Wednesday 6th August 2008

Alpina D3 Biturbo

'Added lightness' achieves 50mpg and 150mph

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Alpina D3

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.

[sidesauce]

Normally I don't like BMW's but I'd definitely have that. Well done Alpina!

[off_again]

Ooo, that's nice. All the right figures in all the right places....

What is there to not like? And most people wouldn't ever know what it is. Top one Alpina!

[Kieran XJR]

I like that. Sounds like it would be an ideal daily driver.

[Beefmeister]

Especially interesting as it can be had with a manual 'box....

[dpbird90]

Only 143 CO2's? That's better than my Fiat. If I had the money I would definitely be buying that, good economy AND performance, with cheap road tax. And it looks quite good, I prefer the look of Alpina's to BMW M Cars these days...

[sleep envy]

shame they don't allow Alpinas on my company car list as it gives the wrong impression

[davidcharles]

...was thinking about the older one for a long time...might try this instead..

..the coupe looks soooo much nicer than the 4 door 3series....

[PhilLL]

I would choose this as a company car in a flash given the chance (only another 2 years on my lease, ho-hum)

Saw the B3 Bi-Turbo at Sytner Notts recently and asked about this model; it looks absolutely spot-on in the flesh IMO

[Tahiti]

Nice.

[Dubmaster77]

Lovely! Is this the death kneel for petrol engines??? I want one!

[SleeperCell]

Dubmaster77 said:

Lovely! Is this the death kneel for petrol engines???

No, nor is it the death nell.

[Wombat Rick]

Well done Alpina. Can't fault the numbers.

SleeperCell said:

Dubmaster77 said:

Lovely! Is this the death kneel for petrol engines???

No, nor is it the death nell.

Or even knell.

[northandy]

Nice !...

I do wonder why BMW havent got round to putting the 123d engine into the 3 series yet...

[Chris71]

northandy said:

Nice !...

I do wonder why BMW havent got round to putting the 123d engine into the 3 series yet...

It may be some sort of perceived quality thing - the 330D engine is a 6-cylinder, which perhaps is seen as more appropriate for an executive car.


Strangely, Alpina GB also reckon most D3 sales come from potential 320 or 325D customers, rather than those looking at the '330.

[sjw77]

I like that - its on my shopping list for next years car...

Shame its a BMW though...

[PhilLL]

sjw77 said:

Shame its a BMW though...

It's not though; it's an Alpina

Besides, whats wrong with BMWs?

[Wombat Rick]

PhilLL said:

Besides, whats wrong with BMWs?

They don't look very nice inside or out.
IMHO.

[mchammer89]

Does anybody else think that BMW will realise that this "added lightness" concept is actually a very good one, give it to the marketing department, and majority of the car buyers in the world will be thanking BMW for introducing them to the concept all the while Lotus will sit there wondering what they did wrong.

[Chris71]

PhilLL said:

sjw77 said:

Shame its a BMW though...

It's not though; it's an Alpina

I must admit I thought about buying a C2.7 (e30 Alpina) a while back as I wasn't keen on the image of the BMW!

[PhilLL]

Chris71 said:

PhilLL said:

sjw77 said:

Shame its a BMW though...

It's not though; it's an Alpina

I must admit I thought about buying a C2.7 (e30 Alpina) a while back as I wasn't keen on the image of the BMW!

There was an awesome one in the classified not very long ago