This is Alpina's new B5 Biturbo, which has been given its public debut at Goodwood's Moving Motor Show.
The B5 uses a tuned version of BMW's 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant, producing 500bhp and 516 lb ft of torque. That's enough, claims Alpina, for a 0-62mph time of 4.7sec and a top speed of 191mph.
See pics of the new Alpina B5 in action
Alpina often shies away from using the same powerplants as M division models, but barring some differences in the inlet system, the B5 will go head to head with the forthcoming M5 on engine choice. Its transmission will be totally different, though; the B5 uses a modified version of ZF's eight-speed automatic gearbox, whereas the M5 is widely tipped to use a dual-clutch unit.
Alpina claims the B5 offers class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions, at 26.1mpg (combined) and 252g/km respectively.
No pricing for the car has been announced, but UK buyers should expect to pay around £70,000 for the car. The first deliveries are expected in the autumn.
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Re: Alpina's BMW M5 rival revealed
Alpina do so much good with BMWs, and I was tempted by their Z4, but I can never get my head around the fact that whenever I see the front skirt on an Alpina, the word at the bottom always actually spells HALFORDS. It's a shame, but it jars with me all the time.
And I'm getting slightly peed off at all new car launches coming in white, especially the bigger cars. I thought the R8 Spyder in poo brown was a mistake, but I'm growing rather fond of it now.
Re: Alpina's BMW M5 rival revealed
Re: Alpina's BMW M5 rival revealed