BMW has big plans for Alpina. Not only is a new flagship sedan on the way, but the company is also seriously considering a V8-powered sports car based on the Vision BMW Alpina concept. Insiders are reportedly describing it as Alpina’s "M1 moment."
First reported by Autocar, the project hasn't received final approval. That said, BMW is highly encouraged by customer interest in the concept and is considering a limited-production run, similar to BMW's few-off models like the Skytop.
Speaking at the launch of the new BMW i3, Mike Reichelt, head of BMW's Neue Klasse program, acknowledged the attention surrounding the concept. He reportedly said the design team had given engineers a headache, but also suggested there was enough customer interest to consider putting it into production.
The Vision BMW Alpina debuted at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in May. It's a large 2+2 grand touring coupe with a front-mounted V8 engine. The concept introduced Alpina's new design language, along with an exceptionally luxurious interior.
Although the Vision BMW Alpina is more focused on luxury than outright performance, a dedicated production model would give the brand something truly unique. It would also help distinguish Alpina from BMW M, which puts a greater emphasis on sharper handling and more aggressive performance.
The V8 would be a big part of that identity. BMW hasn't released detailed specifications for the powertrain, but the concept features a front-mounted eight-cylinder engine. We expect it to have plenty of power.
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