For people who is not satisfy with the 560hp BMW M6 Gran Coupe, the easiest way to boost output is to “chip” the ECU, since it is using a turbocharged V8 engine. However I personally do not recommend you to do this (I will explain the reason later in this article). Today Alpina (a Bavarian automobile manufacturer good at building cars based on BMW models) provides you a much better and cleaner solution: the 2016 B6 xDrive Gran Coupe.
You will get multiple benefits and save tons of time and hassles by purchasing the B6 Gran Coupe, for example you get:
1. Upgraded engine (still the BMW N63 4.4L V8, but with enhancements in air intake, fuel system etc.), outputting an astonishing 600hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. This is 60hp and 50 lb-ft more than the 2015 model. The upgraded air intake does the magic: you can see the 2016 model achieves the max horsepower and torque at a higher RPM (6,000 RPM vs. 5,200 RPM for power, and 3,500 RPM vs. 2,800 RPM for torque). Alpina has also increased the peak boost level of the BMW N63 engine from 0.8 bar to 1.2 bar.
2. The xDrive AWD system. This is a feature that there is no way you can get in the M6.
We do not know the pricing at this moment, but we are expecting a MSRP north of $100k.
Now let me explain why I do not suggest you to chip the factory ECU on your turbocharged car. The main reason is: tuning a turbocharged engine is not as easy as someone has imagined. The boost mapping algorithm within the factory ECU has been optimized for balancing the output, efficiency and driveability. It is extremely hard to get a much higher output, and at the same time still has similar turbo efficiency compared to the original factory tune. I am not saying this is impossible, but from my point of view it is definitely very hard to do. Auto makers have spent lots of R&D efforts for each models they make, and the scale of expense and investment is definitely not a normal aftermarket tuner can afford. Car manufacturer spend so many money on this for reasons.
Let me show you an example. The R56 Mini John Cooper Works has the same engine hardware as the normal Mini Cooper, just with a higher boost software tune, and it is also done by Mini itself. The peak boost is raised from 0.9 bar to 1.3 bar (in terms of pressure ratio, 1.9 bar raised to 2.3 bar). Please see the below flow efficiency chart (the Mini’s turbocharger is supplied by BorgWarner).
Between the surge line and choke line are the “efficiency islands”, represented by a series of closed-loop contours. The most inner one indicates the highest air flow efficiency. For a turbo boosting map to be considered “good”, its corresponding compressor performance curve should cross the highest efficiency island as much as possible. This is exactly the same thing that the normal Mini Cooper is doing (see the line of pressure ratio = 1.9, which crosses right at the center of the island). Next let’s take a look at the line represents pressure ratio = 2.3, you can clearly see the curve has been shifted up vertically, and totally missed the highest efficiency island.
So even the car manufacturer itself is unable to keep everything perfect while boosting up the peak pressure using software, what you can expect from others?
To get a “real” better user experience, you have to upgrade the engine physically, such as the turbocharger and all other related hardware (intercooler, fuel system etc) . However, the total cash you have put in the car and the hardware upgrade, is usually more than enough for you to buy a better factory model directly. For example, if you want to do your own modification on the 650i to match the factory M6’s performance in all aspects, the extra money you need to spend on the mod plus the price of the 650i, will be higher than buying a M6 directly.
I will stop here, leave you with the below beautiful gallery and of course, the press release.
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The New BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe
Enhancements for 2016 model year deliver more power and refinement than ever.
Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – February 11, 2015… The new 2016 model year BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe gains subtle BMW enhancements and benefits in particular from the results of continuous development by ALPINA. The four-door Gran Coupe, already widely recognized for aesthetic beauty and impressive driving performance, raises the benchmark with exciting new details. The new BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe will become available to order starting in March 2015, with US deliveries slated to begin at BMW Centers in June. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
The BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe is available as a special-order vehicle with capacity-limited production underscoring its exclusivity. The B6’s body is manufactured in the BMW 6 Series factory (Plant Dingolfing) and hand-finished with the remaining ALPINA components at the ALPINA factory in Buchloe, Germany. The hand-finishing sequence at ALPINA increases the production lead-time by approximately two weeks. European Delivery at the BMW Welt delivery center is available for the BMW ALPINA B6, as is BMW Performance Center Delivery in Greer, SC, USA.
A more-dynamic front spoiler and fascia enclose the subtly-revised BMW kidney grill, and shape the transition to the new ALPINA hood which features character chines, lending the new B6 xDrive Gran Coupe an even more powerful appearance and accentuate its class-leading performance potential.
The 4.4 liter V8 Bi-Turbo V-8 engine – known amongst aficionados as the embodiment of power, torque and refinement – now delivers an astonishing 600 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 590 lb-ft at only 3,500 rpm (all figures preliminary). The increase in output of 60 hp over the 2015 model has been achieved through extensive rework of the air intake ducting and air filter housing, with enhancements to the fuel supply system. Coupling the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system with an ALPINA-developed performance calibration means the new B6 xDrive Gran Coupe delivers heroic straight-line performance. With a 0 – 60 mph acceleration time of only 3.6 seconds (preliminary), it is the fastest-accelerating BMW ALPINA model ever developed. The new B6 xDrive Gran Coupe is capable of a maximum speed of 200 mph (electronically limited).
The ALPINA sport suspension utilizes BMW’s advanced electronic suspension technologies including Dynamic Damper Control (adjustable, adaptive shock absorbers) and Adaptive Drive (Active Roll Stabilization), which work together with the fully-variable torque distribution of the all-wheel drive system to achieve very neutral, agile driving dynamics.
The powerful brake system now features blue calipers with ALPINA lettering on the front axle with brake discs measuring 374 x 36 mm on the front and 370 x 24 on the rear (increased from 345 x 24 mm).
The standard equipment level has been extended to include attractive features such as Full LED Adaptive Headlights with High Beam Assistant, and a discrete new B6 model designation in the B-pillar in high-gloss Shadow Line.
Refined performance with powerful delivery.
Continuous development of the 4.4 liter V8 Bi-Turbo V-8 engine has resulted in a number of upgrades leading to a significant increase in power output in the new B6 xDrive Gran Coupe. The engine now develops 600 hp at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft between 3,500 and 4,500 rpm (preliminary figures).
Two specifically-constructed, large-diameter turbochargers, operating in parallel, are primarily responsible for achieving a high power and torque output over a very broad engine speed range, without sacrificing spontaneous throttle response at low rpm. The high-performance water-air intercooler system with a short intake distances consists of a large-volume low-temperature heat exchanger, and two near-engine intercoolers. Additional oil and water coolers are located just behind the front spoiler to ensure overall thermodynamic efficiency of the engine. Extensive optimization of the air intake ducting and air filter housing leads to a substantial reduction of losses, which together with an upgraded fuel supply system results in the hike in output of 60 hp over the previous model year.
Inside the cylinders, specific MAHLE pistons are designed to deal with temperatures and pressures associated with up to 1.2 bar (17.4 psi) boost pressure and the engine’s 10.0:1 nominal compression ratio.
ALPINA-tuned 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission.
Adapted and tested in co-operation with ZF, the advanced ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC 8-Speed Sport Automatic transmission is perfectly tailored to the power and torque of the V-8 Bi-Turbo engine. It excels equally in the disciplines sport and comfort, playing a central role in infusing the B6 xDrive Gran Coupe with ALPINA typical characteristics.
In Automatic (D) Shift Mode, the flexible blend of eight speeds and high torque makes for smooth gear changes only a torque converter can provide. Explicitly programmed for comfort, the B6 Bi-Turbo Gran Coupe glides effortlessly and efficiently at low engine speed and tall gears, offering unmatched cruising ability.
In Sport (S) Shift Mode, the transmission becomes significantly more dynamic, gear changes are executed faster and feedback becomes more direct. The system allows for multi-simultaneous downshifts in only milliseconds, wherein the transmission will skip several gears depending on engine loads and speeds to select the most favorable gear for optimum acceleration.
The Manual (M) Shift Mode allows full driver control over the transmission. The ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC buttons are ergonomically mounted on the rear of the steering wheel, their actuation allowing the driver to shift up or down as required. A unique feature of the transmission software in Manual (M) Shift Mode in combination with the selection of Sport+ or DSC OFF Mode using the Driving Dynamics Control button is the cancellation of automatic upshift function. In this mode of operation, the transmission will maintain the selected gear up to maximum engine speed and will not automatically upshift to the next gear. This is desirable in certain driving situations, for example during especially dynamic driving on roads with multiple tight hair-pin corners, or on race track segments featuring pronounced elevation change.
Hardware modifications to the transmission, output and driveshafts enable unrestrained power delivery. In combination with the single-cylinder fade-out and ALPINA specific software modifications, this eliminates the common reduction of torque required by the transmission in order to up-shift. This allows super-quick upshifts under full loads which, together with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, means the B6 xDrive Gran Coupe requires only 3.6 seconds for the sprint from 0 – 60 mph (preliminary).
BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.
The ALPINA all-wheel drive system exploits the technical potential of BMW’s xDrive system and its intelligent, dynamic distribution of drive power which continuously and variably distributes torque between the front and rear axle within milliseconds, for a maximum of traction and control.
For the BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe, the programming of the torque distribution control system, which is interconnected with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and engine management system, is performance-oriented and increases driving agility and dynamics – especially under lateral acceleration – while maintaining a neutral balance. Besides allowing optimum traction under acceleration by eliminating slip-induced losses, the system continuously monitors a wide range of sensory inputs – for example steering angle, lateral acceleration, yaw angle and speed – to distribute torque to achieve maximum safety in challenging conditions or when encountering sudden changes in road surface friction.
Exhaust system.
The B6 xDrive Gran Coupe features a full stainless steel exhaust system with ALPINA trademark elliptical twin tailpipes. The character of the deep exhaust note is prominent but not intrusive. Active exhaust valves allow balance between enthusiasm and comfort on long journeys. The driver can influence the sound experience using the Driving Dynamics Control button. In Comfort Mode, the exhaust valve is closed up to 2,500 rpm, and in Sport Mode the valve is permanently open.
Chassis, wheels, and tires.
BMW ALPINA automobiles place special demands on chassis and suspension – requiring high levels of comfort for relaxed cruising, light-footed and dynamic agility for purposeful driving as well as safe and neutral handling at high speeds.
The B6 xDrive Gran Coupe’s chassis and suspension technology builds upon the basis of a BMW double-wishbone front suspension and integral rear axle. Furthermore it utilizes sophisticated electronic suspension technologies including Dynamic Damper Control (adjustable, adaptive shock absorbers) and Adaptive Drive (BMW Active Roll Stabilization). This allows the driver to change the chassis and suspension settings distinctly between Comfort+, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ using the Driving Dynamics Control rocker switch.
The ALPINA-specific calibration of dampers and stabilizers is tied into other system parameters including torque distribution, stability control, steering assistance, and throttle response.
Stiffer springs and increased front wheel camber, combined with the 20” staggered ALPINA CLASSIC wheel and tire set, result in direct steering response and precise handling. The high performance MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport tires forego run-flat technology in order to maximize comfort and they have a high speed rating to allow for the B6 xDrive Gran Coupe’s maximum possible speed of 200 mph. The dimensions of the rear wheel and tire have increased to 10” x 20” and 295/30 ZR20 for improved traction while the front dimensions remain at 8.5” x 20” and 255/35 ZR 20.
All season tires measuring 255/35 front and 285/30 rear are available as a factory option. Vehicles supplied with this option from the factory have a non-removable limited top speed of 130 mph. ALPINA recommends the appropriate use of performance summer tires and winter tires according to weather conditions for the best performance, handling and safety of your BMW ALPINA vehicle.
Exterior design.
The ALPINA design features blend seamlessly and stylishly into the surfaces and lines of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, accentuating its dynamic, graceful silhouette.
A new, more aggressive front spoiler and apron enclose the subtly-changed BMW kidney grill and shape the transition to the new hood with character chines. These lend the new B6 xDrive Gran Coupe an even more authoritative appearance and hint at the enormous performance potential of the V-8 Bi-Turbo engine.
The design and shape of the new ALPINA front spoiler ensures the effective flow of sufficient air to the radiator modules of the performance cooling-system, including inter-cooler, water and oil. A subtle, integrated splitter directs air over and around rather than underneath the vehicle, thereby stabilizing the front end at high speeds.
Special NACA air channels at the front of the underbody suck cold air towards the powerful brake system with blue calipers which are visible through the delicate spokes of the ALPINA CLASSIC 20” wheels. Large diameter brake discs measuring 374 x 36 mm on the front and 370 x 24 mm on the rear (up from 345 x 24 mm) guarantee effective brake performance.
Interior & equipment.
The new B6 xDrive Gran Coupe has a comprehensive, comfort orientated range of standard equipment, a luxurious interior, and only the highest-quality materials. Nappa leather and a leather instrument panel remain standard in addition to essential features such as electric comfort seats. The BMW Navigation system with BMW ConnectedDrive services is also standard.
Blue ALPINA instrumentation, an ALPINA steering wheel covered in hand-stitched LAVALINA leather, the ALPINA production plaque overhead, door sill trims with blue illuminated ALPINA lettering, and the classic ALPINA luxury wood trim in Myrtle or Piano lacquer – these are some of the exclusive features of the B6 xDrive Gran Coupe’s interior.
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