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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

New BMW M3 and M4 Competition Package to cost $5500

Can't decide between a standard BMW M4 or the bonkers new GTS? The Bavarian automaker has split the difference with the launch of the new Competition Package available for the M3 sedan, M4 coupe, or M4 convertible. Under the hood, BMW M GmbH upped the output from the 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six from 425 horsepower to 444 – neatly bridging the gap to the 493-hp M4 GTS, and not limited to just the coupe. The power boost nets an improvement in the 0-60 time of 0.1 seconds, so if you apply it to an M3 sedan or M4 coupe with the 7-speed DCT, you'll be rocketing to 60 in just 3.8 seconds. At the other end of the spectrum, an M4 convertible with the comp pack and the manual gearbox takes 4.1 seconds for the same sprint. The M division also fitted an active suspension and diff, 20-inch forged alloys, and staggered tires. Vehicles fitted with the package can be visually distinguished by their black chrome tailpipes and glossy black trim. Fixed-roof examples also benefit from new seats, which the convertible has to forgo. So while it'll cost $5,500 to fit the Competition Package to a sedan or coupe, the cost for the convertible falls to a nice, round $5,000. Related Video: New Competition Package Amps Up The BMW M3 And M4. Woodcliff Lake, N.J.: January 13, 2016 6:00 pm EST...The BMW M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible are already regarded as the perfect combination of high-performance sports car engineering with unrestricted everyday utility. From spring 2016, all three body styles will be available with a special Competition Package from BMW M GmbH that combines added sporty personality with enhanced dynamics. As well as extensive handling upgrades, the Competition Package also comes with additional equipment features and a hike in power that takes output to 444 hp. The extra power means improved performance. The BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe with optional 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT) sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds (without Competition Package: 3.9 sec.), while the BMW M4 Convertible reaches the same speed in 4.1 seconds (without Competition Package: 4.2 sec). The sprint time for models with the standard 6-speed manual transmission is likewise 0.1 seconds faster in all cases than without the package.

Renault Scenic EV takes first place as (European) Car of the Year

The automobile awards season may not be over, but two of the more prestigious annual races came closer to a climax this week. One might need a scorecard to keep track. We’re focused here on two events: the World Car of 2024, now reduced to three finalists in six categories. Then thereÂ’s the Car of the Year, known in some quarters as the European Car of the Year. Except that the car doesnÂ’t have to be European to win, only sold there. Got that? Winners out of the way first: At the Geneva Motor Show on Monday, the Renault Scenic E-Tech all-electric has been voted Car of the Year 2024. The Scenic is a fairly compact, somewhat stylish SUV for Europe only, and is the seventh vehicle from the French brand to win the award. It sells in the United Kingdom for about $47,500. The other six finalists that had made the first cut of voting in November were the BMW 5 Series, BYD Seal, Kia EV9, Peugeot E-3008/3008, Toyota C-HR, and Volvo EX30. The trophy winner was chosen by a jury of 59 motoring journalists from 22 countries. Scenic came in first place with 329 points. The Seal was the first Chinese-made car to make this awardÂ’s shortlist; it finished sixth out of seven, just up from the Toyota. One judge explained his decision to grant the Seal zero votes. Writing in Top Gear, Paul Horrell wrote this entertaining critique: “It looks good and is well specified, so makes a strong market entry. The advanced electric system and cobalt-free battery are commendable too, and it's enjoyable enough to drive quickly. That's undermined by an agitated ride over bumps, and the logic of screens and switches is pretty eccentric.” Recapping the World Car of the Year 2024 update, the sponsors shared the stage at Geneva on Monday with the Europeans as well, although they revealed only the top three finalists in six categories. For the ultimate prize, they are the Kia EV9, the Volvo EX30 and the BYD Seal. The winners will be announced March 27 at the New York International Auto Show. Here's more on the World Car finalists. By the Numbers Geneva Motor Show New York Auto Show BMW Kia Toyota Volvo Peugeot Renault Green Automakers Best Cars