Alpina BMW D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe 2008

The new Diesel Bi-Turbo continues the Alpina BMW D3 success story begun in 2006 by the popular 200 HP (147 kW) Alpina sport-diesel model, with over 850 units sold since its inception. It is a most passable answer to the low emissions and consumption discussions of current times, and dovetails perfectly with of out-of-hand fuel prices.

The designation "D" unmistakably indicates the diesel powerplants in the Alpina family. "D" especially stands for dynamism.

The new D3 Bi-Turbo, celebrating its world debut at the 2008 GENEVA Salon d'Automobile - with 214 HP/211 bhp (157 kW) @ 4,100 rpm - is an exceptionally powerful and unusually high-revving diesel. Lastly, the "D" on the Alpina BMW D3 Bi-Turbo stands for the German "Drehmoment" or torque, which the D3 has in spades. At 450 Nm (332 lbs-ft) of torque from 2,000 to 2,500 rpm, the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder D3 is operating in V8 engine territory, or amongst large-displacement six-cylinder diesel engines. With the purchase of a D3 Bi-Turbo, an Alpina customer owns an engine transmission combination that is a rare and fine delicacy when measured against its diesel competitors.

The elegant manner in which the power is delivered can be further augmented with the optional SWITCH-TRONIC automatic transmission. Developed by ZF and Alpina in partnership, this sport-automatic is operated via three driving modes: D, S and M. Depending on the driver's mood, he or she may let the transmission shift automatically, or shift manually using buttons on the back of the steering wheel. This affords the broadest spectrum of driving fascination.

The D3 Bi-Turbo's basis is derived from the BMW 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-charged diesel engine with a block entirely of aluminium. The highpressure, 2000 bar Bosch-Common Rail system ensures high efficiency by means of utilising Piezo injectors. Two differently-sized exhaust-driven turbo-chargers breathe on the D3 Bi-Turbo. The smaller of the two chargers begins to operate right from tick-over and helps the four-cylinder yield an impressive 400 Nm (295 lbs-ft) of torque at a mere 1,500 rpm. Peak torque of 450 Nm ( 332 lbs-ft) is reached at 2,000 rpm. From about 3,000 rpm onward, the second, larger turbo-charger, is then fully on line and drives the engine to its peak performance of 214 horsepower (211 bhp, 157 kW). Thanks to extensive development work, optimal turbo-charger mapping and the fuel injection system, the new D3 Bi-Turbo allows revs up to 5,200 rpm, where most diesel aggregates today stop at 4,500 rpm. The base engine's configuration, as developed by BMW engineers in Steyr, provides the potential to make the Alpina BMW D3 Bi-Turbo's immensely high specific output of 107 horsepower per litre possible.

The Efficient Transfer of Power

The standard six-speed manual gearbox allows the driver to not only test the 5,200 rpm redline, but also to enjoy the driving experience in a way previously unknown to a diesel. Coupled with carefully-calibrated gear spacing, the broad useable torque curve makes possible an unusually lightfooted form of forward progress, especially on winding country lanes.

At the request of many customers, one can now enjoy the D3 Bi-Turbo with the optional SWITCH-TRONIC. This classic combination of plenty of torque and an automatic transmission, offers the driver a high degree of flexibility.

Using the normal "D" Drive mode, the SWITCH-TRONIC shifts into the next gear most comfortably and almost unnoticed by the driver. "D" mode uses the engine's impressive torque, allowing a driving style that's very economical. In "S" mode, the up-shifts are later in the rev range, and quicker. This provides for the kind of driving characteristics that to date were only to be found in strong petrol engines.

The D3 Bi-Turbo only really becomes the perfect "Sport Diesel" though, when the driver shifts manually using the shift buttons on the back of the steering wheel. Lightning-quick shifts are the order of the day - even the best drivers can't shift any quicker than themselves. This reveals itself in impressive performance numbers for both transmissions The manual D3 Coupé reaches 100 km/h [62 mph] in 6.9 seconds (automatic 7.0 sec), with a top speed of 244 km/h [152 mph].

Especially in light of the current CO2 discourse, the Alpina BMW D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe's fuel economy figures for the EU combined cycle of 5,4 (5,6) l/100 km [52.3 Imp. gal (50.4)] and resultant CO2 emissions of only 143 (148) g/km, reveal Alpina's efforts regarding highest fuel efficiency. In addition, all measures to reduce consumption and CO2 emissions used in the base BMW model were carried over into the D3, such as the automatic Start-Stop function on models with manual transmissions. High-mileage drivers and business users appreciate the resulting range: depending on driving style, up to 1,000 km (600 miles) are the norm.

Alpina Suspension, Tyres & Wheels

The Alpina BMW D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe uses suspension technology quite similar to the Alpina BMW B3 Bi-Turbo, an automobile whose suspension and chassis set-up has received rave reviews from the press. The BMW 3-Series Coupe's high chassis rigidity and five-arm rear suspension provided Alpina great potential for the highest levels of driving dynamics. The strut/spring calibration is fittingly sporty, matching the D3's character. Thanks to the low kerb weight, extraordinarily agile handling has been achieved, exhibiting itself in the form of excellent handling, all the way to the limit.

The standard tyres and weight-optimised 18" Alpina CLASSIC light-alloy wheels can be up-graded with an optional 19" wheel/tyre combination, available in either Alpina CLASSIC or DYNAMIC wheel design. The interplay of 245/40 ZR18 front tyres and 265/40 ZR18 rear tyres, riding on 8x18" front and 9x18" rear wheels, yields outstandingly exact handling. The key is Alpina's choice not to use the heavy Run-Flat tyre technology, for reasons of weight and comfort.

In Conclusion

Alpina typical interior and exterior design cues demonstrate the Alpin BMW D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe's individuality and elegance. Attractive light-alloy wheels, an instrument cluster with blue dials, and a leather sports steering wheel with Alpina emblem and multi-functionality (automatic tranmission) are standard on the D3 Bi-Turbo. The front spoiler minimises lift and underscores the Coupé's aesthetic lines, which can be augmented further with an optional rear spoiler.

Initially offered as a Coupé, the D3 will also be available as a Saloon and Touring in Autumn 2008. With the advent of the new-generation D3, Alpina furthers the previous model's success.

Technical specifications