Alpina B3 Bi-Turbo Touring
Long-time BMW tuner Alpina has released their updated B3 Bi-turbo Touring, based on the recently face-lifted E91 3-Series Wagon. Based on the thrilling 335iT, the B3 packs a mighty punch while offering classy and subtle styling. BMW’s award-winning 3.0L twin-turbo inline six has been tweaked to produce a potent (and still under-tuned) 360 horsepower and 386lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, the only transmission offered is ZF’s 6-speed automatic. Yet even with a torque converter hindering performance, Alpina claims their B3 Bi-Turbo touring can blast to 100 km/h (62.5 mph) in an E39 M5-rivaling 4.9 seconds and continue to an impressive 177 miles per hour. Alpina offers their uber-wagon in either rear wheel drive (our choice) or all-wheel drive, in either specification with 245/40 ZR18 front and 265/40 ZR18 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires. While certainly not a balls-to-the-wall enthusiast grocery-getter, the Alpina B3 B-Turbo Touring is nevertheless a refined, fast, and as always practical Sport Wagon.
September 8th, 2008 (Source: Alpina)
Specifications
Engine: 3.0L Inline Six-Cylinder
Output: 360hp @ 5500-6000, 368lb-ft @ 3800-5000
Aspiration: Twin-turbo chargers
HP/ Liter: 120hp per liter
Weight: 3461 lbs
HP/ Weight: 9.6 hp per liter
0-62.5 MPH: 4.8 seconds
Top Speed: 177
Photos
(from Alpina Press Release) BMW ALPINA B3 BITURBO
For over thirty years now, ALPINA have been creating exclusive automobiles based on the BMW 3 Series, automobiles that aim to fulfill only the very highest demands. In the beginning of this continuing success story spanning over 6,000 units was the legendary 1978 BMW ALPINA B6 2.8 - revolutionary in its day due to its six cylinder engine.
This success story is continued in a most prominent fashion by the BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo.
Enjoyment, great attention to detail and a unique driving experience come together, creating a synergy of elegance and driving dynamics.
The B3 Bi-Turbo line up presents itself in an hitherto unparalleled diversity, comprising a Saloon, Touring, Coupé and Convertible. See for yourself!
Powertrain
The straight-six cylinder petrol powerplant manages to accommodate torque and power in a compact, nimble and efficient package like no other car in its segment.
400Nm (294lb-ft) of torque from 1300rpm onwards, peaking between 3800rpm and 5000rpm at 500Nm (368lb-ft), provide plenty of punch and elasticity, rocket-like launching the B3 Bi-Turbo from standstill if required, or sovereignly navigating traffic at the touch of your foot.
The omnipresence of Its sporty character means the engine revs freely, accompanied by a wonderful soundtrack, to a maximum 7000rpm, offering up 360hp (265kW) along the way between 5500rpm - 6000rpm.
The use of extremely durable MAHLE pistons allows for a maximum boost of 1.1 bar with 9.4:1 compression. The result, a peak specific output of 121hp (89kW) per litre and a maximum average pressure of 21 bar.
BMW ALPINA automobiles have always been known for their excellent blend of fuel economy and performance. The allure of the B3 Bi-Turbo is found in its V8-like performance coupled with the advantages of a much lighter and noticeably thriftier 3.0 litre straight-six.
A glance at the technical data confirms that the B3 Bi-Turbo ist best-in-class, leading its segment in terms of performance, consumption and CO2 emissions!
Chassis & Suspension
The light, agile and easy handling of the B3 Bi-Turbo is immediately noticeable.
An ideal 50:50 front/rear axle weight distribution in combination with a carefully chosen blend of suspension components make for a great overall chassis set-up, which is equally engaging and comfortable. Stiffer rear axle suspension mounts, for example, increase steering precision and feedback, especially noticeable during fast lane changes.
Low profile conventional tyres which forego Run Flat technology in favour of comfort in combination with light weight alloy 18" or 19" ALPINA wheels ensure that unsprung mass is kept to a minimum.
Design
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 comfortable sport seats with excellent lateral support and electric adjustment.
The SWITCH-TRONIC sports leather steering wheel covered in finest ALPINA LAVALINA leather is a joy to touch and affords a clear view of the ALPINA typical blue instruments with their red pointers. As demanded by any enthusiastic driver, the provision of essential oil temperature information is provided by an analog instrument located below the rev counter.
Finely honed front and rear spoilers reduce aerodynamic lift, especially approaching top speed, increasing straight-line stability and helping guarantee true driving safety, not just a feeling of safety.
As tradition holds, each automobile is fitted with an ALPINA plaque identifying its unique production number.