Looks like Alpina has received the green light from BMW to begin developing the next B7 based on the G11 codenamed 7-Series.

We won’t blame you for asking how are we so sure that this is a B7 prototype, as there’s nothing different over the regular 2016 BMW 7-Series that was introduced a month ago. The answer to that lies in the license plates that are from Germany’s Ostallgäu district in Bavaria where Alpina has its headquarters.

By the time the B7 enters production, it will gain some light cosmetic updates on the outside to differentiate itself from the plain 7s, such as Alpina’s trademark wheels, chin and boot-lid spoilers, bespoke lower-rear bumper trim and quad pipes. Alpina will also give the car’s interior a material and trim makeover.

However, it’s the under-the-hood upgrades that will really make the B7 pop, with Alpina believed to use a further developed version of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the B5 and B6 cars where it produces 600PS (592hp) and 590 lb-ft (799Nm) paired to a modified eight-speed automatic with steering wheel buttons. Some upgrades to the chassis are also to be expected.

The new Alpina B7 will likely debut in the first half of 2016 as a 2017MY.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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