BMW News: Alpina Beats BMW to the M5: Alpina Preparing B5 Bi-Turbo for July Launch

German tuner Alpina is fully licensed by BMW and has beaten its factory support to the punch with a high-performance 5 Series. Alpina will launch its B5 Bi-Turbo this July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed -- around nine months before BMW’s M5 hits dealerships.

Like the upcoming M5, the B5 Bi-Turbo will almost assuredly use an uprated version of BMW’s 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8. Its “Bi-Turbo” moniker hints at its powerplant, which also powers Alpina’s B7 rocket luxo-barge. In the B7, the twin-turbo V-8 produces 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

Alpina’s use of the 4.4-liter V-8 marks the first time in recent years that an Alpina product (B5) and a BMW product (M5) will use the same engine. If the B5’s output remains unchanged from the B7’s, it will fall short of the 575 horsepower our sources tell us the M5 will produce. For what it’s worth, Alpina says the B5 will have best-in-class fuel economy, beating its M5 rival.

Details on the car are extremely scarce, but Alpina’s past enhancements are any indication, expect a full suspension workup in addition to engine upgrades. The preview sketch shows that a body kit and Alpina’s awesome 20-spoke wheels have made their way onto the B5.

More details will be known once the car launches at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which kicks off on July 1. The festival runs until July 4 and will feature some incredible cars and events, including an exhibit showcasing the future of transportation; a slew of Formula 1, Indy, and World Rally cars; and of course, the famous hill climb.

Source - http://wot.motortrend.com/6658240/au...nch/index.html