The effect is one of subtle performance emphasis, fully appropriate to the 7 Series’ elegant and substantial presence but leaving no doubt that this is a special performance 7.

Inside the B7: Special Instrumentation and Controls Any

7 Series BMW offers its driver and passengers lavish luxury, fine materials and tasteful design. To this sumptuous ambiance, Alpina adds its own touches, both ergonomic and esthetic; the level of regular-production BMW standard equipment has been raised considerably as well.

Special Alpina features. First and foremost, it’s performance that characterizes the B7. And once seated behind the special Alpina steering wheel, the B7 driver is quickly and keenly aware of this emphasis.

Upon stepping in over the handsome B7 doorsill trims and setting his or her foot on the fine floormat with its Alpina logo, the driver can assess an instrument cluster with the traditional Alpina Blue as its background color and Alpina lettering at bottom right. Four readings from the iDrive system’s On-board Computer can be called up conveniently via a button on the turn-signal stalk: remaining fuel in tank, range on fuel, distance to destination and a digital display of current vehicle speed.

The steering wheel itself presents distinctive visual character and function: in its center, the Alpina logo; on its rim Lavalina leather and special stitching, plus symbols for the SWITCH-TRONIC transmission’s upshift and downshift buttons. These “+” and “-“ inscriptions are in Alpina Blue, and denote the actual locations of the shift buttons on the wheel’s forward side (away from the driver).

Engine

Power bhp:500

Torque: 516

Type: Supercharged V8

Performance

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.8

Top Speed: 186

A coupe worthy of the GT name. Inspired by the grace and power of Bentley’s thoroughbred bloodline, the Continental GT and new Continental GT Speed combines phenomenal power, class-leading performance and contemporary design with hand craftsmanship in true tradition.

The Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production Bentley ever and the first to top 200mph (322km/h). A potent addition to the Continental Series, the GT Speed extends the appeal of the Continental GT coupe to driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance and agile handling. Even more breathtaking. In even less time.
Engine
Power bhp: 552
Torque lb-ft: 479
Type: W12 Twin-Turbo

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
Top Speed: 200 mph

My Rating: ****/*****

Base Price: 2008 Bentley Continental GT - $175,990

A genuine four-seater Ferrari, the all-aluminium 612 Scaglietti is the result of an avant-garde design that guarantees the pure, thoroughbred performance demanded by Ferrari combined with uncompromising driver and passenger comfort. For four passengers.

Engine
Power bhp: 540
Torque lb-ft: 434
Type: V12

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds
Top Speed: 196 mph

My Rating ***/*****

Base Price: 2007 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti - $250,509