Bmw is setting the internet ablaze with the first teaser image of an all-new Alpina product since it took control of the brand name at the beginning of the year. Although the image has terrible resolution, the shadowy photo clearly shows a grand tourer-type vehicle with a dramatic coupe roofline, a long wheelbase, and possibly only two doors.
The “Vision” part of its name suggests it’s not a production model but rather a show car. It’s headed to the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, where Bmw has built a healthy tradition of unveiling spectacular concept cars. Most never made it to production, but that trend has started to change in recent years.
View Price on AmazonThe targa-topped Skytop has since entered production, and the Speedtop shooting brake will follow, both based on the now-discontinued M8 Coupe. It’s too soon to say which Bmw this Alpina concept is based on. However, it appears closer in size to the 8 Series Coupe than to the 4 Series Coupe.
If a production version follows, it’s unlikely to be a completely bespoke product since that wouldn’t make financial sense for a low-volume car. A stately coupe with a 2+2 layout seems logical now that the 8er has gone out of production. The new luxury brand under the Bmw Group umbrella will cater to the “discerning few,” which can only mean a limited production run.
These models will be assembled at existing factories where the German automaker is investing to prepare them for Alpina-badged vehicles. If this coupe gets the green light, it’ll cost significantly more than a typical Bmw, though without encroaching on Rolls-Royce territory.
Although reports suggest an electric Alpina is a matter of when rather than if, we strongly believe this concept hides a combustion engine beneath that imposingly long hood. The company’s Instagram account is filled with hints about what lies ahead, and one photo shows the traditional elliptical four-pipe exhaust setup. Our money is on a V8, as the mighty V12 could remain exclusive to Rolls-Royce.
Bmw Alpina will also update the signature 20-spoke wheel design and the iconic side stripes, which will be hand-painted going forward. Expect a retro-flavored blue paint job paired with a matching leather interior. Whatever this turns out to be, it’s shaping up to be a real looker, and we’re genuinely glad it’s not an SUV.
Motor1's Take: Bmw must tread carefully with such a revered brand, but we’re confident that even diehard fans of the Bovensiepen-era Alpina will appreciate the new direction. This Vision concept is the first sign of that shift, transforming Alpina into a Mercedes-Maybach rival.
Because Alpina will sit somewhere between high-end Bmws and Rolls-Royce, it’ll likely focus exclusively on large, expensive vehicles. Consequently, we wouldn’t hold our breath for the return of the 3 Series or even the 5 Series with an Alpina badge. Instead, the first models will likely be based on the recently facelifted 7 Series and next year’s second-generation X7.
Hopefully, this lavish coupe also gets the green light. It would be a great way to make a statement: Alpina has arrived.
Source: motor1.com
