type='html'>

THURSDAY, MARCH 07, 2013 |

The Alpina company debuted its own version of BMW's new F30 3-Series at the Geneva Motor Show. It keeps the old model's B3 name and features an uprated version of BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six. The power figure of the engine is increased to 410 PS (404 hp), while torque is also up to an impressive 600 Nm (442 lb-ft).

The B3 is capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds, before topping out at 302 km/h or 189 mph.

If you want extra practicality from your B3, Alpina will also do an estate version of the car. Also, if doing burnouts and donuts is not really your thing, you can opt for BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system to keep all of the extra power in check. Keep in mind that right-hand drive cars don't have the xDrive option available.

Visually, you'll immediately be able to spot the B3 as being a special version, as it comes fitted with 20-inch Alpina Classic wheels, a redesigned spoiler for the front, as well as for the back on the sedan model. Furthermore, Alpina offers a very wide range of exterior paint colors, as well as different styles of upholstery for the interior, and each customer can specify from color/material combination to get the inside ambiance just right.

The B3 really makes a compelling case for itself, especially since the M3 has yet to arrive but even when it does, Alpina's model will still turn heads, especially if it's finished in the brand's trademark blue color.

By Andrei Nedelea

PHOTO GALLERY

type='html'>

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013 |

Alpina has just released two videos in which Burkard Bovensiepens, the man who started the company back in the 1960s, explains the driving philosophy of their operation and presents their latest models, the XD3 Biturbo and the B3, which were recently revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.

The BMW X3-based XD3 is actually a very important vehicle for them, as it is the first SUV they've ever done. It takes 4.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph), and it is good for a top speed of 253 km/h (158 mph).

That's because they have managed to extract 350 PS (345 hp) out of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six diesel, while also increasing torque, to 700 Nm (516 lb-ft). Still, the most important part of the XD3 package is the fuel consumption figure – 6.8 lt/100km (41.5mpg UK or 34.6 mpg US). It is a bit higher than that of the regular model, but you are getting near M levels of performance here.

The other model, the B3, is just another example of what Alpina does best – take a regular BMWsaloon (or wagon) and give it near-supercar levels of performance, while keeping its looks relatively tame.

Based on the current F30 3-Series, the B3 has a 3.0-liter straight six gasoline engine, which helped by two turbos puts out 404 hp (410 PS). According to Herr Bovensiepens, it reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds, and will sail past the European magical number of 300, topping out at 305 km/h (190.6 mph) on an empty stretch of autobahn. It too is efficient, using up 7.9 l/100km (29.8mpg US / 35.8mpg UK), which is impressive, given the level of performance you have on tap.

What has happened here is that these two very technical, concise and precise presentations look pretty convincing. Alpina still knows how to modify a BMW, whatever it may be, and make it almost instantly desirable.

By Andrei Nedelea

VIDEO