Alpina considers building hybrid models in the future

Alpina is a small manufacturer from the Bavarian region that bases its business on models from BMW. It adds a further touch of luxury and exclusivity to the finest saloons from the German brand, improving the trim, optimising the performance of the latest-generation turbodiesel engines (on which its recent success has been based) and, as a distinctive touch, its well-known multi-spoke alloy wheels with a turbine look.

Now, Alpina’s President, Andy Bovensiepen, stated during the celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary that he wishes to launch a hybrid model, but only when BMW makes a suitable vehicle on which to base its own car. This change of direction is driven by the growing success of cars powered by hybrid systems and by purely electric ones.

“Hybrid technology is advancing rapidly. We are seeing what I would call ‘second-generation’ hybrids and electric vehicles, such as the BMW i8, and it is becoming increasingly interesting,” Bovensiepen recently stated. “If we get a good technical base from a BMW car and also see sales figures take off, then we could have a car ready within two years.” But the Alpina President’s interest in alternative fuel engines does not end there, as he also revealed that they would study alternative fossil fuels, including LPG.

According to the President, the reason Alpina has not yet ventured into hybrid territory is that its customers demand powerful cars that are useful for everyday driving, so current hybrid technology has not delivered sufficient results and he does not consider a range of 300 kilometres to be sufficient for its customers. On the other hand, Bovensiepen praised the six-cylinder petrol engine of BMW, given the strong demand for diesel, while acknowledging that petrol engines are also recording very strong gains.

Via | AutoCar