Yearly, Monterey Automotive Week delivers a parade of one-offs, ideas, and ultra-rare machines. However few had folks craning their necks fairly just like the Bovensiepen Zagato. Even higher, we didn’t simply get to see it parked on the Idea Garden or at The Quail — we scored a world-exclusive experience with Andreas Bovensiepen himself, the person behind the automotive and the previous CEO of ALPINA.
A New Chapter for the Bovensiepen Identify
For BMW fans, the Bovensiepen identify is inseparable from ALPINA. Based by Andreas’ father and guided into the trendy period by Andreas, the small Buchloe-based firm constructed a few of the most characterful efficiency BMWs ever made. When BMW formally acquired ALPINA in 2022, many questioned what Andreas would do subsequent. The reply, it appears, is that this: a daring collaboration with Zagato, the legendary Italian coachbuilder.
The automotive takes the bones of the BMW M4 Convertible and reshapes them into one thing totally totally different. Carbon-fiber physique panels, a trademark “double-bubble” roof, and a sleeker silhouette give it presence that the usual M4 can’t match.
Extra Than an M4 in a Fancy Swimsuit
At first look, you may assume that is simply an M4 in couture clothes. It isn’t. Below the hood, the acquainted S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six has been turned up previous 600 horsepower, giving it efficiency to again up its dramatic strains. Prime velocity? North of 300 km/h.
Inside, it’s a mixture of acquainted BMW ergonomics with bespoke particulars that set it aside. Consider it much less as a manufacturing automotive and extra as a hand-built GT, geared toward collectors who need one thing no showroom can supply.
Using with Andreas Bovensiepen
Our experience befell on the winding roads of Pebble Seaside, the type of surroundings that makes any automotive really feel particular. Sliding into the passenger seat subsequent to Andreas Bovensiepen added weight to the event. Andreas isn’t your typical automotive government. He’s the person who helped flip ALPINA right into a cult favourite amongst BMW followers — and as a former 24 Hours of Nürburgring winner, he is aware of efficiency from behind the wheel too. Now, he’s channeling that have into one thing totally new.
As we rolled by the pines and alongside the Pacific, Andreas spoke about why tasks like this matter. In his phrases, it’s about retaining the artwork of coachbuilding alive, mixing German engineering with Italian creativity. Listening to that whereas watching the Zagato’s lengthy hood stretch out forward gave the automotive context that no spec sheet ever may.
And the sound? The Akrapovič exhaust gave it a deeper, tougher edge than the usual M4 Convertible. You possibly can hear the distinction straight away. Alongside the roadside, folks turned their heads and pulled out their telephones — proof the Zagato attracts simply as a lot consideration in movement because it does parked.
Feelings And Vehicles Nonetheless Go Collectively
Among the many dozens of unveilings and ideas throughout Monterey Automotive Week, the Bovensiepen Zagato stood out as a result of it felt private. A ardour undertaking. A reminder that, in an period of software-defined automobiles and EV prototypes, there’s nonetheless room for one thing hand-crafted and emotional.
And for us, the possibility to experience in it — with Andreas Bovensiepen on the wheel — was greater than only a Automotive Week spotlight. It was a glimpse at what occurs when heritage, design, and efficiency collide. Watch our unique experience with Andreas Bovensiepen within the Zagato under:
