This is a limited edition 2003 BMW Roadster V8 (Alpina Z8) of 555 total vehicles worldwide produced for only 1 production year. It is powered by a 4.8 liter V8 producing 375 hp with 383 lb/ft of torque.
Alpina V8 Roadster - With production of the Z8 completed by
November 2002, for 2003 the Z8 production was replaced by
the Alpina V8 Roadster. The Alpina was a departure from
the hard-edged sporting focus of the original car, and elements of
the new grand touring intent were evident throughout this final
edition. Instead of the original six-speed manual and 4.9 L
(S62) engine featured in earlier Z8's, the Alpina came only as an
automatic, using a five-speed BMW Steptronic transmission
mated to a downgraded 4.8 L Alpina-tuned V8 motor from the
Alpina E39 B10 V8 S (M62). In order to complete the car's
transition from sports car to boulevardier, relaxed suspension
tuning was used. The standard Z8's run-flat tires on
18 in (46 cm) wheels were discarded in favor of
conventional tires with softer sidewalls, on 20 in
(51 cm) wheels. A new, softer grade of Nappa leather replaced
the Z8's less supple specification, and special Alpina gauges were
featured on the dash cluster. An Alpina steering wheel with three
solid spokes replaced the original, which could not be retrofitted
with shift paddles for the automatic. Gear selection was displayed
in an Alpina-specific display mounted in front of the wheel.
Performance of the Alpina V8 differed from that of the standard car
in that peak power was reduced to 375 hp (280 kW)
while peak torque was raised to 383 lb⋅ft (519 N⋅m).
