Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

BMW Alpina Teases New 7 Series-Based Luxury Sedan for 2027

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BMW Alpina has released the first official teaser of its upcoming luxury sedan, confirming that an entirely new chapter is about to begin for the legendary German performance and luxury brand. Based on the BMW 7 Series, the new model will become the first production vehicle developed since Alpina became a fully integrated part of the BMW Group. Its market launch is scheduled for 2027, with the official debut expected in the coming weeks.

The first teaser, published on BMW Alpina’s official Instagram account, deliberately keeps the car hidden behind a blurred image. Nevertheless, it reveals enough to suggest a low-slung luxury sedan featuring distinctive split LED headlights. The accompanying message, stating that the new model is already out on the road and that some people may have already passed it, strongly indicates that development prototypes are undergoing real-world testing on public roads.

For Alpina enthusiasts, this is an important moment. The new sedan will effectively mark the return of the brand’s flagship four-door luxury model following the end of production of the BMW Alpina B7 in 2022.

BMW Alpina’s New Flagship Will Be Inspired by the 7 Series

BMW first provided a glimpse of its new Alpina direction in May, when it presented the Vision BMW Alpina concept at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. The concept offered an early indication of how the brand intends to combine BMW’s modern design language with Alpina’s traditional approach to exclusivity, craftsmanship and long-distance comfort.

At the time, BMW confirmed that the first new production model would arrive in 2027, drawing inspiration from the 7 Series while remaining, in the company’s own words, unmistakably BMW Alpina.

Although the upcoming sedan will share its fundamental architecture with BMW’s flagship luxury car, it is expected to receive a considerably more individual identity. Spy photographs suggest that the Alpina model will feature amber-colored daytime running lights, similar to those showcased on the Vision concept, alongside a redesigned front bumper with a more prominent lower spoiler.

Other expected exterior modifications include a distinctive grille pattern, exclusive Alpina badging and specially designed alloy wheels. At the rear, the brand’s traditional quad oval exhaust outlets are likely to provide one of the most recognizable visual signatures.

These changes should help distinguish the Alpina from the standard BMW 7 Series without abandoning the elegant proportions and understated character that have defined the brand for decades.

V8 Power Expected, but an Electric Alpina Cannot Be Ruled Out

Perhaps the biggest question surrounding the upcoming BMW Alpina concerns its powertrain.

The sound of development prototypes recorded during track testing suggests that a V8 engine could be under the bonnet. If that proves correct, the new model would continue an important part of Alpina’s heritage, combining effortless performance with the refined character expected from a high-end luxury limousine.

As a reference point, the pre-facelift BMW 760i xDrive was powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 544 hp. However, there is currently no official confirmation regarding the engine specifications or output of the upcoming Alpina.

An all-electric version also remains a possibility. BMW could potentially draw inspiration from the electric powertrain used in the BMW i7 M70, which produces an impressive 680 hp. Such a configuration would give Alpina an opportunity to extend its traditional luxury philosophy into the electric flagship segment.

For now, the V8 appears to be the more intriguing possibility, particularly given the sounds reportedly produced by the prototypes. Nevertheless, BMW has yet to disclose whether the new model will be offered with combustion power, electric propulsion or multiple powertrain configurations.

BMW Alpina Will Position Itself Above BMW and Below Rolls-Royce

The transformation of Alpina into a fully integrated BMW Group brand represents more than an ownership change. It also signals a clearer positioning within BMW’s increasingly diverse luxury portfolio.

BMW intends to position Alpina between its most exclusive BMW models and Rolls-Royce, with a greater emphasis on comfort, refinement, individualization and craftsmanship than outright performance.

This strategy will place the new BMW Alpina sedan in direct competition with the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, one of the most established names in the ultra-luxury limousine segment.

Unlike BMW M, which focuses primarily on high-performance driving dynamics, Alpina has traditionally pursued a different balance. Its vehicles combine powerful engines with sophisticated suspension tuning, exceptional long-distance comfort and distinctive interior and exterior details.

That philosophy is expected to remain central to the new generation of Alpina vehicles. Rather than simply producing a more powerful 7 Series, BMW appears to be developing a genuinely more exclusive luxury automobile.

The sedan is also unlikely to be the only addition to the revived lineup. Following its introduction, an Alpina interpretation of the next-generation BMW X7 is reportedly expected, potentially extending the brand’s influence into the increasingly important ultra-luxury SUV market.

New BMW Alpina Could Cost More Than the Most Expensive 7 Series

Pricing will be another important indicator of BMW’s ambitions for Alpina.

The upcoming model is expected to cost more than the most expensive BMW 7 Series variant, reflecting its more exclusive positioning, bespoke design elements and additional luxury appointments.

That would place it firmly in the territory traditionally occupied by the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, although the final pricing structure will depend on the model’s powertrain, equipment and available customization options.

The new sedan will also carry considerable symbolic importance. It is not simply another derivative of the BMW 7 Series, but the first production model representing Alpina’s future under BMW Group ownership.

With its debut expected in the coming weeks and customer deliveries scheduled for 2027, the upcoming luxury sedan could become one of the most significant additions to BMW’s high-end portfolio.

After several years without a new B7 flagship, Alpina is preparing to return with a different identity, a renewed strategy and a clear ambition: to offer an alternative to the world’s most prestigious luxury limousines while preserving the distinctive character that made the name famous.

Source: BMW Alpina via instagram

NEW CARS

Maserati Ghibli Celebrates 60 Years with Rare 1970 Ghibli SS

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Maserati is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the legendary Ghibli with the certification of an extraordinary 1970 Ghibli SS Coupé, a historically significant example once reserved by the Maserati family. Powered by a 4.9-liter V8 producing 335 hp and capable of reaching 280 km/h, the iconic Italian grand tourer represents one of the finest expressions of the brand’s heritage.

Six decades after the Maserati Ghibli made its debut, the Trident brand is paying tribute to one of the most influential models in its history. At the center of the anniversary celebrations is a remarkable 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Coupé, chassis number AM115/49*1948*, which has received the official Certification of Authenticity from the Maserati Classiche program.

The car’s story makes it particularly special. Originally produced on November 25, 1970, for the Italian market, this example was reserved by the Maserati family and represents an important connection between the brand’s history and the people responsible for building its legacy.

Its certification is more than a recognition of an exceptionally preserved classic. It also highlights Maserati’s ongoing commitment to protecting its heritage, craftsmanship, and historical identity.

Maserati Ghibli SS: A 335 HP Italian Grand Tourer with a 280 km/h Top Speed

The 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Coupé is an impressive reminder of an era when Italian grand touring cars combined dramatic styling with powerful naturally aspirated engines and the ability to cover long distances at extraordinary speeds.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Carrozzeria Ghia, the Ghibli featured a distinctive body characterized by a long bonnet, low-slung proportions, an elegant fastback silhouette, and an unmistakably sporting personality. Its 2+2 seating configuration also provided a degree of practicality without compromising the car’s luxurious character.

This particular example was originally finished in Oro Longchamps, while its current exterior wears Giallo Fly paintwork. The yellow finish is complemented by the original black leather interior, preserving an important element of the car’s historical identity.

Under the exceptionally long bonnet sits Maserati’s formidable 4.9-liter V8 engine, producing 335 hp. Equipped with carburetors and paired with a ZF five-speed manual transmission, the powerplant sends the Ghibli SS to a claimed top speed of 280 km/h.

At the time, those figures placed the Ghibli SS among the fastest and most desirable grand touring automobiles in the world.

One of the engineering highlights was the engine’s dry-sump lubrication system, which allowed Maserati engineers to position the V8 lower in the chassis. This contributed to the Ghibli’s exceptionally low bonnet line and helped establish the car’s distinctive proportions.

The result was an automobile that combined performance, elegance, and long-distance comfort in a way that would become central to Maserati’s identity.

The Maserati Ghibli: A Design Icon Born in 1966

The story of the Maserati Ghibli began on November 3, 1966, when the Italian manufacturer unveiled its new grand touring coupé at the Turin Motor Show.

Designed by the young Giorgetto Giugiaro during his time at Carrozzeria Ghia, the Ghibli represented a significant evolution in Maserati’s design language. Its proportions were bold, its silhouette exceptionally low, and its styling remarkably clean for an era defined by some of the most influential automotive designs in history.

The long front bonnet, retractable pop-up headlights, sharply defined front end, and elegant rear fastback profile gave the Ghibli an unmistakable presence.

Even today, the original model remains one of the most recognizable examples of Italian automotive design from the 1960s.

Its name was equally distinctive. Ghibli refers to a hot, powerful desert wind originating in North Africa, continuing Maserati’s tradition of naming several of its automobiles after winds.

Following the coupé’s commercial introduction in 1967, Maserati expanded the range in 1969 with the Ghibli Spyder, which was also available with a removable hardtop.

In 1970, both body styles received the more powerful 4.9-liter V8 engine, creating the Ghibli SS versions.

The model quickly established itself as a favorite among wealthy customers, collectors, and automotive enthusiasts. Its international appeal was perhaps best illustrated by Henry Ford II, who purchased a Ghibli and subsequently had it displayed in the lobby of Ford’s Product Development Center in Detroit.

The decision was reportedly intended to inspire Ford’s designers, demonstrating just how influential the Italian grand tourer had become beyond Europe’s automotive industry.

Maserati Classiche Certification Protects the Brand’s Heritage

The certification of the 1970 Ghibli SS Coupé also places the spotlight on Maserati Classiche, the program established in Modena in 2021 to preserve, authenticate, and promote the manufacturer’s historic automobiles.

Now integrated into the wider BOTTEGAFUORISERIE project, Maserati Classiche plays an important role in ensuring that the brand’s technical knowledge, craftsmanship, and historical documentation remain accessible to future generations.

At the heart of the program is the Certification of Authenticity, a detailed process conducted by a committee of specialists. Each vehicle undergoes an extensive examination covering its technical specifications, historical documentation, and available records preserved in Maserati’s archives.

The certification is available for Maserati automobiles more than 20 years old, as well as selected special models and limited-production series.

Through its Officine Classiche facilities, the company combines historical research with technical expertise to verify the originality and authenticity of individual vehicles.

The objective is not simply to establish a car’s collector value. Maserati also wants to ensure that the knowledge and craftsmanship behind its most important models are preserved as part of the brand’s wider cultural heritage.

The Collezione Maserati Umberto Panini in Modena is another important part of this effort, providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to experience some of the manufacturer’s most significant historical automobiles.

Maserati Celebrates Six Decades of the Ghibli with Its International Owners Community

The Ghibli’s 60th anniversary celebrations will also bring together Maserati owners, collectors, and enthusiasts from across the international community.

The Maserati Owners Club Italy will mark the occasion with a special visit to the manufacturer’s headquarters in Modena, where several historically significant vehicles will be presented.

Among the highlights will be a rare Ghibli Spyder belonging to the Collezione Umberto Panini, alongside several important examples of the Quattroporte and Ghibli model families.

The collection of vehicles will include:

  • A rare Maserati Ghibli Spyder from the Collezione Umberto Panini.
  • An armored Maserati Quattroporte III previously used by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, known as the Spadolini.
  • The last Maserati Quattroporte III delivered in Italy.
  • A special Maserati Quattroporte III Royale.
  • A Maserati Ghibli II Primatist, produced in a limited series of just 36 examples.

The presence of the Ghibli II Primatist is particularly meaningful because it connects the celebrations with another important achievement in Maserati’s history.

On November 4, 1996, Italian powerboat champion Guido Cappellini established a world record in the powerboat category aboard the Primatist vessel, powered by a Maserati engine.

To commemorate that achievement, Maserati introduced the Ghibli II Primatist in 1997. With production limited to just 36 examples, the special edition became one of the most exclusive versions of the second-generation Ghibli.

November 3: A Special Date in Maserati History

The Ghibli anniversary is not the only reason November 3 holds a special place in the manufacturer’s history.

Exactly ten years after the original Ghibli’s unveiling, on November 3, 1976, Maserati presented the Quattroporte III, internally designated Project AM330, at the Turin Motor Show.

Developed as the next generation of the manufacturer’s prestigious luxury sedan, the Quattroporte III represented a different interpretation of the Maserati philosophy.

Where the Ghibli emphasized sporting elegance and high-speed grand touring, the Quattroporte III focused on combining exceptional comfort, exclusivity, and performance in a luxury four-door package.

The model would eventually become one of the brand’s most prestigious sedans and was also used by the Italian Presidency.

Together, these two automobiles illustrate the breadth of Maserati’s engineering and design ambitions, demonstrating how the manufacturer successfully combined Italian elegance with performance across different vehicle categories.

From the Original Ghibli to the Modern Maserati GranTurismo

While the original Ghibli helped establish the modern concept of the Italian grand tourer, its philosophy continues to influence Maserati’s contemporary lineup.

The modern Maserati GranTurismo represents the latest interpretation of the same principles that defined its predecessor 60 years ago.

Although separated by six decades of technological development, the two cars share several fundamental characteristics: harmonious proportions, a long bonnet, an elegant cabin, exceptional comfort, and the ability to deliver high performance without sacrificing long-distance usability.

The contemporary GranTurismo combines traditional Italian design with advanced technology and offers customers a choice between internal-combustion and fully electric powertrains.

This evolution demonstrates how Maserati intends to preserve its distinctive identity while adapting to the changing demands of the automotive industry.

The original Ghibli was created during one of the most exciting periods in Italian automotive history, when design, engineering, and performance came together to produce some of the world’s most desirable automobiles.

The modern GranTurismo carries that philosophy into a new era, maintaining the emphasis on exclusivity, driving pleasure, and unmistakable Italian character.

Six Decades of Maserati Ghibli: A Legacy That Continues

The certification of the 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Coupé provides a fitting centerpiece for the model’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

From its spectacular debut at the 1966 Turin Motor Show to the introduction of the powerful Ghibli SS, the model established itself as one of the defining automobiles of Maserati’s history.

Its combination of Giorgetto Giugiaro’s timeless design, a powerful V8 engine, exceptional performance, and grand touring refinement helped establish a formula that continues to influence the brand today.

More importantly, the story of this particular Ghibli SS demonstrates that Maserati’s heritage is not simply about preserving historic automobiles. It is about maintaining the connection between generations of engineers, designers, owners, and enthusiasts who have helped shape the Trident’s identity.

Six decades after its introduction, the Ghibli remains a powerful symbol of Italian automotive excellence, and Maserati Classiche’s certification ensures that one of its most fascinating examples will continue to tell that story for generations to come.

Source: Maserati

NEW CARS

Bentley Torcal Electric SUV Completes More Than 1 Million Kilometres of Extreme Testing

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Bentley is revealing the engineering work behind the Torcal, its first fully electric vehicle, as the luxury automaker shares details of an extensive global development programme involving more than 1 million kilometres of testing. From the frozen landscapes of Sweden to the scorching heat of the desert and the high-altitude roads of Colorado, the Torcal has been subjected to some of the most demanding conditions imaginable to ensure it delivers the refinement, performance and craftsmanship expected of the British luxury brand.

With temperatures ranging from -38°C to more than 40°C and testing altitudes extending from sea level to over 14,000 feet at Pikes Peak, the development programme goes far beyond validating an electric powertrain. Bentley has also introduced advanced virtual engineering tools, sophisticated software integration processes and an extensive battery safety validation programme as it prepares the Torcal for customer deliveries.

The result is one of the most comprehensive engineering programmes in the company’s history, designed to ensure that electrification does not compromise the qualities that define a Bentley.

Bentley Torcal: More Than 1 Million Kilometres of Global Testing

Developing a luxury electric vehicle capable of delivering consistent performance in vastly different environments presents unique engineering challenges. For the Torcal, Bentley’s engineers have conducted extensive testing across a wide range of climates, road conditions and operating environments.

The development fleet has faced severe winter conditions in Sweden, where temperatures can plunge to -38°C, as well as desert environments exceeding 40°C. Engineers have also evaluated the vehicle at extreme altitudes, including locations above 14,000 feet at Pikes Peak in Colorado.

These tests help establish how the vehicle’s systems perform under different environmental conditions, including the challenges associated with temperature extremes and changing atmospheric conditions.

The programme also reflects the demands of preparing a new Bentley for international markets, where customers expect consistent comfort, reliability and performance regardless of the climate or terrain.

More than 1 million kilometres of accumulated testing by prototype and pre-series vehicles have allowed engineers to identify potential weaknesses, refine vehicle systems and validate components before production.

For Bentley, this process is particularly important because the Torcal represents a significant technological milestone: the transition to an entirely electric vehicle while preserving the brand’s established standards of luxury and refinement.

Extended Reality Transforms Bentley’s Vehicle Development

One of the most significant innovations introduced during the Torcal programme is the expanded use of Extended Reality (XR), which Bentley has employed more extensively than ever before.

XR combines physical and digital environments, allowing engineers and designers to interact with virtual vehicle components as though they were working with physical parts. The technology is particularly valuable during the early stages of vehicle development, when changes to architecture, ergonomics and cabin layout can otherwise become expensive and time-consuming.

Using Bentley’s XR Hub, the company’s Concept Validation team created a fully digital version of the Torcal’s interior. The virtual environment includes adjustable seating positions, interactive controls and a realistic cabin layout, enabling engineers to assess how occupants will interact with the vehicle.

This approach allows the team to evaluate important ergonomic considerations before physical components have been manufactured. Seating positions, control placement and the overall cabin experience can be adjusted and assessed virtually, helping ensure that the finished vehicle feels intuitive and comfortable.

By identifying and resolving potential problems earlier in the development process, Bentley can reduce development time, improve flexibility and limit the need for unnecessary physical prototypes.

The technology also supports more sustainable engineering practices by reducing material use and avoiding some of the rework associated with late-stage design changes.

For a luxury manufacturer, however, the objective extends beyond efficiency. Every control, seating position and interaction must contribute to an interior experience that feels unmistakably Bentley.

Physical Validation Remains Essential

Although virtual engineering has become an increasingly important part of modern vehicle development, Bentley continues to rely on physical validation to ensure that components meet the company’s exacting standards.

Physical Design Confirmation remains a critical stage in the Torcal programme, allowing engineers to assess component fit, clearances, serviceability, assembly quality and the way customers interact with the vehicle.

More than 90 per cent of the Torcal’s parts were available during this stage, allowing engineers to conduct extensive assessments and provide rapid feedback to the design and manufacturing teams.

Advanced laser-scanning technology was used to compare physical components directly against their original computer-aided design (CAD) data. This makes it possible to identify dimensional deviations early and determine whether components require further refinement.

Bentley also employed sequenced slow-build exercises, in which the vehicle was assembled under carefully controlled conditions to simulate production processes. These exercises helped validate assembly procedures, manufacturing flow and the integration of individual components.

Combining virtual development with physical inspection allows Bentley to identify potential problems at different stages of the programme, improving the chances of resolving them before full-scale production begins.

The approach is particularly important for a vehicle as technologically complex as the Torcal, where mechanical components, electrical systems, software and battery technology must work together seamlessly.

Advanced Electrical Architecture and Software Integration

The Torcal’s electrical systems represent another major engineering challenge for Bentley as it prepares to enter the fully electric luxury vehicle segment.

Three specialist teams have worked continuously across electrical architecture, software integration and validation testing. Their combined responsibility is to develop an electrical ecosystem capable of supporting the vehicle’s advanced functions while maintaining the reliability and seamless operation customers expect from the brand.

Software development follows a structured six-week integration cycle. At each stage, a new software integration level incorporates refinements, additional functionality and performance improvements.

Every release undergoes rigorous testing in laboratory environments and physical vehicles before moving to the next phase of development.

This process allows engineers to identify software-related issues, evaluate interactions between different vehicle systems and verify that new functions do not compromise existing capabilities.

The importance of this work is increasing across the automotive industry as modern vehicles become more dependent on software to control powertrain operation, safety systems, connectivity and other onboard technologies.

For Bentley, the challenge is to ensure that this growing technological complexity remains largely invisible to the driver. The Torcal must deliver a cohesive and effortless driving experience rather than exposing occupants to the complexity of the systems working behind the scenes.

Bentley Torcal Battery: High Energy Density and Extensive Safety Testing

The battery is one of the most important components of the Torcal’s electric architecture, bringing new engineering requirements alongside the vehicle’s advanced powertrain.

According to Bentley, the battery achieves an energy density of more than 180 Wh/kg and weighs approximately 625 kilograms. Its development has involved extensive durability assessments, safety validation and regulatory compliance testing designed to meet global requirements.

Protecting the battery from damage is a central part of the vehicle’s safety strategy. Bentley has therefore incorporated a composite impact shield beneath the battery pack to help protect the cells and associated components from impacts to the vehicle’s underside.

The battery system also incorporates multiple layers of protection and monitoring intended to support occupant safety across a wide range of operating conditions.

Several demanding tests are used to evaluate its resilience.

Two-hour fire resistance testing

One of the most stringent requirements involves a thermal incident. The battery must remain free from fire propagation or explosion for a minimum of two hours under the specified test conditions.

This requirement is intended to assess the battery system’s ability to contain a serious thermal event and limit the risk of it spreading to other cells or components.

High-speed underside impact testing

The battery enclosure is also subjected to an extreme impact test designed to simulate potential damage from road debris or other objects striking the vehicle’s underside.

A steel projectile measuring 30 millimetres in diameter and weighing approximately 111 grams is launched at the battery enclosure at speeds exceeding 100 mph.

The test evaluates the enclosure’s resistance to high-energy impacts and helps engineers assess the effectiveness of the protective structure beneath the battery.

Corrosion and environmental durability

Additional validation includes salt-spray corrosion exposure and a comprehensive programme of environmental and durability assessments.

These tests help establish how the battery enclosure and its protective components withstand environmental exposure over time.

Together, the procedures form part of a broader strategy designed to protect the battery, maintain system integrity and reduce risks to vehicle occupants.

While no battery system can eliminate every possible risk, Bentley’s extensive validation programme is intended to ensure that the Torcal’s battery meets demanding safety and durability requirements before the vehicle reaches customers.

Why Bentley’s Camouflaged Prototypes Look Different

The extensive testing programme also explains why the Torcal’s development vehicles have spent so much time hidden beneath camouflage.

Before a new Bentley is officially revealed, prototype and pre-series vehicles must undergo real-world testing while keeping the final design confidential. The camouflage strategy evolves as development progresses and the vehicle moves closer to production.

Some prototypes use elaborate graphic wraps designed to distort body lines and make it difficult to interpret photographs. Others feature temporary body panels and physical camouflage that conceal important styling details.

The level of concealment depends on the development stage, the test environment and the features engineers need to evaluate.

As the Torcal approaches customer deliveries, Bentley is now beginning to remove the camouflage from its development fleet, offering a clearer look at the vehicle that has spent years undergoing intensive testing.

The transition from heavily disguised prototypes to production-ready vehicles marks an important milestone in the programme, even though the engineering work continues until the final validation requirements have been satisfied.

Bentley’s Electric Future Depends on More Than Performance

The Torcal represents a significant step in Bentley’s transition towards electrification, but the development programme demonstrates that the company’s priorities extend well beyond the powertrain itself.

The challenge is to combine advanced battery technology, sophisticated electrical architecture and increasingly digital development processes with the qualities that have traditionally defined the brand: craftsmanship, comfort, refinement and effortless performance.

The use of Extended Reality demonstrates how Bentley is changing its engineering methods, while physical validation, laser scanning and carefully controlled assembly exercises ensure that digital designs translate accurately into real-world components.

Meanwhile, the global testing programme and extensive battery safety assessments underline the importance of proving the vehicle under demanding conditions before customer deliveries begin.

With more than 1 million kilometres of testing completed by its prototype and pre-series fleet, the Torcal has undergone an extensive development journey. As camouflage begins to disappear from the remaining test vehicles, Bentley is bringing its first fully electric vehicle closer to the next stage of its launch.

For the British luxury automaker, the ultimate measure of success will be whether the Torcal can deliver the benefits of electrification while retaining the distinctive driving experience and attention to detail expected of a Bentley.

Source: Bentley