The German performance brand Alpina announced in 2022 that it would be acquired by BMW, a deal that will allow BMW to take over the production of Alpina vehicles by the end of 2025, while the original Alpina business will concentrate on vehicle development, service, and parts management.
Before this transition occurs, Alpina has launched a special edition B8 based on the BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe, which serves as a tribute to the company’s founder, Burkard Bovensiepen, who passed away in 2023.
The latest model, announced on Thursday, is officially called the Alpina B8 GT Hommage Burkard Bovensiepen and will be limited to just 99 units. Among these, 20 will feature an optional two-tone paint scheme that pairs a base color of blue or green with black for the upper sections.
In keeping with Alpina’s performance legacy, the B8 GT enhances performance capabilities. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, the same engine found in Alpina’s standard B8, but with an enhanced output of 625 hp, up from the standard 612 hp.
This engine, sourced from the V-8 in the regular 8-Series rather than the M8, is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that distributes power to all four wheels. Alpina has optimized the all-wheel-drive system and electronic differential in the base 8-Series to enhance agility, directing more of the engine’s power to the rear wheels.
Performance specifications include a remarkable 0-62 mph time of 3.3 seconds, a 0-124 mph time of 10.5 seconds, and a top speed capability of 205 mph.
Further enhancements include a new bulkhead strut for improved handling, carbon-fiber flics at the front, 21-inch wheels, and custom Pirelli P Zero tires. Inside the vehicle, Bovensiepen’s signature adorns the headrests, while a backlit treadplate adds a special touch to the door sills.
Regrettably, Alpina does not distribute the B8 in the U.S., making it unlikely that the B8 GT will be available there. In Germany, the starting price for the B8 GT is 225,000 euros (approximately $231,500), with the two-tone paint option available for an additional 11,150 euros ($11,500).
Image Source: ALPINA Automobiles ALPINA Automobiles / Shutterstock
