Back in April, BMW lifted the covers off its spanking new 2012 6-Series Coupe at the Shanghai Auto Show in China. Having already shown the Convertible version, the only model left to complete the series is the presentation of the M6 in both coupe and open top forms. Well, at least in absolute terms, as we’ve yet to hear from BMW’s longtime tuner, Alpina, which is considered a manufacturer in its own right.
And that’s where Carscoop reader Michael from Germany steps in. Michael spotted this partially camouflaged 2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe parked somewhere in Munich. And while the lack of any aero parts such as the typical M-style front bumper with larger air vents minimize the possibility of it being the new M6, there are two elements that make us believe it could be the upcoming Alpina B6.
We’re talking of course about the multispoke alloy wheels and the dual round tail pipes on either corner, both of which are typical styling traits of of Alpina’s cars along with the characteristic white decals and subtle front and rear spoilers.
Alpina’s most recent take on the BMW 6-Series was the B6, which was based on the previous generation E63 Coupe and E64 Convertible models. Launched in 2006, the B6 was fitted with a modified 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine pushing out 500 ponies. In late 2007, the Buchloe-based tuner presented the B6 S, again based on the 650i, but with its tweaked 4.4-liter force-fed V8 delivering 530-horses. It remained in production until late 2010.
Given that Alpina’s B5 BiTurbo (built on the new 550i) is fitted with the same 4.4-liter V8 engine found under the hood of the 2012 650i but tuned to crank out 507HP, it’s very likely that the tuner will use this V8 on its upcoming B6, perhaps with a higher output.
Danke Michael for the scoop!
PHOTO GALLERY
_______________________________________________________________________ 2007-2010 ALPINA B6 & B6S 
