The Alpina D3 may come straight from modern day Bavaria, but part of the inspiration could easily have come from Norfolk. The company seems to have gone down the Lotus weight-saving route to improve both performance and economy.
The press release covering the coupé is peppered with references to the concept of ‘added lightness’ to achieve performance. Meanwhile the D3’s engine comes from the excellent BMW 123D and isn’t currently available in any of the main 3-Series range. In Alpina guise, the 4-cylinder twin turbo diesel powerplant’s output rises to from 201 to 214bhp. A revised cooling system ensures it’s capable of withstanding prolonged enthusiastic use and the ECU-work is said to virtually eliminate turbo lag.
All this results in a car capable of over 150mph and 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds. What’s more impressive, however, is the fact that it also returns a claimed 52.3mpg (combined) and emits just 143g/km of CO2. Interestingly, these figures trump the BMW 330D, which costs over £2,000 more.
Despite this, Alpina says the D3 isn’t really about straight-line performance. Revisions to the suspension, along with the new lighter 19” alloys and conventional tyres (in place of the BMW’s run-flats) are intended to produce not just sharper handling, but also a significantly improved ride. A program of weight reduction has seen fifteen kilos shaved from the wheels, exhaust, seating and air conditioning system of the donor 3-Series.
Being an Alpina it also guarantees exclusivity – less than 100 are expected to be sold this year – and each one will offer a far greater degree of customisation than its BMW cousins. Perhaps sir would like a full leather dual-colour interior? No problem. Would you prefer an alternative shade of stitching on steering wheel or floor mats edged with more hide? It can be arranged… The possibilities are endless, but naturally all are cost options.
The D3 with a manual gearbox costs £32,950 and the auto version costs £34,540.