The new BMW ALPINA D3 Bi-Turbo sets entirely new standards of performance and efficiency in its segment - all in the familiar, harmonious ALPINA style.
The numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 summarise the key data of the new D3 Bi-Turbo like pearls on a chain: Vmax 278 km/h, 350 bhp, 4.6 s from 0-100 km/h, 5.3 l/100 km (139 g/km CO2), EU6, 700 Nm.
The first D3 to come out of Buchloe appeared in 2005 as a turbocharged, 2-litre in-line four cylinder model, and delivered a number of surprises – it was not the first diesel to wear the ALPINA badge, but it was unusual for ALPINA not to lead the performance table and instead go with an engine that albeit extremely economical had a small displacement. This D3 later advanced to become the Bi-Turbo, acquiring significantly more driving culture and performance in the process. Together with an extensive range of body styles and the typical harmonious interaction of performance, poise and handling, this model became the highest selling BMW ALPINA to date, with a total of over 2000 vehicles delivered.
The new D3 Bi-Turbo presented at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show is a logical and consistent step: the extremely successful and proven straight-six 3-litre diesel with Bi-Turbo charging, known from the D5 Bi-Turbo and most recently also the XD3, now finds its way into the new and multi-award winning BMW 3 Series.
With the new BMW ALPINA D3 Bi-Turbo, ALPINA is once again setting the benchmark, combining extraordinary performance and excellent efficiency with familiar ALPINA virtues appreciated by our customers worldwide.
Chassis & Suspension
Like every automobile made by ALPINA, the new D3 Bi-Turbo also places special demands on its chassis. The intelligent chassis layout permits a high level of comfort over long distances and in urban traffic, as well as marked driving dynamics and sportiness.
The adaptive ALPINA sports chassis solves this conflict of interests by means of electronically adjustable dampers in collaboration with tuned springs, additional springs and anti-roll bars. It allows the driver to use the Drive Performance Control to select the chassis setting and driving dynamic properties (Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, Sport+). Subtle measures taken on the elastokinematics as well as on the camber and toe in values adapted to the wheel/tyre combination achieve the neutral handling that is typical of ALPINA. The 19" ALPINA CLASSIC wheels with MICHELIN Pilot Sport tyres, in conjunction with a stiffening of the body at the front of the car, contribute to the high level of accuracy, precise steering behaviour and light handling. Overall, the chassis offers a high degree of comfort and sportiness, achieves neutral handling across a wide range of driving situations and ensures stability – and therefore a good sense of safety even at high speeds.
The Drive Performance Control also controls further parameters that influence the driving dynamics, such as the power steering and the driving stability control system. The latter is subject to an ALPINA-specific sporty coding designed for the chassis of the D3 Bi-Turbo. The variable sports steering from BMW, which is installed as standard, has a progressive characteristic that significantly reduces the steering movements required when parking, for example.
Optimal braking values are provided by an 18" high-performance brake system, with 370 mm brake discs at the front and 345 mm brake discs at the rear. Aluminium callipers (4-piston on front axle, 2-piston on rear axle) painted in blue and bearing the ALPINA logo, in conjunction with highly temperature-resistant pads, ensure fading stability and excellent pedal feedback.
In order to ensure brisk and dynamic driving also in the winter months, an ALPINA CLASSIC 19" winter wheel set is available with MICHELIN Pilot Alpin PA3 M+S tyres all round (8 x 19" at front, 9 x 19" at rear) with 245/35 R19 93W (245/35 R19 93W C /E / 73 dB).
Design
The D3 Bi-Turbo with 19" ALPINA CLASSIC wheels comes across as visually present and powerful, while the ALPINA aerodynamic components fit nicely into the modern design. The functional design of the front spoiler ensures the effective flow of air to various cooler modules and the brake air guides. In combination with the rear spoiler (Saloon), this achieves excellent downforce/lift coefficients, which contribute significantly to driving stability, in particular at high speeds. Slight downforce is created on the front axle, and only marginal lift on the rear axle.
The new D3 Bi-Turbo has an sensible range of standard equipment, including sports seats, climate control and Xenon headlights. The interior is dominated by refined materials and a wonderful ambience. The door sills, floor mats, emblems in the seatbacks, the blue instrument cluster and a hand-stitched sports steering wheel in the finest LAVALINA leather make discreet references to the car's exclusive origins.
Virtually no limits are placed on the individual design of a BMW ALPINA. From the paintwork to the interior trims to the colour of the upholstery – everything offered by the extensive BMW and ALPINA equipment range is available. Seldom does a BMW ALPINA leave the plant in Buchloe without making use of the virtually limitless personalisation options offered by the ALPINA factory. Our philosophy dictates that the customer can design his or her interior individually – assembled by skilled craftsmen in our leather workshop.
Source: Alpina
