[Bubbles]

For ALPINA, simply substituting a larger engine for added performance is considered alien. Instead, the German automaker prefers to "maximize the sporting potential of existing units." With that in mind, ALPINA has tweaked the twin-turbo diesel powerplant from the BMW 123d and dropped it under the hood of the BMW ALPINA D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe. With a new output of 214 hp, and 330 lb.-ft. of torque, the coupe will hit 62 mph in 6.9 seconds as it accelerates towards its top speed of 152 mph. Best of all, and the modus operandi behind the eco-friendly sports car, the ALPINA D3 squeezes out a combined EU fuel economy rating of 52.3 mpg with a stick shift (50.4 mpg with an automatic). Before you go running down to your neighborhood BMW dealer, we'll remind you that the ALPINA D3 will only be sold overseas with a base price starting at £32,950 (about $64,500)




PRESS RELEASE
The new BMW ALPINA D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe
The factor with which the new D3 Coupe is best compared to its rivals is its Power-To-Weight ratio; an equation commonly applied in motor sport. But, with heavily increased personal taxation designed to encourage energy saving and lowered emissions, the calculation is assuming wider relevance to drivers - especially those in the select niche at which this latest ALPINA is aimed.
As epitomised by the D3 Coupe, gaining extra performance simply by substituting a larger engine is alien to the ALPINA philosophy. Instead, the manufacturer, working closely with BMW, maximises the sporting potential of existing units.
ALPINA engineers have taken BMW's state-of-the-art twin turbo diesel engine from the 123d and increased power to 214hp; producing more horsepower per litre than any other engine in a current BMW or BMW ALPINA road car.

'Added lightness' makes a significant further contribution to the remarkable figures achieved by the new model.
The extra power, lightness of the engine, plus additional weight saving technology means an overall power-to-weight ratio of 146hp per tonne – virtually matching BMW's own 330d Coupe.
The car is capable of 152mph and 0-62mph in 6.9 secs and yet the official fuel consumption and emission figures tell a very different story: 52.3mpg (overall EU) and 143g/km! (manual gearbox version).
This year, around one hundred lucky UK drivers will get all the performance and exclusivity they would expect from an ALPINA but with running costs (and, for company car drivers, benefit in kind charges) they could only dream of, until now.
ALPINA GB, part of the Sytner Group, has been the sole UK importer for ALPINA since 1983. ALPINA has worked closely with BMW since 1961, with shared warranty coverage since 1964. ALPINA was registered as an automobile manufacturer to ISO standards in 1983.


http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/a...i-turbo-coupe/

[Fraggy]

The difference in price from a 335 will buy a lot of gas, so why lose performance?

[Accel Junky]

Interesting concept. I wish the tuned it a little more, to at least have the same performance specs as the 335i or 335d. I bet they could do that without sacrificing much of that 5Xmpg.

The front lip looks cool though.

[TheSpungos]

Originally Posted by Accel Junky

Interesting concept. I wish the tuned it a little more, to at least have the same performance specs as the 335i or 335d. I bet they could do that without sacrificing much of that 5Xmpg.

The front lip looks cool though.

+1 I was just thinking the same thing.

[nuxted]

thats a big difference in HP/TRQ

What is the City MPG? Car looks amazing too.