BMW Alpina B3 BiTurbo at Frankfurt

In ALPINA’s more than 40-year history of manufacturing automobiles, turbo-charged engines have consistently set enduring accents. Launched in 1989, the BMW ALPINA B10 Bi-Turbo is just one example of the cult status some of these automobiles achieved. In fact, ALPINA’s turbo-charging history began in 1978, based on the 5 Series and 6 Series of the day. The new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo models continue this tradition, for the first time on the basis of the BMW 3 Series.

The new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo Cabrio – Indulging One’s Senses

An automobile will celebrate its world première at this years Frankfurt IAA, which will enable its drivers to reach for the skies, igniting a firework of emotions. Tangibly creating its own rendition of top-down motoring, the new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo Cabrio embodies undiluted fervour.

360 hp, 500 Nm – absurd in an convertible? The opulent torque of the turbo-charged inline six-cylinder guarantees a myriad of driving experiences – only limited by the driver‘s imagination. Especially alluring is the ability to cruise in relaxed fashion – far afield of any rev-limit orgies – a most pleasurable automotive stroll. This leaves time for open-top motoring. A mélange of fresh air, sweet smells and the finely-composed exhaust note – powerful, sonorous, but never intrusive.

Noble touches such as warm ALPINA wood, standard leather and the traditional ALPINA instrument cluster, with red pointers over clear, minimalist blue dials, all lend a feeling of luxury and comfort. The carefully-honed aerodynamics yield the expected ALPINA appearance: a perfect design blend of form and function.

The fully-retractable hardtop proffers two worlds – as Cabrio, or with the hardtop closed, as a fully-functional, four-season automobile. At the touch of a button, the Cabrio becomes a Coupé, built so that one may enjoy relaxed, comfortable long-distance tours.

The new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo Coupé – Athletics with Aesthetics

The new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo Coupé achieves the ideal: the most attractive 3 Series Coupé yet, impresses with outer and inner values – especially those svelte, elegant lines. A world-class athlete in multiple disciplines: in the sprint – at 0-100km/h in 4.8 sec – as well as in the marathon – with ranges of more than 300 miles, showcase the B3 Coupé’s best side. Audible enjoyment is provided by the quartett of endpipes and their fitting bass note.

The sporty character is evidenced by the extremely short shift intervals – especially in the SWITCH-TRONIC manual mode. Ambitious drivers will especially enjoy the blip of the throttle on down-shifts in this mode. SWITCH-TRONIC allows the entire rev range to be accessed on down-shift, without upsetting the automobile’s balanced handling.

Exceptional chassis rigidity and the BMW 3 Series’ five-link rear suspension provide the raw materials for superior driving dynamics. Response to turn in is made even more exacting by stiffer rear sub-frame bushings. The suspension settings are firmer than those of the saloon and more in keeping with the B3 Coupé’s character. Thanks to the low kerb weight the handling is sublimely agile, delivering at once neutral, controllable handling and a high performance envelope.

With a CW of 0.30, the slender chassis’ aerodynamic efficiency is better than that of many sports cars. It comes as no surprise then, that comparison drives between Buchloe’s newest 360 hp / 500 Nm creation and a certain new 420 hp super-sports-car from Ingolstadt, ended in a dead heat. In the sum of its parts, the B3 Coupé is the everyday super-sports-car incarnate.
The BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo Saloon – Frugal, Quick and Comfortable

The Coupé’s qualities are found in equal measure in the B3 Saloon, though the Saloon provides a level of comfort by means of its four doors, that is most appreciated by families. The rear seats are just as enjoyable as the front seats on long journeys, supporting the day-to-day usability premise.
Innovative Technology, class leading Fuel Economy and exceptional Performance – Attributes found in all B3 Bi-Turbo Variants

The heart of the B3 Bi-Turbo offers 265 kW (360 hp) at 5,500 - 6,000 revolutions per minute, as well as maximum torque of 500 Nm from 3,800 - 5,000 rpm. The B3 Bi-Turbo’s engine has a sporty engine’s willingness to rev to 7,000 rpm. Equally as present but usually reserved for diesel engines, there is vigorous torque from 1,300 rpm onwards. The result: a powerband broader than ever before experienced, guaranteeing both sporty and bullish driving dynamics.

Technically, this is all made possible due to the exceptional BMW base engine with injectors centrally located over the pistons – the state-of-the-art in direct injection technology. For more than a year, ALPINA engineers researched, developed and tested, both on the engine test bench and on the road. Ever refining the ALPINA engine map to leverage all the advantages offered by modern direct injection, the potential inherent in the BMW basis was maximised. The use of extremely durable MAHLE pistons allows for a maximum boost of 1.1 bar with a 9.4:1 compression ratio. The result, peak specific values of 89 kW (121 hp) per litre and a maximum average pressure of 21 bar.

The allure of the new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo is found in its V8 like performance, but with the advantages of a much lighter and noticeably thriftier 3.0-litre straight-six, a six with an aluminium block and twin-turbo charging. The smooth-running nature inherent in this engine concept is even more prominent when the engine is charged.

The BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo embodies pure driving enjoyment – whether cruising along or enjoying all 7,000 revs in each gear. The reason for the spontaneous responsiveness of the B3 Bi-Turbo is the ZF 6-speed sport automatic transmission with its very short shift sequences, which smoothly processes the power through the drivetrain without any uncomfortable interruption of forward momentum. The driver may also choose to shift manually at the wheel using SWITCH-TRONIC, which contributes in no small part to both the awe-inspiring performance numbers and the ability to save fuel in top gear. Frugality and driving excitement are therefore not contradictory in the B3 Bi-Turbo. Driven by high torque means using sixth gear on the Autobahn is more than sufficient in almost all situations.

The engine’s kick is extraordinary: 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds (Cabrio: 5.0 s) and thrust-like acceleration that keeps pulling all the way up to a top speed of 285 km/h. Indulgence without remorse: in spite of its stellar performance, the new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo achieves excellent fuel economy, especially in comparison to its competitors. One of the B3 Bi-Turbo’s features that literally stands out are the four exhaust tips, with their EMITEC catalytic converters contributing significantly to the achieving of Euro4 emissions standards.

Immediately noticeable is the B3 Bi-Turbo’s light-footed, extremely agile handling. The secret lies in an ideal 50/50 weight distribution between front and rear axles in combination with ALPINA’s neutral and supple suspension. Augmenting this agility are light-weight 18” ALPINA CLASSIC wheels shod with conventional MICHELIN tyres, 225/40 ZR18 front and 265/40 ZR18 rear, with a conscious choice having been made not to use heavy Run-Flat tyres. 19” wheels offer an even higher level of potential lateral acceleration – in either DYNAMIC or CLASSIC design.

Typically ALPINA – the finest Materials, superior Ergonomics and high levels of Safety

The intense driving experience and the immediate bonding with the B3 Bi-Turbo are markedly influenced by fine materials and superior ergonomics. The standard leather interior features comfortably-padded sport seats with excellent lateral support, making long journeys a joy. The ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel falls perfectly to hand and affords a clear view of the typical ALPINA blue instruments with their red pointers. As demanded by any enthusiastic driver, the provision of essential information in the form of the analogue oil temperature gauge (from 70° - 170° C) located below the rev counter means the B3 Bi-Turbo can be pushed to its limits, once the minimum oil temperature of 70° C has been reached. Next to the analogue speedometer, the B3 Bi-Turbo also provides a digital speed read-out as well as average fuel economy and instantaneous fuel economy figures – thrifty driving also creates driving pleasure.

ALPINA’s newest creation reduces aerodynamic lift, especially approaching top speed. The greatest contributing factors are the optimised front and rear aerodynamics, helping guarantee true driving safety, not just creating a feeling of safety.

Automotive Delicacies – Unique and full of Attention to Detail

In quite exclusive fashion, we’ll complete but a few hundred B3 Bi-Turbos in Buchloe per annum for automotive connoisseurs. As tradition holds, each automobile will be fitted with an ALPINA plaque identifying its unique production number.

With the advent of the BMW ALPINA Bi-Turbo models, ALPINA serve up automotive delicacies that remains positively anchored in one’s memory, re-inforced each time one slides behind the wheel. Enjoyment, caring attention to detail and a unique driving environment meld to form a synergy of elegance and dynamism. The new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo turns every drive into a gratifying experience– whether Cabrio, Coupé or Saloon.
Fuel Economy and CO2

BMW ALPINA automobiles have always been known for their good fuel economy coupled with excellent performance. The B3 Coupé is best-in-class in performance and CO2 emissions, with a combined fuel economy of 9.7 l/100km (29.1 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 232 g/km. The B3 Saloon achieves 9,8 l/100km (28.8 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 234 g/km, with the Cabrio yielding 9,9 l/100km (28.5 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 237 g/km.

[Source: Alpina via WCF]

Thanks, Martin!

I'd really like to hear from (other) Martin on above quote...

Alpina are holding back on the top-end power no doubt. We knew this was coming, didn't we, chaps? Huge performance. Silky straight six.

I used to dislike Alpinas.

Then two silly twits called Just_me and TycoonGTR converted me. I hate them for it. Bastards.

Alpinas rock - without succumbing to that horrible aftermarket image.

Is it just me or Alpina green is much nicer than blue?I don´t usualy like green cars(Jags are exception) but this variant looks awesome .

You're absolutely right! Alpina Green is an awesome colour - it harmonise perfect to the elegance and understatement of the cars and looks better then Alpina Blue (If it should be blue, I would prefer a darker one, like the "normal" colour Monaco Blue)!

I agree with you that Alpina Green II is a great colour, but in my opinion it's Alpina Blue that suits Alpinas the best. Green is more elegant, blue on the other hand more sporty. That's why I like the second one more Beside it, the new green colour was introduced this year (or 2006) and before all press releases of Alpina showed only blue cars.

I think it's great - now anyone can choose between his favourite colour!! Elegance or Sport - or you go with a BMW standard colour...