Now this is something I've wanted to see for a very long time. Good work Alpina, very good work. This is awesome news, im a big GT race fan and i always love to see Key(Alpina) as well as new ones, coming to the starting line. I wish these guys well, very tough class though. Spykers, Porsches, among other usual suspects. The B6 S’s stopping ability is impressively documented by the test results: from 200 km/h to a standstill in less than 5.5 seconds. Derived from the B7, special emphasis was placed on the brake system’s comfort-oriented characteristics. For this very reason, the discs, at 374mm/36mm front and 370mm/24mm rear, are not cross-drilled. In spite of this, wet-braking ability was noticeably improved by virtue of so-called ”dry-braking functionality”. When the windshield wiper is engaged, the brake pads lightly contact the brake discs from time to time, removing any film of water that might have built up. This action goes completely unnoticed by the driver. In combination with two-piston TEVES floating callipers, extremely high deceleration values and fade-free, linear braking are guaranteed.
BMW ALPINA automobiles have always been known for their good fuel economy coupled with excellent performance. The B6 S Coupé is best-in-class in performance and CO2 emissions, with a combined fuel economy of 12.3 l/100km (23.0 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 294 g/km. The B6 S Cabrio yields 12.8 l/100km (22.1 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 306 g/km.
The B6’s 4.4-litre V8 is loosely based on the recently superseded 645i’s motor. It retains BMW’s Vanos variable valve timing, but gains a nautilus-type supercharger: efficient, quiet, yet effective. There’s genuine urge right from idle and phenomenal pace from the mid-range onwards – it feels every bit as quick, if not urgently responsive, as an M6. Peak torque is 516lb ft, arriving at 4250rpm, while the 493bhp comes in at 5500 revs. You’d need an extra 2250rpm before getting the M6’s peak power. The BMW is unlikely to return such good economy as the Alpina, either. The M-car tends to manage mpg figures in the mid-teens, while the Alpina hits the low 20s, giving a useful advantage over the M6’s pitiful range of under 200 miles. The B6’s automatic gearbox is more convenient than the M6’s automated manual, too. It is a six-speed ZF unit and a terrific thing: it changes gears smoothly and shifts intelligently in full-auto mode, while there’s also a manual override, via the gearlever or two nipple-like buttons on the back of the (nicely sized, thin-rimmed) steering wheel
