German Car Zone

Let's mull over some numbers.

2.0 liters. 200 horsepower. 302 lb-ft. 7.4 seconds. 6 speeds. 47.9 miles per gallon* combined.

Put them all together in one car, and you have the Alpina D3, a serious diesel performer wrapped up in a BMW 3-series shell and made better by the magicians at Alpina. Packing 100hp/liter, the D3 is more than capable of holding its own against BMW's 330i. Sure the 330 is a second quicker to 60, but we're betting that the Alpina-massaged diesel is the more fun car to drive, thanks to its sizeable torque -- better than the 330's gasoline I6's by 82 lb-ft.

At the fuel pump, the matchup between the D3 and a 330i turns into a rout. The D3's 47.9 mpg rivals the numbers put out by some city cars, and is significantly better than the 330i's 32 mpg in the combined cycle. Consider that the 330 also requires premium unleaded and the economy gap widens even further.

Finally, since it's an Alpina, buyers get the special blue paint, an exclusive aero kit, 19" wheels, and an impressive list of interior upgrades. All that for £26,995? It's a steal. The 330i's pricing starts at over £2,000 more, and while it's undeniably excellent, it lacks the Alpina's cachet.

Powerful, economical, exclusive and fun -- that's the BMW Alpina D3 in a nutshell. We'd love to have one.

*MPG figures are in Imperial gallons. 1 Imperial gallon = 1.2 gallons

(Pics, Press Release after the jump)

[Source: Alpina]



PRESS RELEASE:

The new BMW ALPINA D3 Diesel Saloon
Details of the highest performance 2.0 litre 3-Series diesel announced.

The BMW ALPINA D3 saloon takes the unique collaboration between the two companies into a new market segment. Built alongside the BMW 320d, the D3 derivative raises the bar for 2.0 litre diesel power and performance, with 100hp per litre on tap, and a top speed of 145mph. Yet the car has one of the lowest CO2 figures in the entire BMW range and offers nearly 50mpg on the combined cycle.

2.0 litre diesel engine with 200hp, 302 lbs-ft of torque

Six speed manual transmission

0-62mph in 7.4 secs

Max speed 145mph

Combined consumption 47.9mpg

CO2 rating 156g/km

Price £26,995 OTR
Unmistakable but exclusive

Externally, the silhouette of the new ALPINA D3 is unique, with exclusive aerodynamic front and rear spoilers, 19" ALPINA wheels, and twin polished tailpipes. Inside, the D3 boasts half leather sports seats, trademark ALPINA steering wheel, gear knob, and instruments with red needles over blue dials, and an individually numbered production plaque. The floor mats and door sill trims also bear the ALPINA logo.
History

ALPINA have been working in conjunction with BMW for over 40 years, and before a new BMW model is launched ALPINA have access to BMW's own development programme. Engineers from both companies communicate closely, and this allows ALPINA to add the extra dimensions of performance and handling to BMW cars which already represent the ultimate for most drivers.

However, innovation must enhance 'real world' performance. Hence the D3's dual personality – exciting but economical. Few other cars in any class have the same ability to deliver the consummate open-road driving experience – all with meagre fuel consumption and minimal environmental cost. All this and the £26,995 price add up to an unbeatable combination, but don't expect to see the new D3 on every street corner – ALPINA GB only expect to be able to get around 100 cars for 2006!