Alpina B6 Vs. BMW M6 Is The 1,200-HP Matchup We've Been Itching To See

These two similar cars are actually very different.

If you want a BMW tuned to deliver blistering speed, you don't even need to leave the dealership. Everyone knows that if you want a fast BMW, you buy an M. Or do you? The M division is not the only tuning company that builds a badass version of BMW models. Alpina has been around since 1965, and has created some of the coolest BMWs over the past half century. The company even makes its own version of the 6 Series Gran Coupe called the B6. Like the M6, the B6 has 600 horsepower, but it also has way more torque and an extra gear.

The differences don't stop there. Although these two cars seem very similar on paper, MotorTrend proves that they are actually quite different. The M6 is tuned for dynamic handling while the B6 is geared towards comfort. So which is better?

Both cars pack 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engines with 600 hp. The M6 has 516 lb-ft of torque and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission while the B6 has 590 lb-ft of torque and an eight-speed automatic. Both cars start at around $120,000 and look fantastic. Since the M6 is no slouch when it comes to comfort, it is the one we would choose. But if you want something that is supremely comfortable and really fast, the Alpina B6 is certainly worth a look.

1,200-HP Audi RS3 Is The Ultimate EV Conversion

Four electric motors make this converted RS3 as quick as a Ferrari 488 Pista.

With 395 horsepower in a compact form, the Audi RS3 is no slouch. The RS3 LMS racer had to be detuned a little for racing to 350 hp. But this one packs over a thousand. Called the 4ePerformance concept, it's the work of Schaeffler Technologies – one of Audi's racing partners that sponsors its Formula E and DTM teams. But as closely related as it ostensibly is to the RS3 LMS touring car, it's not made to race. Instead it's a technological showpiece.

The concept integrates four of the electric motors that Audi and Schaeffler use in the battery-powered single-seat racing series. Like the ones that powered Lucas di Grassi to the 2016/17 Formula E world championship.

All told, it packs 880 kW, or 1,200 metric horsepower. The only performance stat the company released is a 0-200 km/h (124 mph) sprint that it'll cover in under seven seconds. That puts it on about the same level as the Ferrari 488 Pista, which runs to 62 in the two-second range. The electric motors are connected directly to the wheels, with a gearbox at each axle. That gives it individual torque vectoring for each wheel for superior control, backed up by a 64 kWh battery. It's an impressive piece of kit, to be sure. Shame it stands little chance of ever being put into production – for either road or track. But it just goes to show what's possible in the burgeoning field of electric propulsion.