Since 1965, Alpina has been tuning and upgrading various kinds of BMW models and now produces some of the best compelling premium vehicles on the market, perfectly combining performance and luxury.
Alpina originally ventured into the world of automobiles by tuning the carburetors and crankshafts of BMW engines but expanded the breadth of its services in the 1980s when it was recognized by the German Ministry of Transport as an automaker and no longer a tuner. It retains a strong relationship with BMW and in this documentary from WELT, we are provided with a look at what makes the company tick.
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One of the first cars featured in the documentary is the current Alpina B7. It takes on its form as a very unique version of the 7-Series at the BMW assembly line where most of the Alpina parts are fitted. It is then sent to Alpina’s facility where the original VIN is crossed out and replaced by a VIN from Alpina itself. Alpina’s workshop crews then install the revised body panels by hand, including the new front and rear chin spoilers. The Alpina interior is also installed at these workshops.
Interestingly, the documentary reveals that every 500th vehicle to leave BMW’s factory in Spartanburg is an Alpina.
Later on, we are provided with a look at what it is like to be an engineer at Alpina that tests out its new models which in this case is the current XB7 SUV. It is powered by a potent 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 612 hp between 5,500 and 6,600 rpm and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm.