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Alpina B3 Bi-Turbo offers Europeans a pre-M3 performance 3er

Anyone that's spent some time behind the wheel of the Alpina B7 probably knows enough to understand what Americans are missing with this, newly launched Alpina B3 Bi-Turbo. We've got no lack of M models to choose from, it's true, but the Alpina touch offers a completely different driving character, with almost as much performance. A pity then that Alpina has no plans that we've heard of to bring this one across the pond.
Filling the gap between the current 3 Series offerings and the outgoing M3 (we're not likely to even see the new M3 and M4 until September's Frankfurt show, nor be able to buy one until after that), the B3 Bi-Turbo brings serious performance to the F30 3er. As the name indicates, two turbochargers are used to force-feed BMW's 3.0-liter inline-six engine, for a total output of 410 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. That power offers a big jump from even the BMW 335i sedan, and will push the B3 to 62 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 190 miles per hour. Alpina's own sport suspension underpins the thing, while the power is modulated by way of a eight-speed automatic transmission.
The new B3 will be easily recognizable thanks to its "Classic" 20-inch, 20-spoke Alpina wheels, and a rather subtle, aero-enhancing body kit. No pricing has yet been announced, but you will find a host of additional information in the attached Alpina press release below.

BMW plans range-topping M760i

The rumors have come from several different places throughout the year and they all point to the same thing: we can expect a BMW M760i in 2016 to sit at the top of the 7 Series range. One of the latest scraps of evidence comes from a forum member at Bimmerpost last month who wrote that an M760i would arrive for model year 2017, and it would be the only regular-wheelbase version with a 12-cylinder engine even if a 760i model joins the lineup. The long-wheelbase 760Li, however, would also get a 12-cylinder motor. This week, BMW Blog published what it says is an accidentally leaked image from the German BMW configurator (pictured) that shows an M760i badge. The actual model doesn't appear, but the configurator places the badge over the 7 Series model you choose to configure. This will be the second 7 series to wear an M badge, and whenever we see it, we're told it will get the M Sport Package and Ferric Grey accents. The first M-badged 7 Series was a limited edition for the Middle East sold two years ago. Both the M760Li and 760Li are tipped to use the 6.6-liter V12 found in the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Wraith - that engine being an evolution of the V12 that powered the last-generation 760Li - but their outputs will vary. The long-wheelbase 7 is expected to get 600 horsepower. The M760i is said to get 624 hp, matching the output of the Wraith, and maybe some handling refinements to make it a proper competitor for counterparts from Mercedes-AMG, Audi, and Jaguar. On top of all that there will still be an Alpina B7, rumored to have 600 horses of its own. Introduction of the range could take place at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Related Video: X The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience. News Source: BMW Blog, BimmerpostImage Credit: BMW Blog Rumormill BMW Luxury Performance Sedan m performance bmw 760li bmw m760i bmw 760i

Former BMW M boss and Maserati CEO killed in freak motorcycle accident

It's a tragic coincidence that on the same weekend the BMW M4 Coupe Concept was introduced in Monterey, one of the men most integral to BMW's M and Motorsports divisions, Karl-Heinz Kalbfell, was killed in England. Kalbfell, a vintage motorcycle enthusiast, was set to compete in the Lansdowne Classic Series at Brands Hatch and had an accident during a practice session. After going wide at Druids Corner and falling, he was hit by a competitor following close behind and died of his injuries after being transported to hospital.
Kalbfell, an engineer, began his career at BMW in 1977 in the communications department; a decade later he was chairman of BMW M GmbH, overseeing development of some of the cars responsible for the myth of M. In 1994 he was named chairman of BMW Motorsport, and his cap full of feathers includes getting the BMW V12 into the McLaren F1, getting the BMW V8 into two Morgan cars, along with developing BMW's Formula One engine and return to the sport. Not incidentally, he also assumed leadership of Project Rolls-Royce after BMW bought the British marque in 1998, which means he oversaw the Goodwood factory upfit and the creation of the Phantom.
He left Rolls-Royce for a brief stint at Fiat, heading Alfa Romeo and Maserati, then went into consulting for clients like Lotus and Paragon, who built the Artega GT. As Autocar notes, Kalbfell "had an abiding sense that customers needed to be attracted to cars by their aura and reputation, not just their engineering." He will be missed.