Welcome to the fascinating world of Alpina and BMW performance tuning! From humble racing roots to dominating the roads, this is the story of two iconic brands that have revolutionized the automotive industry. With a rich history dating back to the 1960s, Alpina and BMW have been at the forefront of high-performance vehicles, constantly pushing the boundaries of speed, power, and innovation. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the evolution of these two legendary brands, exploring their origins, achievements, and the impact they have had on the world of motorsports and luxury cars. So buckle up and get ready to discover the captivating journey of Alpina and BMW performance tuning.
When it comes to high-performance vehicles, few names are as iconic as Alpina and BMW. These two brands have a long history of collaboration, with Alpina being the official performance division of BMW. Together, they have created some of the most powerful and sought-after cars in the world. But how did this partnership come to be? Let’s take a journey through the history of Alpina and BMW performance tuning.
The Early Years
The story of Alpina begins in 1962, when Burkard Bovensiepen founded the company in Kaufbeuren, Germany. Initially, Alpina was a typewriter manufacturer, but Bovensiepen had a passion for cars and soon turned his attention to tuning BMWs. He started by modifying carburetors and cylinder heads, but quickly moved on to more extensive engine modifications.
In 1964, Alpina achieved its first racing success with a BMW 1800 TI at the 24 Hours of Spa. This was just the beginning of Alpina’s racing legacy, as they went on to win numerous championships and races throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
The Official Partnership
In 1967, BMW officially recognized Alpina as an independent manufacturer, allowing them to use the BMW logo on their cars. This partnership gave Alpina access to BMW’s engines and chassis, allowing them to create even more powerful and refined vehicles.
One of the most significant collaborations between Alpina and BMW was the creation of the BMW 3.0 CSL. This car was a homologation special, built to meet the requirements for the European Touring Car Championship. Alpina was responsible for the engine modifications, which resulted in a 3.2-liter inline-six engine producing 206 horsepower.
The Birth of the Alpina Brand
In 1970, Alpina officially became a brand in its own right, with the introduction of the Alpina 2002. This car was based on the BMW 2002, but with extensive modifications to the engine, suspension, and bodywork. It was a huge success, and Alpina continued to produce high-performance versions of BMW models throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
One of the most iconic Alpina models from this era was the B7 Turbo. This car was based on the BMW 5 Series and featured a turbocharged 3.5-liter inline-six engine producing 300 horsepower. It was one of the fastest sedans of its time, with a top speed of 162 mph.
The Modern Era
In the 1990s, Alpina shifted its focus from racing to road cars. They continued to produce high-performance versions of BMW models, but with a greater emphasis on luxury and refinement. This was evident in the introduction of the Alpina B12, which was based on the BMW 8 Series and featured a 5.7-liter V12 engine producing 416 horsepower.
As technology advanced, Alpina continued to push the boundaries of performance and luxury. In 2002, they introduced the Alpina Roadster V8, which was based on the BMW Z8. This car featured a 4.8-liter V8 engine producing 375 horsepower and was capable of reaching 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
The Modern Partnership
Today, Alpina and BMW continue to work closely together, with Alpina being the official performance division of BMW. This partnership has resulted in some of the most powerful and luxurious cars on the road, such as the Alpina B7 and the BMW M5.
One of the most recent collaborations between Alpina and BMW is the Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo. This car is based on the BMW 5 Series and features a 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 608 horsepower. It also has a top speed of 205 mph, making it one of the fastest sedans in the world.
The Future of Alpina and BMW Performance Tuning
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the partnership between Alpina and BMW will continue to thrive. Both brands are committed to pushing the boundaries of performance and luxury, and we can expect to see even more impressive cars from them in the years to come.
One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles. Alpina has already announced plans to produce a hybrid version of the BMW X7, which will feature a 4.4-liter V8 engine and an electric motor, producing a combined 750 horsepower.