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The BMW Alpina B7 has a supercharged 500-hp heart, yet the look remains cool and restrained.

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Special engineering is required to make supercharging compatible with the 4.4-liter V8's variable valve timing.
BMW North America, Inc.
Alpina Blue paint and big 21-inch wheels are the visual signatures of the B7 sedan.
BMW North America, Inc.
Alpina's 500-hp powertrain is complemented by a retuned suspension plus larger brakes from the BMW 760Li.
BMW North America, Inc.
Alpina makeover for the interior features a special badge for the steering wheel and optional blue tint for the gauges.
BMW North America, Inc.

2007 BMW Alpina B7

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What is it?
2007 BMW Alpina B7

What's special about it?
The 2007 BMW Alpina B7 appears at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show after an unanticipated delay from its scheduled introduction to the American market last fall. Based on the BMW 7 Series, the 2007 BMW Alpina B7 will feature a supercharged, 500-horsepower version of the 4.4-liter BMW V8.

Though it accelerates to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 186 mph, the Alpina B7 is far from an M division hot rod like the M5 and M6.

BMW notes that the Alpina B7 is a sophisticated high-performance car, powerful yet not extreme. The centrifugal supercharger has a planetary-style engagement, which helps furnish plenty of boost across a broad range of rpm. The supercharger also has been specially engineered to work with the BMW V8's variable valve timing, further broadening the engine's power band. In addition, the Alpina has adapted the engine to its own six-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode.

The Alpina B7 looks more aggressive, yet the transformation is relatively restrained, featuring a new front bumper and deep chin spoiler, plus a rear bumper cover and a spoiler on the trunk lid.

The strongest visual statement is made by the cast-alloy 21-inch wheels, which carry 245/35ZR21 tires in front and 285/30ZR21 tires in the rear.

A special Alpina Blue can be designated for the exterior, although other colors will also be available. Interior features have been upgraded to BMW 760Li specification.

Based in Buchloe, Germany, 50 miles away from BMW headquarters in Munich, Alpina has been modifying BMWs since 1965, notably for motorsport. In fact, Alpina played a key role in creating the well-known 3.0CSL "Batmobile" which won the European touring car championship in 1973. The Alpina badge last made an appearance in the U.S. in 2002, when a version of the Z8 appeared with Alpina's automatic transmission.

The Alpina B7 has been on sale in Europe since 2004. When it appears in the U.S. this spring, the 2007 BMW Alpina B7's pricing will start at $115,695.

What's Edmunds' take? This is a unique combination of M-style performance with the luxurious interior features of the 760Li, a blend of personalities that should revive interest in BMW's big sedan.
— Michael Jordan, Executive Editor