Twin-Turbo Goodness

2012 BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo

BMW's new F10 M5 is almost here and there are a lot of people who can't wait for it. But, when it comes out later this year, and you think you can't afford it, BMW will have an alternative 5-series that you can enjoy. They call it the Alpina B5 BiTurbo and although it might not have as much power as the new M5, it's just as good. The 4.4-liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 engine produces 500 horsepower. 0 to 60 is done in just 4.8 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 186 MPH. This sounds like a good car, right? But, what if you need something like this that will carry a months supply of groceries? Well, BMW has thought of that as well.

2012 BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring

This is the B5 BiTurbo Touring. It has all the same statistics and features that the regular saloon has, except this has 5-doors and large trunk space. Unfortunately, to own this Über Wagon or the saloon, you'll have to have a big wallet and a house in Europe. BMW never planned to release the Alpina B5 over here in the U.S. But, do not despair. The Alpina brand does exist in America, in the body of a 7-series.

2011 BMW Alpina B7 BiTurbo

This executive sedan is for the man who wants his own "M7". It has the same engine as the B5, only with more luxury, better looks, more speed, and all-wheel drive. But, if you love the 5-series, the good 'ol M5 will be out soon, and that's more powerful and faster than the B5, so everyone's happy.

China meets Bavaria

2012 BMW M5 F10 (Rendering)

It seems we'll see more of the letter M in the mere future. Recent reports have come in that BMW will be showing the concept model of their redesigned four-door five-seater spectacular, the M5, at the Shanghai Motor Show in April. Speculations have been received that the car will ditch the 5.0-liter 500 horsepower V10 from the previous generation, and will inherit BMW's all new 4.4-liter Twin-Turbocharged 600 horsepower V8 engine that was developed from the X5 M. They say that this car will improve fuel consumption and is actually faster. With the release of the concept model this spring, and since BMW have the tradition of making the production models and the concept models of their cars almost alike, this debut will give you the perfect idea of the what the car will look like when it debuts this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This may seem like a long time, but not to worry. Because, if you are a 6-series fan, the Shanghai Motor Show will be unveiling the production model of the all new 6-series coupe, which will be on sale this summer. This is BMW's way of leaving something interesting to make room for something even more interesting.

Girls Can Drive, Too Boys!

Sabine Schmitz

I know that there's been some stig lately about girls being the worst drivers in the world because of their bad phone habits or nervousness behind the wheel. But, truth be told; there are some good feminine drivers out there. Danica Patrick is one of them, but there's another one that you probably haven't heard before. Her name is Sabine Schmitz and Germany has heard of her. Some drivers call her "The Queen of the Nürburgring", and I can see why. She's taken first place twice in the 24 Hour Nürburgring Race in a BMW M3 GT Racer in the 1990's. Now, she serves as the popular "Ring Taxi" Driver for BMW driving the BMW M5. She's appeared on Top Gear three times; once taking Clarkson around the Nürburgring, a second time racing the Audi R8 against The STIG in a Porsche 997 GT3, and a third time receiving the Top Gear Award for Coolest German. She's really done a lot with her career as a racer. Here are some videos of her in action.






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