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Alpina introduces new B5 Biturbo with 600 horsepower

If the BMW M5 is not enough for you, Alpina created the new B5 Biturbo. Where the factory M5 packs 560 horsepower, the B5 has 600. But even more impressive is the B5 Biturbo bests the M5's 500 pound-feet of torque with 590 of its own. That beats the 15-hp boost from the M5's Competition Package and matches the power of the limited 30 Yahre edition - but with more torque. All that muscle and twist is produced by Alpina's own version of BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission instead of a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The result is a 0-62 time quoted at 4.2 seconds, besting the M5 by a tenth. The top speed is also unlocked from 155 miles per hour to 204 – which may be entirely hypothetical for most of us, but could make all the difference for those who regularly commute along the Autobahn. Of course Alpina didn't tinker with the engine and leave it at that. It also customized the suspension, rolling stock, aero kit, and interior, and fitted a mechanical limited-slip differential built by Drexler Motor Sport. But perhaps the best part of all is that the Alpina B5 is also available as a wagon. That makes this modified Bimmer one of the best have-your-cake/eat-it-too propositions we could ever ask for. Featured Gallery 2016 BMW Alpina B5 Biturbo News Source: Alpina Aftermarket BMW Wagon Luxury Performance Sedan alpina alpina b5 biturbo

2016 BMW M4 GTS: More power, less weight, ready for the track

BMW calls its new M4 GTS the "most agile, radical, and powerful M4 ever." It's got 493 horsepower, a slick new water injection system, a three-way adjustable coilover suspension, and a weight reduction of roughly 200 pounds compared to a stock M4. Only 700 will be built, with 300 allocated for the United States. And did we mention it looks absolutely killer? Let's talk about that water injection system for a moment, because it's the first time this technology is being used on [an intercooled - Ed.] production road car. Basically, water absorbs heat from surrounding air, so a fine mist is sprayed into the intake manifold where it evaporates, lowering the temperature of the intake air. BMW says this reduces final compression temperature, allowing the turbochargers to operate with increased boost pressure and better spark timing. The end result is increased output – 493 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque from the same twin-turbo, 3.0-liter straight-six as the standard M4. That's an increase of 68 hp and 36 lb-ft. But the GTS isn't just about increased power. In fact, the bigger story is its weight reduction. BMW incorporated the use of aluminum and carbon fiber throughout the M4's construction, and DIN curb weight is listed as 3,329 pounds. It's unclear if that's the exact US measurement, and BMW couldn't comment on that as of this writing, but compared to our 3,530-pound stock M4, that represents some 200 fewer pounds of heft. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used in the hood, making that part some 25 percent lighter than the stock piece. CFRP is also used for the driveshaft, making it 40-percent lighter than the standard setup. Even inside the car, the new center console is 30-percent lighter than what you'd find in a normal M4. The rear seats are gone, and we're sorry to say that the cool racing buckets pictured here won't be available in the US. Making this thing super capable at the track is a three-way M coilover suspension, combined with upgraded carbon ceramic brakes, set behind staggered wheels and tires. Up front, the GTS rides on 19-inch rollers wrapped in 265/35-series Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and out back, 20-inch wheels are fitted inside 285/30-series rubber. The only transmission available is the seven-speed, M DCT dual-clutch unit, and when all is said in done, BMW says the M4 GTS will run the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 28 seconds. Another cool feature: organic LED technology.

Behind the scenes of BMW's 'Drift Mob,' Part 1

Generally speaking, marketing and journalism don't mix, but every now and then, what goes into the marketing of a car - the 2015 BMW M235i, in this case - is worth documenting. In that spirit, we took BMW up on its offer to bring us behind the scenes of its upcoming "drift mob" video, starring five red M235i coupes frolicking around a traffic circle in a major world city (BMW has asked us to be coy about which one so as not to blow its cover before the shoot).
The five drivers can all be considered legends of modern-day drifting and stunt driving: Rhys Millen, Samuel Hübinette, Dai Yoshihara, Rich Rutherford and Conrad Grunewald.
As the only US media outlet in attendance, Autoblog plans to follow up with a full story on the experience once BMW polishes and releases the video in a month or so. In the meantime, check out our photos of this epic practice session we captured on our first day hanging with the crew, and be sure to watch this space for more behind-the-scenes action.