Automotive

Alpina calls its BMW D3 Bi-Turbo the world's fastest diesel

Alpina calls its BMW D3 Bi-Turbo the world's fastest diesel
Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo: 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds
Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo: 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds
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Inside the D3 Bi-Turbo
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Inside the D3 Bi-Turbo
The Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo comes in Saloon and Touring models
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The Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo comes in Saloon and Touring models
The instruments are highlighted with Alpina blue
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The instruments are highlighted with Alpina blue
Alpina calls the D3 Bi-Turbo the fastest diesel production car in the world
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Alpina calls the D3 Bi-Turbo the fastest diesel production car in the world
Alpina premiered the D3 Bi-Turbo at last month's Frankfurt Motor Show
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Alpina premiered the D3 Bi-Turbo at last month's Frankfurt Motor Show
The D3 Bi-Turbo's powertrain gets a variety of upgrades, including two turbochargers
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The D3 Bi-Turbo's powertrain gets a variety of upgrades, including two turbochargers
The D3 receives modest exterior updating, including a front and rear spoiler
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The D3 receives modest exterior updating, including a front and rear spoiler
The Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo comes in Saloon and Touring models
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The Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo comes in Saloon and Touring models
Alpina's D3's enjoy a variety of mechanical and cosmetic upgrades
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Alpina's D3's enjoy a variety of mechanical and cosmetic upgrades
Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo: 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds
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Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo: 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds
View gallery - 10 images

German BMW performance manufacturer Alpina has released the new D3 Bi-Turbo, a more potent spin on the BMW 3 Series Sedan. The car hits 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds on its way to a 173 mph (278 km/h) top speed. Alpina reckons that's enough to make it the fastest diesel production car on the big blue ball we call home.

Alpina added a new ECU and software to BMW's aluminum 3.0-liter straight six, along with the two turbochargers. It explains that it chose to use two small turbos, rather than one larger one, because the lower inertia allows for quicker response. The D3 also gets a larger intercooler, upgraded cooling system and quad exhaust. Those adjustments boost output to 350 hp and 553 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. To handle all that torque, Alpina worked with gearbox specialist ZF to develop a partially bespoke eight-speed automatic transmission with available manual mode.

Converting that raw, diesel power and torque into a tight, comfortable ride is a tweaked suspension system that includes bespoke springs, roll-control bars, bushings and bump stops. The four-setting damper control was tuned to provide softer compression and stiffer rebound. Stopping comes by way of Alpina-blue Brembo calipers, four-piston in front and twin-piston in back, and 370 mm (front) and 345 mm discs (rear).

Alpina toned the 3 Series' body with front and rear spoilers. The car rides on 19-inch Alpina Classic alloy wheels wrapped up in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires developed specifically for the D3. Inside, the car gets a variety of trim and visual enhancements, including luxury carpet overmats, a Lavalina leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a variety of Alpina logos, colors and plaques.

The D3 Bi-Turbo is available in in both sedan (€46,975) and wagon (€48,487) versions.

Source: Alpina

View gallery - 10 images
1 comment
1 comment
Edea Krammer
Finally they change/modify the wheel outline... Alpina has been utilizing literally the same plan throughout recent decades. The wheels are their branding. You see the wheels; you realize what you're taking a looking at immediately. They are fondness and abhor, yet I can't resist the opportunity to like them in the wake of detesting them.