The Alpina->ke1232Alpina B6 GT3 made its world debut today at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the BMW 6 Series Alpina will enter two B6 GT3 race cars in the FIA GT3 European Championship.

The B6 GT3 is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 with what Alpina is calling a radial compressor (centrifugal supercharger), taken from the BMW ALPINA B6 S. The power plant produces 530 HP and 725Nm of torque.

"Due to the low centre of gravity, it feels more like a Formula race car than a Touring Car," says test driver Andreas Bovensiepen. The driver also said that the car handled its first 300 Km/h run beautifully and that he is very impressed with the lack of problems during the shake down runs. The car is still undergoing testing before the beginning of the 2009 racing season.

Press release after the jump.

2009 Alpina B6 GT3

Specifications
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  • Model: 2009 Alpina B6 GT3
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Press release

After a 20-year hiatus, ALPINA celebrate their return to racing with the BMW ALPINA B6 GT3, to compete in the FIA European GT3 championship - a relatively new racing series in which 12 renowned automotive brands, such as Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche, compete. Based on the BMW 6 Series, ALPINA have developed a competitive weapon for touring-car racing that will be offered to clients, collectors and race teams alike. Furious forward pace is provided by the 4.4-litre V8 with radial compressor, taken from the BMW ALPINA B6 S. It yields 530 horsepower and 725Nm of torque.

Unveiling

Just a few days ago, upon completion of the first BMW ALPINA B6 GT3, the roll-out of B6 GT3 took place. The race car debuted in freezing temperatures, yet mastered its first 300km brilliantly. "We were surprised by how free of problems this maiden shake-down went," commented ALPINA Proprietor Andreas Bovensiepen, who split driving duties with Claudia Hürtgen. "Due to the low centre of gravity, it feels more like a Formula race car than a Touring Car," said Andreas, summing up his first positive impressions.The next tests are scheduled for this week in France, before the B6 GT3 makes its first public appearance at the Salon d'Automobile in Geneva in early March.

Competition

ALPINA will field two race cars in the FIA GT3 European Championship, and negotiations with interesting auto-racing personalities intended to fill the four race seats are on-going.Race cars are planned for customer race teams, and will compete in the FIA GT3 European Championship, as well as in national GT3 races in Belgium, Brazil, Germany, England, France and Italy. The VLN-sanctioned endurance series at the Nürburgring is also planned, as well as selected 24-hour endurance races.