically-adjustable suspension with Active Roll Stabilization with spring rates stiffened by 20 percent and the front and rear ride heights reduced by 0.6 and 0.4 inch, respectively. But its true sporty figure comes from the custom made, aerodynamic, ALPINA trademarked 20-spoke, 21 inches wheels. The light-weight 21″ wheels are wrapped around by custom made tires developed specifically for the B7 by the french tire-maker MICHELIN – 245/35 R21 front and 285/30 R21 rear. The massive brakes not only look better, but are also more effective in stopping the quite-heavy “gentlemen.” BMW says the brakes are sourced from the 7 Series Security model and measure 14.72 inches in diameter up front and 14.57 inches in the rear.
From the front, the B7 looks more aggressive and imposing than any photos can describe. The specially designed front spoiler and larger air intake
show the sporty DNA expected from an ALPINA. Other exterior changes are the usual oval exhaust tips, a different rear valance and trunk spoiler. ALPINA says the subtle rear deck-lid spoiler reduces lift by 15 percent at 87 mph.
Even in South Florida, a setting surrounded by high-end sports cars and ultra-luxurious automobiles, the B7 hardly went unnoticed. The car was an instant head turner and attraction, even for those drivers sitting behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Aston Martin or Lamborghini; some of the most popular and flashy vehicles seen around the area. Its uniqueness was noticed by many who did not shy away from stopping me to ask about the car. While not as extravagant and tacky as other high-end vehicles, the ALPINA B7 showcases the allure and moves of a gentlemen, a confident vehicle that goes from the ultimate luxurious limousine to a fearless beast in a split second.