Alpina ->ke535 announced its first D3 program back in 2005 and the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show->ke235 brings the next logical and consistent step: the new D3 Bi-Turbo. During its short history, the D3 was sold in more than 2,000 units, making it the best sold Alpina to date.

The new D3 is based on the BMW 335i sedan and station wagon, and updates the model to outstanding performance numbers. On top of the awesome performance numbers, the D3 is also rather easy on fuel, making it the perfect combination.

As with any other Alpina model, updates on the exterior and the interior are kept to a minimum, as the tuner focuses most of its job under the hood. There is a highly update engine and transmission, refined chassis, upgraded suspension and brakes, and a new, optional all-wheel-drive system.

Updated 10/11/2013: Alpina unveiled a new video (above) in which it explains the technological features behind the new D3 Biturbo. Enjoy!

Click past the jump to read more about the Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo.

Exterior

As usual, Alpina focused its work under the hood, so do not expect the D3 to stray too far away from the 3 Series that it is based on. There is a new aerodynamic package that includes a new front spoiler to ensure effective airflow to various cooler modules and the brake air guides, and a new rear spoiler that improves downforce and stability at high speeds. The tuner also installed xenon headlights.

Interior

As any other tuner, for the interior Alpina offers its customers the ability to express their own individuality. The model comes equipped with sport seats and a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel. Alpins also used Lavalina leather on the door sills, floor mats, emblems on the seat backs and the blue instrument cluster.

Customers can opt for any desired color and material, or any other personalization option.

Drivetrain

Based on the BMW 335i, the new Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo features a highly updated 3.0-liter, straight-six engine. First on the to-do list was to update the intake paths in order to reduce pressure loss. Next, the tuner installed a large-volume intercooler with optimized inlets and outlets, and a new exhaust system with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter and an NSC catalytic converter.

As a result, the engine now delivers a total of 350 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 516 pound-feet of torque between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. What's even more amazin is that Alpina managed to hit these numbers while keeping the fuel consumption at just 5.3 l/100 km (44 mpg) and emissions at 139 g/km.

The engine is mated to an eight-speed sports automatic transmission with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC. This improved transmission features three driving modes: Automatic, Manual and Sport. With the help of the new transmission, the D3 Bi-Turbo sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 172 mph.

Alpina also offers an optional all-wheel-drive system that reduces the sprint time to just 4.5 seconds.

Suspension and Brakes

The new D3 Bi-Turbo is also equipped with an intelligent chassis layout that permits a higher level of comfort, but also improves driving dynamics. This updated chassis is combined with tuned springs and anti-roll bars to help keep this hopped-up 3er on the road. There is also a new Drive Performance Control system that further improves parameters, such as the power steering and stability control system.

The car is equipped with standard 19-inch wheels combined with a high-performance brake system, with 370 mm (14.6-inch) brake discs up front and 345 mm (13.6-inch) brake discs on the rear. The new brake system features aluminum calipers coated in blue.

Prices

Prices for the Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Audi S4

Thanks to the upgrades offered by Alpina, the new D3 Bi-Turbo rises above the usual BMW 3 Series competitor and will target more powerful sedans, like the Audi S4.

The S4 is powered by 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 engine that produces 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This amount of power is enough to sprint the S4 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph.

Cadillac CTS Vsport

A more powerful alternative is the Cadillac CTS Vsport. It is powered by a twin-turbo V-6 producing 420 horsepower, but when it comes about sprint time, it is pretty much identical to the D3 Bi-Turbo with a 4.4-second o-to-60 mph time.

Conclusion

With all the updates it received, the Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo transformed the BMW 3 Series into the sports sedan it really needed to be. The model delivers more power and is much faster than the base 335i, so for sure it will enjoy plenty of success.