BMW Group has sent the first production model from its new BMW Alpina brand to the Nardò high-speed circuit in southern Italy. The car is still in camouflage wrap. It has been tested at more than 300 km/h (186 mph) as the brand works to show what its “Speed, not Sport” philosophy means on the road.
The first production car from BMW Alpina has started high-speed testing. BMW Group has run the camouflaged prototype on the high-speed circuit at Nardò in southern Italy. The 12.6 km (7.8-mile) ring is one of the best-known proving grounds in the automotive industry. According to the manufacturer, the car went past 300 km/h (186 mph) there.
BMW has not yet given the model’s name, power output or price. Even so, the test gives the clearest view so far of how Alpina wants to set itself apart now that it is an exclusive brand inside BMW Group.
Stability at speed matters more than top speed
Alpina’s slogan is “Speed, not Sport”. The company says it wants to combine very high cruising speeds with a high level of comfort and a focus on long-distance travel. It does not want hard-edged track performance. BMW says the Nardò programme therefore looks at how all the components work together, not just at peak figures.
“Speed has always been baked into the ALPINA brand’s DNA. However, we are not just interested in top speed alone. What matters is how natural, stable and confident it feels to drive at that speed.” — Oliver Viellechner, Vice President of BMW ALPINA
V8 power with a smooth delivery
The prototype has a V8 engine. BMW says maximum torque is available across almost the entire rev range. Alpina has calibrated the engine management and the accelerator pedal mapping so that the power arrives smoothly and the car does not feel aggressive. The company also says it has retuned the transmission to suit the engine’s higher maximum revs and increased output. It has not given any figures for either.
According to BMW, the chassis is meant to be dynamic but comfortable. The body has also been aerodynamically optimised for sustained high speeds.
Familiar Alpina details
Several long-standing Alpina design features carry over to the new car. It has 20-spoke light-alloy wheels, which BMW says were developed together with specific tyres so that each wheel and tyre works as a matched unit. The tyres have an extra layer of foam. The company says this layer helps the car reach high top speeds and also improves precision, comfort and safety.
At the rear, an exhaust system with four oval tailpipes is another typical Alpina feature. BMW describes its sound as rich and deep.
What it means
Alpina began as an independent tuner and manufacturer, best known for fast, comfortable grand tourers built on BMW models. This car is the first production model to carry the badge since BMW Group brought Alpina in-house as a separate brand. Testing at Nardò shows that BMW is keeping the brand’s focus on effortless high-speed touring rather than lap times. That focus has long separated Alpina from BMW’s own M models.
BMW has also published a short video on YouTube showing the Nardò test and the car accelerating past 300 km/h.
Facts: First BMW Alpina production model
- Engine: V8 (no output figures yet)
- Tested speed: above 300 km/h (186 mph)
- Test venue: Nardò high-speed circuit, Italy, 12.6 km (7.8 miles)
- Wheels: 20-spoke light-alloy, with specially developed foam-lined tyres
- Exhaust: four oval tailpipes
- Price and availability: not yet announced
BMW has not yet confirmed the model name, full technical data, pricing or a launch date.
Source: www.linkedin.com