In a twisted turn of events, BMW tuner and in-house close relative Alpina, managed to launched some seriously impressive models this year, some of which show better numbers than the M alternative.
One of them is the Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe that, thanks to the all-wheel-drive system, is actually faster than the M6 Gran Coupe from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph). While the BMW model will do the sprint in 4.2 seconds, the Alpina is 0.3 seconds faster.
The engine specs also point out that the B6 has more torque on its side but less HP. The 4.4-liter V8 was taken up to 540 HP and 732 Nm (540 lb-ft) of torque, 20 HP less than the M6 and 52 Nm more.
It’s almost the same story with the new M3/M4 models and the Alpina offerings. The tuner released their version of the 3 Series, the B3 Biturbo, well before BMW launched the new M3 and M4. Its specs are impressive, to say the least.
The Sedan has a beating heart under the bonnet based on the N55 3-liter inline 6-cylinder unit from BMW fitted with an extra turbocharger. While the standard engine uses a twin-scroll turbo, this one has two single scroll ones for more power. How much more? Well, the grand total reaches 410 HP and 600 Nm (438 lb-ft) of torque.
Fitted with an 8-speed auto, the B3 Biturbo should do the 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 4.2 seconds and go up to a top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph).
The M4 it’s competing with here is a bit different. It uses a Motorsport developed 3-liter turbocharged petrol engine that uses 2 Mitsubishi turbos to make 431 HP and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. Weighing over 100 kg (220 lbs) less than the Alpina, it’s capable of 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds with the 7-Speed DCT gearbox.
So, despite the extra torque, the Alpina should lose this drag race but we’ve been surprised before... Let’s see what happens when the two go head to head.
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