1990–1991 Alpina Z1 Roadster Limited Edition - RLE Specs & Performance

The 1990–1991 ALPINA Z1 Roadster Limited Edition RLE was ALPINA’s first open-top production model and one of its rarest creations. Based on the innovative BMW Z1, it transformed an already unusual roadster into a highly exclusive ALPINA, with only 66 examples produced. That limited production is a major part of the RLE’s appeal today.

ALPINA’s most important change was beneath the bodywork. The standard Z1’s six-cylinder engine was enlarged to 2.7 liters and extensively reworked with ALPINA-specific internal components, producing 200 PS and 261 Nm. That extra performance gave the RLE a 231 km/h top speed and a 0–100 km/h time of 7.1 seconds, but the car remained more than a straight-line performance upgrade. Distinctive ALPINA wheels, interior details, badging, and the characteristic understated approach to styling made the RLE feel like a genuinely special alternative to the already unconventional Z1. With its tiny production run and bespoke mechanical treatment, it has become one of the most collectible early ALPINA roadsters.