Alpina B6 (E63)

Overview

Alpina B6 (E63)

manufacturer	Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH & Co. KG
production	2005–2010
assembly	Germany: Buchloe
class	Grand tourer (S)
body style	2-door coupé 2-door convertible
layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
related	BMW 6 Series (E63) Alpina B7 (E65) Alpina B5 (E60)
engine	4.4 L H1 supercharged V8
transmission	6-speed ZF 6HP automatic
wheelbase	2870 mm
length	4820 mm
width	1855 mm
height	1371 mm
weight	Coupé: 1930 kg (with fluids)‡R1R‡ Convertible: 1720 kg (dry)
predecessor	Alpina B6 (E21)
successor	Alpina B6 (F12)
sp	uk

The Alpina B6 (E63) is the second generation of the high performance grand tourer manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina from 2005 to 2010. Based on the BMW 6 Series (E63), the car was available in coupé and convertible bodystyles. The B6 was introduced in 2005.

Development and introduction

The B6 is based on the 650i and uses a modified version of its 4.4-litre N62 V8 engine,[2] designated by Alpina as the H1 (shared with the B5 and B7).[3] Changes to the engine include an Alpina specific block made by Steyr, a forged crankshaft and low compression Mahle pistons.[4]

Variants

B6 S

The B6 S is a high performance variant of the B6. Introduced in 2008, the car received further improvements over the B6, this allowed the engine to generate a maximum power output of 530 PS and 725 Nm of torque. The increase in power was achieved by tweaking the variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust along with installing a new compressor in the supercharger which gave optimum airflow to the engine in all driving conditions. These changes didn't hamper the fuel economy and it remained the same as a standard B6.

In order to improve airflow to the engine, Alpina installed a new hood made of composite materials which had openings in it to allow the air to pass to the engine. The interior options, tyres and wheels as well as the transmission remained the same as a standard B6.

Performance was slightly improved over the B6, with a 0-97 kph acceleration time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 318 kph.[7]

B6 GT3

Introduced in 2009, the B6 GT3 marked Alpina's return to motorsport after a hiatus of 20 years. Designed to compete in the FIA GT3 world championship, the GT3 comes with a modified version of the BMW S62 4.9-litre naturally aspirated, V8 engine found in the B6 generating 570 PS and 535 lbft of torque. The engine is mated to an Xtrac 6-speed sequential manual transmission operated by shift paddles on the steering column. By using carbon-fibre body panels and stripping off the interior of its luxuries, the weight was brought down to 1350 kg (dry).

Other changes include a wide body kit with a front splitter and tow hook, a new hood with cooling vents for improved engine cooling, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin racing slicks, a racing fuel cell, a roll cage, a big rear wing along with a diffuser, a race specific exhaust system and a Recaro racing bucket seat for the driver only.

Performance figures included a 0-97 kph acceleration time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph. The top speed was reduced in comparison to the road going B6 due to added aerodynamic drag. The car was available for sale to privateer racing teams as well as collectors and Alpina clients.[8][9][10]

Alpina B6 (E63)

Development and introduction

Performance

Variants

B6 S

B6 GT3

External links

References