2011 BMW D5 Bi-Turbo by Alpina

German tuning company, Alpina, has created a new program based on the BMW 5-Series which they’re calling the D5 Bi-Turbo. Comprised mostly of performance modifications, the D5 Bi-Turbo features a re-tuned version of the car’s original 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six diesel engine that produces an improved output of 345 horsepower. Count that up compared to the standard output of 245 horsepower and that’s an improvement of 100 ponies.

What’s more fascinating about Alpina’s program is that the company was able to manipulate the car’s fuel system to generate the same fuel-efficiency rating for the D5 Bi-Turbo - 6.2 liters/100 km, 37.9 mpg - with the BMW 530d. That may not look all that impressive, but considering the fact that the latter only produces 240 horsepower, you’ll be able to piece together exactly why that’s something worth your attention.

Moving out from under the hood, other important modifications done on the car include a revised suspension system with shorter springs, a new ZF SWITCH-TRONIC eight-speed Sport Automatic transmission, and a new set of 20" Alpina Classic rims that come wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

By no means are we brushing off the D5 Bi-Turbo as just another impressive work in a long list of programs Alpina has done over the years. Despite the minimal changes done on anything that can’t be found under the bonnet, Alpina’s D5 Bi-Turbo still warrants some serious attention, especially for those that put premium on substance over style.