2011 BMW Alpina B7 with 500HP to go on Sale in the U.S. this Spring

The Alpina-prepped B7 sedan will be returning to BMW's U.S. lineup this year offering American buyers an alternative to Mercedes-Benz's S-Class AMG models. Boasting a bevy of performance and styling upgrades over the standard 7-Series sedan, the Alpina B7 is probably the closest thing you'll get to an M7, which as you already know, BMW has no plans to build.

The second Alpina B7 to be sold in the States after the first generation model that was offered as a limited edition for the 2007 and 2008 model years, will be available in both short- and long-wheelbase models.

The formal introduction of the car in the U.S. will take place at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show in February, and go on sale in Spring of 2010.

BMW's official performance partner has fitted the B7 with a modified version of the Bavarian firm's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with direct-injection that delivers 500-horsepower (compared to the standard 750i's 400HP V8) and a hefty 516 lb-ft (700Nm) of torque.

Linked to a six-speed sport automatic transmission with Sport and Manual modes, the V8 unit accelerates the rear-wheel drive sedan from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.5 seconds.

Alpina also recalibrated the car's Dynamic Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilization while the B7 sits 15mm lower up front and 10mm at the back thanks to the new, shorter springs. In addition, the Bavarian firm notes that the stability control now allows noticeably more slip at the driven wheels.

The B7 rides on newly styled 21-inch alloy wheels shod in MICHELIN PS2 tires size 245/35 R21 at the front and 285/30 R21 at the rear.

On the outside, the B7 is fitted with front and rear aprons, and a boot-lid spoiler which are said to reduce lift at the front by 30% and rear by15%.

As for the interior, the 7-Series-based model has been upgraded with blue illuminated door sill trims, an Alpina SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel in hand-stitched LAVALINA leather, Black-Panel LCD screen instrument cluster branded with ALPINA and specific decorative trim. An additional ALPINA plaque indentifying the car is mounted on the inner roof panel just ahead of the sunroof

Prices for the new BMW Alpina B7 will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Detroit Preview: 2011 BMW 740i with 315HP Twin-Turbo Straight Six

For the first time in many years, BMW will offer American consumers the choice of a six-cylinder engine for its flagship 7-Series sedan. The U.S.-Spec 740i and its long-wheelbase sibling, the 740iL, with make their North American premiere at the 2010 Detroit motor show next January, with sales set to follow in Spring of the same year.

Both models are powered by BMW's 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six (and not the 2011 535i's new twin-scroll turbocharged six) producing 315 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque from 1,600-4,500 rpm in U.S.-spec form.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through BMW's 6-speed automatic transmission.

Buyers will have a choice of several options and packages to upgrade the 2011 740i and 740iL including the M Sport, Driver Assistance, Luxury Seating, Rear Entertainment, and even the BMW Individual Composition Package.

EAS Tricks Out BMW 7-Series with Original M-Sport Parts

At the Frankfurt Motor Show this past September, BMW launched a new M Sport package for its latest generation 7-Series sedan. While this sport kit is now available for anyone that orders a new 7er in the U.S., those that already own the car may want to take at this proposal from European Auto Source (EAS). The California-based parts distributor has unveiled its take on the flagship bimmer using various OEM parts.

These include an M-Sport front bumper with matte black trimming, BMW Style 312 21-inch alloy wheels finished in matte black, a rear diffuser, body-colored door handles and trunk trim, and matte black finish for the front kidney grille and side trim.

Not bad overall, though we wish somebody would do something -anything- about those oversized kidney grilles that look completely out of place. As matter of fact, here's an express-chop (it was done in a few minutes so don't expect a high-quality job...) on how the 7er would look like with smaller sized kidney grilles.

Source: Bmwblog and EAS

New BMW Alpina B7 BiTurbo Long Makes World Debut at Tokyo Show

Alpina was one of only two foreign car brands (the other one being Lotus) to make its way to this year's Tokyo Motor Show floors. The BMW customizer brought along several vehicles, the most important being the new Alpina B7 BiTurbo Long as it had its world premiere. As you've probably figured out by now, the only difference between this model and the B7 BiTurbo that was first saw in Geneva is that it is based on the long wheelbase BMW 7-Series offering a few more inches of space for the rear passengers.

Like the 'base' Alpina B7 BiTurbo, it too features a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 producing 507 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of peak torque thanks to the larger turbos and a new intercooler. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a tweaked six-speed automatic transmission.

Other highlights include a subtle aero kit with front and rear aprons, and a discreet boot lid spoiler, plus a bespoke interior, 21-inch alloy wheels and a retuned suspension.

Photo Credits go to our Tokyo Motor Show reporter, Phil Alex