ALPINA B5 BITURBO ALMOST M5

Alpina, the BMW specialist tuner, has released details of its updated B5 BiTurbo, which is based on the current BMW 550i twin turbo. The engine used in the 550i is kept in its 4.4-litre V8 format, but power and torque are both significantly upped. In fact, Alpina previously tuned the very same car but got less than what they’ve done this time.

Some people just enjoy buying a stock car and taking it to an engine tuner to release some extra horses. Alpina is but one of these tuners. However, its relationship with BMW is cordial, similar to the relationship between Mercedes-Benz and tuner Brabus, in that while Alpina is completely independent, BMW does not completely frown upon its creations.

So the engine is good for 397kW as well as 730Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels! While power isn’t quite M5 and torque trumps the beast, these figures overall are substantial. Remember the standard factory 550i gives off “only” 300kW and 600Nm of torque. The B5 BiTurbo is apparently able to rush off from 0 – 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, which is almost as quick as the said M5.

The car will appear at the Alpina stand at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show next month. We aren’t sure if there’s an Alpina shop here in Mzansi, so if anyone knows, holla!