Long before BMW's M GmbH produced its own high-performance variants, boutique tuner Alpina engineered and sold ultra-powerful derivatives of the Bavarians' standard models. Hidden beneath the skin of innocent-looking 3-, 5-, and 6-series models, BMW Alpina packed modified engines whose power rivaled contemporary sports cars. As BMW began to push its M cars, Alpina altered its focus and specialized on derivatives with high power, but a bit more sophistication than M's own. The new B4 Biturbo cabriolet, to be launched at the Geneva auto show, is a prime example of this approach.
Based on the 435i convertible, the B4 Biturbo packs a 403-hp, turbocharged straight-six, whose torque maxes out at 443 lb-ft. The engine is mated to an eight-speed, torque-converter-type automatic. Alpina says that convertible B4 can achieve the 0-to-62-mph sprint in 4.2 seconds and top speed crests 186 mph. Compare that with the M4, which makes 425 horsepower and is limited to 406 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is capped 155 or 174 mph, depending on packaging, and BMW claims its hot 4-series can reach 60 mph in as little as 3.9 seconds. And the M4 is available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The Alpina B4 Biturbo cabriolet doesn't benefit from the track-optimized, lightweight tech that separates the M4 from the lesser 4-series models, however. It's a powerful long-distance cruiser with a very distinct character, and it's visually separated from other 4-series models by the bespoke Alpina treatment, including the trademark striping (which can be deleted) and bespoke dark blue and dark green color choices.
- 2015 BMW M4 Dissected: Everything You Need to Know
- First Drive: 2014 BMW 4-series Convertible
- Instrumented Test: 2014 BMW 435i
While the M4 is every bit a race-inspired, aggressive sports car in disguise, the elegant Alpina B4 Biturbo might actually suit the driving habits of many customers better than its sister model. And there's another argument in favor of the Alpina: it's available as a convertible long before a droptop M4 will hit the market. We praise both BMW and Alpina for keeping the M cars and the Alpina models distinct and similarly attractive, but we'd be even more praiseful if Alpina actually sold the B4 Biturbo cabriolet—or any of its wares past the B7—in the U.S.
from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27
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