The Bovensiepen family, founders of legendary German BMW tuning house Alpina, have launched their own coachbuilding business with the unveiling of a new 600bhp super-GT at the Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza.
With Alpina now owned by BMW itself, the family is shifting its focus to become "a manufacturer of outstanding automobiles that embody the ambition of fine driving".
The first post-Alpina project from the outfit – named simply Bovensiepen – is an imposing, BMW M4-based grand tourer called Zagato, in reference to the famous Italian design house responsible for its styling.
Zagato has previously collaborated with Aston Martin, Ferrari, Bentley, Maserati and Alfa Romeo, and its first effort for Bovensiepen is described as "a harmonious composition of individual design" which "features and bears the unmistakable signature of the traditional Milanese design studio".
It is said to take more than 250 hours to build the Zagato, of which production will be "strictly limited" - though no precise figure has been given. Pricing and availability will be given at the end of this year, ahead of deliveries beginning in summer next year.
Each car can be, Bovensiepen promises, "as unique as its owner", with extensive personalisation options available for the interior and exterior.
It is extensively differentiated from the BMW on which it is based by a totally bespoke treatment at the front and rear, a reshaped bonnet and side profile, and Zagato's trademark 'double bubble' roof.
The Bovensiepen Zagato features a 3.0-litre straight six engine that produces 603bhp and 516lb ft for a 0-62mph time of just 3.3 seconds, and a top speed in excess of 186mph, Bovensiepen claims.
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I always liked Alpina for delivering the understated elegant brilliance that reminds us of what BMW used to offer before it went loud, brash and vulgar.So yes, I agree, maybe there's still room for an understated car that exists to deliver a self-confident yet polite driving experience that doesn't need to shout "look at how aggressive I am", yet still allows you to get around as quickly and with as much driving pleasure and comfort as one can reasonably hope for.
Still see BMW DNA,and it just doesn't look the money,the front end looks like a top of a range of a major manufacturer,it's just not special enough looking.
Still think the front valance could do with a bit more work though,but, I agree with your idea.
My thoughts exactly. I would easily miss this if I drove past it.