2010 BMW Alpina B3 S Biturbo

Press release

Innovative, turbo-charged automobiles have always played a central role in ALPINA’s more than 45-year history as a manufacturer - the 1989 BMW ALPINA B10 Bi-Turbo is an excellent example, having achieved true cult status.

In 2008 the BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo rekindled this tradition, combining Bi-Turbo charging with the compact dimensions of the BMW 3 Series.

The new BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo couples improved performance and torque with reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions - it is the logical result of continuous engineering development at the highest level. The B3 S Bi-Turbo builds upon the highly-praised traits of its predecessor and presents itself as one of the most harmonious and multi-faceted sports cars in its segment. Whether Saloon, Coupé, Touring or Convertible, whether rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive - the B3 S Bi-Turbo marries explosive performance with a high level of comfort and everyday usability, addressing the needs of an unusually broad target group of automotive connoisseurs!

Clever and Athletic

Agile, powerful athletes graced with endurance. The B3 S Bi-Turbo’s exceptional powerplant yields 294kW (400hp) at 6000rpm with a maximum torque of 540Nm (397lbs-ft) at 4500rpm. The sporting engine revs cleanly up to 7000rpm, yet offers massive thrust across a wide powerband - 400Nm (294lbs-ft) of torque is already available from just 1300rpm, all the way to 6000 rpm. Rarely has sporty, dynamic and economic driving been so enjoyable.

Prerequisite for this level of performance is the outstanding BMW 3.0-litre straight-six cylinder petrol engine with 2nd-generation direct injection (centrally-located injectors) combined with Bi-turbo charging. Permanent development and years of testing allow ALPINA engineers to extract high levels of output from this engine by utilising all the possibilities modern direct injection offers.

The air intake and air filter system have been optimised in terms of pressure loss, with the exhaust system optimised in terms of back pressure - both steps effectively making air-intake and exhaust-gas flows more efficient. In combination with high-strength MAHLE pistons, a maximum boost of 1.2 bar with a compression ratio of 9.4:1 can be achieved. The result is a class-leading specific output of 98kW (133hp) per litre. A high-performance cooling system with an additional cooling radiator helps maintain optimum operating temperatures, even in extreme driving situations.

Offers More, Demands Less

Exceptional efficiency - more performance, better economy. Despite superior performance, the new BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo retains its class leading fuel economy figures: just 9.7 l/100km (29.1 mpg) and 224-225 g/km CO2 in the combined EU test cycle and achieving EU5 Emission Standard (figures for all-wheel drive please see technical data).

The modern direct injection system enables especially efficient combustion at low throttle loads while the air flow and mapping optimisations improve real-world driving fuel economy by over 5%. The new B3 S Bi-Turbo shows once more, that innovative technology and dedicated engineering allow modern high-performance automobiles to achieve remarkable fuel economy.

Intelligent Performance

The B3 S Bi-Turbo’s charm lies in its V8-like performance drawn from a lighter, much more frugal 3.0-litre straight-six with aluminium block and Bi-Turbo charging. This performance can be called up effortlessly and almost anywhere in the rev range. The 0-62mph sprint is a breeze and is over in just 4.7 seconds. Both the Saloon and Coupé can achieve a top speed of 300km/h (186mph).

The ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC offers up shifting characteristics for every taste and situation. While the automatic mode shifts gently and comfortably, the transmission reveals its true sporting qualities in manual mode: using the shift buttons on the back of the steering wheel, the driver can up-shift in just a few hundred milliseconds with no perceptible loss in power. Sporty drivers especially appreciate the blip of the throttle which synchronises revs on manual down-shifts, meaning nothing unsettles the balance of the car when using the whole rev range. Efficiency and driving pleasure are beautifully united in the B3 S Bi-
Turbo. Due to the massive torque, use of top gear on the autobahn is sufficient for almost all driving situations, and also exceedingly thrifty.

Evolution Meets Heritage

The BMW ALPINA Coupés und Convertibles based on the BMW 3 Series have always captivated the eye through their elegant, fine lines and tasteful presence. The dynamic appearance of the B3 S Bi-Turbo is in part defined by the modern and functional front spoiler. Engineered using the newest developments in aerodynamic design, the spoiler reduces lift at the front and enables optimal air flow to the high performance cooling system. The Coupé and Convertible carry a new rear valance which communicates a tasteful sporting charm through its integrated rear diffusor and two distinctive double-ended exhaust pipes, a little like the stern of powerful luxury yachts.

A fresh, evolutionary design with a clear heritage. The new ALPINA CLASSIC 19" light-alloy wheels underline the finely-proportioned forms of the new B3 S Bi-Turbo models. Reminiscent of a turbine and with a three-dimensional sweep, each of the 20 spokes leads from the hub right to the edge of the rim, making for a very fluid and dynamic appearance even when motionless. Unique: the new design retains the hidden air valve mounted in the wheel centre, which is covered by a lockable hub cover, leaving the wheels flawless in their form and beauty.

Typically ALPINA

A warm sense of well-being thanks to fine materials, brilliant ergonomics and excellent safety. The comprehensive level of standard equipment convinces: leather sport seats offer excellent lateral support and comfort on long journeys, the ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC leather sports steering is luxurious to the touch, the blue ALPINA instrument display provides additional information such as engine oil temperature and a digital speed indicator.

Also as standard come high levels of safety and light-footed, agile handling. Firm rear sub-frame bushings increase the ALPINA suspension’s driving precision during quick changes in direction. The secret is the ideal 50/50 front/rear weight balance coupled with a supple suspension that’s neutral, even at the limit. The light-weight ALPINA CLASSIC wheel and MICHELIN tyre combination reduce unsprung mass and conventional non-run-flat tyres support a subtle ride. Besides
the standard wheel/tyre set-up with 245/40 ZR18 front and 265/40 ZR18 rear, a 19" wheel/tyre package is available as an option in either DYNAMIC or the new CLASSIC design.