All Alpinas are very special cars, though when the ‘GT’ badge is applied - as in the recent B3 and B5 - you know it’s really going to be the best of the best. As Alpina is absorbed into the wider BMW universe, so the final models look like being some of the finest in its history. The latest is the B8 GT, derived from the M8 Gran Coupe and with a special significance here as a tribute car to the late Burkhard Bovensiepen, Alpina’s founder. He loved a large coupe - ‘an indispensable part of the Alpina model line up for him’, declares today’s press release - so this 8 Series celebrates all that’s great about a big Alpina.
It’s blinking fast for one thing, using the same 634hp version of the 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 as in the B5 GT. While the power gain is modest over the original 625hp tune, torque is up a useful 37lb ft to 590lb ft - perfect for a torrent of on-tap performance that Alpinas are famous for. It’s been achieved with revisions to the intake (including ‘flow-optimised air boxes’), the engine management system and the fitment of an Alpina sports exhaust. ‘Excellent driveability’ is promised thanks to tweaks to the throttle pedal and power delivery; standard xDrive means 3.3 seconds to 62mph, a speed that the B8 GT can double in little more than seven seconds later (10.5). It’s a 205mph car, which no amount of option ticking on a BMW will get you to.
Changes to the chassis include a more rear-biased torque split, plus tweaks to the diff, for ‘noticeably more agile driving dynamics’. The front end is reinforced with a strut brace, while thousands of hours and kilometres have been spent further honing the suspension. Alpina’s high performance brakes - perforated discs, racier pads - are standard, as are the forged Classic wheels. The promises a driving experience elevated above that of the already-very-good M8: ‘Thanks to the increased precision, high-speed stability has been further improved, while long-distance comfort is maximised thanks to reduced body movement’, according to Alpina.
With BMWs out of Buchloe famous for their luxury and sense of occasion, the team has really gone to town on making this B8 a very special car. So there are special GT badges dotted around, as well as carbon accents that ‘emphasise the sporty side of the B8 GT without detracting from the elegant appearance of a Gran Turismo.’ The 99 units will be offered in Alpina Blue or Alpina Green II, of course, with customers also able to pay a bit extras to have a two-tone finish (with either of those combined with black) or Arctic Race blue, Crystal Casserit Black, Enigmatic Black, Purple Silk or Verdant Green Pearl. The Deco Set is also offered, like you’d dream of going without.
It’s inside where the GT gets really special, however, complete with four colours for the Merino leather (upgradeable to Lavalina hide if so desired), Alpina Walnut Anthracite fine wood trim, Burkhard Bovensiepen’s signature throughout and a lovely Alcantara headliner. Even the boot mat gets an Alpina B8 GT metal emblem. And there’s more, as befits an end-of-an era special: each of these cars will get a pair of Lavalina leather weekend bags, complete with Alpina lettering, blue accents and a steel plaque, plus a watch. Built in collaboration with Swiss expert Carl F. Bucherer, it’s based on a Manero Flyback chronograph then ‘visually and technically refined in the style of Burkhard Bovensiepen.’ Nice. Finally, there’s a fine wood box to keep your Alpina key safe.
Purchasing a B8 GT promises to be an extremely special experience, then, before even getting behind the wheel. For which you’ll pay for accordingly: €225,000 (£190k) is the German RRP for the BMW Alpina B8 GT Hommage Burkard Bovensiepen, and it’s hard to imagine they’ll hang around for long. A few are likely to come here, as per the B5 GT, though evidently there won’t be many. Best get on the phone to Sytner pronto…
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