When
BMW launched their Alpina B6 Cabriolet in 2006, they sent a message to their rivals in the UK and indeed amongst the car production community throughout Europe. The message was pretty plain and simple. They no more would they enjoy “carte blanche” in the performance cabriolet market. Their B6 Cabriolet was as good as anything available on the market, and they intended to put up a stubborn fight to capture their share.
When the car was first unveiled, the murmur was that the car had indeed to be taken seriously, as it everyday
BMW usability had been successfully combined with high performance levels and luxury. The Alpina B6 Cabriolet was evolved from the 8 series, and many of the design features of BMW’s top range saloon are readily recognizable in the Alpina. One area where the car’s own personality can be instantly felt is in the bonnet made from carbon-fiber with NACA ducts outstanding.
The elegant
BMW 8 Series was the basis for the
BMW Alpina B12, identifiable at a glance thanks to its light weight carbon-fiber bonnet featuring highly prominent NACA ducts, a common form of low-drag intake design. These ducts allow air to be dispelled from the engine at a steady rate through a lattice produced in stainless steel.
Apart from the dramatic bonnet design, minor domestic changes have been made to the Alpina’s exterior, which provides the car with and air of increased sophistication when compared to the 8 series. Once again the car’s interior reeks of
BMW luxury doled out in conservative measures, with hide and walnut been amply dispersed throughout the cabin.
The 2006
BMW Alpina B6 Cabriolet was designed both for speed as well as comfort, and it certainly proves more than enough of both. The Alpina is powered by a V8 engine with a displacement of 4.4 liters, with a charging system that differs completely from what is regarded as conventional solutions. The engine is neither a turbo nor not a super-charger, instead the Alpina’ V8 engine receives its power boost from a “radial compressor”, which
BMW state is combination of both.
From whatever source the car’s power is derived from, the Alpina is a very fast car capable of reaching 0-60 miles per hour (0-100km/h) in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of around 180 miles per hour (300km/h). Power to the wheels is by way of 6 speed ZF automatic gearbox. Anyone who has driven the Alpina will testify how ell the car has been built for speed and comfort, from the lack of any form of feedback from the chassis, the suspension that controls and overrides every bump in the road. 20” Alpina Dynamic wheels adorned by Michelin tyres 255/35 ZR20 front and 285/30 ZR20 rear provide the cabriolet with stability and style in even measure.
Sometimes the thought of a
BMW cabriolet doesn’t quite ring true, but there was no doubt that in the Alpina they had come up with a winner. Those who have experienced hearing the roar of the V8 engine as they race with the top down will only agree.
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April 6, 2008, 1:56 pm
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