Built as a personification of limitless automotive expression, the supercar is an alluring creation built to encapsulate the finest engineering and technology. Unsurprisingly assembled with literally gloved hands, an auto manufacturer’s supercar is often characterized by limited production numbers and a high price tag. A cost that would be considered extremely outrageous for the majority of everyday motorists, supercars naturally cater to the social and financial elite. While these specialized vehicles often fill the extrinsic as well as intrinsic expectations for luxury and image, even the rare automotive supercar creations is not enough to fulfill their reality.

Making exclusive vehicles into even more limited pieces of motoring mastery, some companies wait on the individuals willing to acquire an enhanced performance luxury car. Often defined as small automotive constructors based on the level of vehicle modifications, almost any popular supercar can be ratcheted-up beyond the original factory.

STaSIS Audi R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition

Born on a V-10 powered Audi R8, West Virginia performance house STaSIS Engineering has turned the already feisty German supercar into a vehicle that can run circles around the Audi rings. A vehicle first presented at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the STaSIS Audi R8 5.2 Challenge Extreme Edition tests the widest boundaries for reengineering the mid-engined two-seater. Outfitted with a height adjustable suspension, Alcon brakes and forged 20-inch ultra-lightweight aluminum wheels, the STaSIS Audi R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition vehicle attractive touches are all functional.

The most substantial improvement to the Audi R8 V-10 has major performance tweaks added to the 5.2 liter ten-cylinder powerplant. STaSIS Engineering modifications for the Audi R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition engine is topped by an Eaton / Magnusson TVS 2300 supercharger generating 7.5 PSI of boost pressure. Coupled with engine electronic remapping and a CNC machined intake plenum, 525 horsepower of the factory Audi R8 V-10 is swelled to 710 horsepower through the Challenge Extreme Edition changes.

Netting a 35% greater power level than the stock supercar, the STaSIS Audi R8 Challenge Extreme Edition applies this extra momentum to 0 to 60 mile per hour acceleration times of just 3.1 seconds. The Audi R8 5.2 Challenge Extreme Edition adds $55,995 up to the price of Audi R8 V-10 coupe or roadster.

BMW Alpina B7 BiTurbo

Alpina’s business relationship with BMW started in the 1970s when the eventual car manufacturer operated as a sports car race team. Fielding the BMW 3.0 CSL in competition, Alpina brought their collaboration with BMW to the streets in the 1980s.

While the BMW M division attracts the most attention among enthusiasts, the Alpina B7 BiTurbo supplements the absence of BMW 7 Series version in the M line-up. In its fourth-generation, the Alpina B7 BiTurbo is a super sedan balancing high-performance, electronic ingenuity and luxury comfort. Incorporating its own LAVALINA leather and available piano lacquer interior trim, the performance sedan features a loaded assortment of BMW 7 Series equipment. Parking Distance Control, navigation system, xenon headlamps and control display with iDrive are included on the Alpina B7 BiTurbo.

Distinguishing the Alpina B7 BiTurbo is unique front and rear spoiler pieces as well as some of the most beautiful 21-inch Alpina Classic lightweight wheels. Powered by a 504 horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V-8 engine, an all-wheel drive version of the Alpina B7 BiTurbo is also available to move the sedan. In the United States, pricing for the 2011 Alpina B7 resides at $122,875 for the rear wheel drive or $126,775 for an all-wheel drive model.

Admirable to buyers, the Alpina B7 BiTurbo is also a vehicle appreciated by source company BMW. Sold through authorized BMW dealerships, the German auto company continues to protect 7 Series derivative.

RUF RGT-8

Though Porsche has never produced an eight-cylinder powered 911 sports car, the RUF RGT-8 presents a vehicle to those desiring such a supercar. A packing a lightweight 4.5 liter V-8 engine, the RUF RGT-8 burns pavement with 550 horsepower fed through the rear wheels. An automatic limited-slip differential insures Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires rotate the stylish 19-inch forged alloy wheels. While official performance figures have yet to be released on this 2012 model vehicle, the RUF RGT-8 has a forecasted top speed of 205 miles per hour.

The two-seat interior features a securing protection of a roll-cage structure. Auto racing-inspired interior touches; RUF has also conducted the honoured tradition of weight-savings through the application of aluminum door panels and a carbon fiber rear engine cover.

While the architecture of the RUF RGT-8 is clearly identified with the Porsche 911, RUF Automotive acknowledges themselves as a small auto manufacturer distinct from the German sports car company’s image.

Edo Competition LP750

Outfitting a wide range of vehicles, Edo Competition has modified BMW M5 Touring wagons, Porsche 997s and even Maserati MC12 supercars. From the Lamborghini Murcielago, the Edo Competition LP750 was created this past February. Meant to be the fastest Lamborghini Murcielago ever, the Edo Competition LP750 is shaped with specially-contoured aerodynamic panels. A redesigned rear spoiler and ultra lightweight alloy wheels are worn on the Edo Competition LP750 providing a stylish extension of Lamborghini performance.

Speaking of performance, the Edo Competition LP750 receives a healthy power boost to the 6.5 liter V-12 engine. Totalling 750 horsepower, the special Lamborghini supercar presented by Edo Competition soars from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 3.1 seconds. The Edo Competition LP750 takes just 24.5 seconds for a rush to 186 miles per hour from a standing stop.

As the Aventador replaces the Lamborghini Murcielago as the Italian sports car builder’s flagship, it only seems reasonable to believe an after-factory preparation of the new generation supercar is only a matter of months away.

Brabus 700 BiTurbo

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG immediately impressed with its late 2010 introduction as a spiritual recreation of the 1955 SL300 Gull Wing. The first Mercedes-Benz production vehicle to originate from the AMG speed lab, the supercar arrived with prime performance attributes. Despite the stock SLS AMG’s 563 horsepower and a 197-mile per hour top speed, aftermarket companies have found ways to further dress up the Mercedes-Benz supercar. Long-time Mercedes-Benz outfitter Brabus was one company that quickly issued their exploration of the SLS AMG peak performance.

Lifting horsepower to 700 horsepower by adding a twin-turbocharger system to the 6.3 liter V-8 engine, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is turned into the Brabus 700 BiTurbo. While the stock SLS AMG’s 0 to 60 mile per hour acceleration of 3.7 seconds remains largely unchanged, the Brabus 700 BiTurbo’s enhancements come at the top end. Unlimited top speed potential of 700 horsepower allows this Brabus supercar to sail up to 213 miles per hour.

Besides the advantages of raw horsepower, the Brabus 700 BiTurbo supercar is suited for a dramatic motoring experience. Possessing a special high performance exhaust featuring a pneumatic flap, the driver can adjust the engine note for a more civilized purr or a full grunt roar. The Brabus 700 BiTurbo can also be opted with the WIDESTAR body conversion kit adding additional genuine carbon fiber pieces on the exterior and interior.

Priced at the equivalent of $349,690 in US money, the Brabus 700 BiTurbo is a rocket ride left affordable to only a few land-based pilots.

Information source: Alpina, Brabus, edo competition, RUF Automobile GmbH, STaSIS Engineering
Photo source: Alpina, BMW USA, edo competition, RUF Automobile GmbH, STaSIS Engineering

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So Alpina is still out there. I should actually say ALPINA (all caps), because that’s the way they spell it. I used to see ALPINA stroked 3 Series now and again, and then they more or less disappeared. I thought that ALPINA was gone, but no, they’re still out there. They’ve had a go at BMW’s top of the line 7 Series sedans, with impressive results.

Even more impressive is the amount of coin you’re expected to shekel out for these things. A few weeks ago they teased with specs and a few shots, but now they’ve let out the full kit, including prices. Yes, it’s all very impressive, but the price is more than a little staggering.

Things start at $122,875 and go up from there. Actually, let’s just get this out of the way, right away: $122,875 for the standard wheelbase and $126,775 for the extended wheelbase model. Yeah, I know. You could get a nice used Ferrari F430 for that. To each their own, huh?

So what would you get for your $122,875 to $126,775?

As you would expect, you get a lot of power. Either B7 sedan comes with BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter, all-aluminum, High Precision Direct Injection V-8 engine. Naturally ALPINA has given it a working over, so now it produces 500 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Yeah, that’s pretty damn impressive. That’s enough power and grunt to move the ALPINE tweaked lead sled from 0-60 mph in 4.5 sec. BMW also notes that the massive torque is available from 3,000 to 4,750 rpm, which means the B7 “accelerates effortlessly from virtually any speed.” I wouldn’t argue with them.

The B7 sedan also gets some ALPINA aerodynamic work as well. Front and rear spoilers which ALPINA says enhance the appearance, and they also improve stability and performance at high speeds. The front end aero has been reworked so that the fresh-air requirements of the transmission and engine oil coolers are separated out of the main cooler module for improved efficiency. The spoilers cut lift at the front by 30% and rear by 15%, and the exhaust system’s two double tailpipes are “seamlessly integrated into the rear bumper.”

And you also get these really nice looking 20-spoke ALPINA Classic wheels.

Interior-wise the B7 sedan has ALPINA blue illuminated door sill trims, a Switchtronic heated steering wheel in hand-stitched Lavalina leather (no, I don’t know what Lavalina leather is either, and with Ricardo Montalban no longer with us, I don’t know who to ask). There’s the requisite Alcantara headliner, a Heads Up display, and a Black-Panel LCD screen instrument cluster branded with ALPINA. Hand-stitched Lavalina leather also covers the dashboard, the door panels, the center console, the multi-contour front seats with heating and cooling, and the heated rear seats.

Both models of the BMW ALPINA B7 will make their North American debut at the Chicago International Auto Show and will go on sale at authorized BMW Centers in the Spring of 2010.

Here’s BMW’s press release:

The New BMW ALPINA B7 Sedan

Pricing announced for special high-performance models.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 1, 2010… BMW announced the pricing today for the 2011 BMW ALPINA B7 sedan, which will join BMW’s North American product range as the most dynamic 7 Series model. As the second generation of ALPINA automobiles based on the BMW 7 Series to be offered in the US, the 2011 BMW ALPINA B7 sedan will retail for $122,875 (standard wheelbase) and $126,775 (extended wheelbase). Both prices include $875 Destination & Handling. The first BMW ALPINA B7 was offered as a limited edition for the 2007 and 2008 model years. Newly interpreted and based on the current BMW 7 Series platform, the B7 will again set the benchmark in terms of performance, refinement, and technology.

Yielding exquisite levels of power and torque from the twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8, and in conjunction with the electronically-adjustable suspension with Active Roll Stabilization, the new B7 promises to offer a spectrum of driving experiences so broad as to be unheard of in this class of automobiles. The evolution of the traditional 20-spoke 21″ ALPINA Classic wheels underlines the fresh design language found throughout the B7 and imparts to it a distinctive appearance and powerful stance.

Both standard- and long-wheelbase models will be offered. The BMW ALPINA B7 will make its North American debut at the Chicago International Auto Show and will go on sale at authorized BMW Centers in Spring of 2010.

The B7 sedan is equipped with BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter, all-aluminum, High Precision Direct Injection V-8 engine which has been enhanced by ALPINA and is capable of producing 500 (373kW) horsepower and 516 lb-ft (700Nm) of torque. This rear-wheel drive performance/luxury Sedan achieves 0-60 mph in 4.5 sec. With maximum torque available across an unusually broad engine range, from 3,000 to 4,750 rpm, the B7 accelerates effortlessly from virtually any speed.

The B7 sedan is finished with ALPINA aerodynamic developments, including front and rear spoilers which not only enhance the appearance but also improve stability and performance at high speeds. In true “form-follows-function” fashion, the ALPINA front integrates the fresh-air requirements of the transmission and engine oil coolers, which are separated out of the main cooler module for improved efficiency. The spoilers reduce lift at the front by 30% and rear by15%. The exhaust system’s two double tailpipes are seamlessly integrated into the rear bumper. The newest evolution of the traditional 20-spoke ALPINA Classic wheels gives the B7 a distinctive appearance and powerful stance.

The interior of the B7 sedan features ALPINA blue illuminated door sill trims, Switchtronic heated steering wheel in hand-stitched Lavalina leather, Alcantara headliner, Heads Up display, and the Black-Panel LCD screen instrument cluster branded with ALPINA. Hand-stitched Lavalina leather also covers the dashboard, door panels, center console, multi-contour front seats with heating and cooling, and heated rear seats.

The full complement of BMW 7 Series exterior colors remains available, in addition to the signature ALPINA Blue metallic paint.

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 90 MINI passenger car dealers, and 31 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwgroupna.com

Photos: BMW

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