The BMW specialists at ALPINA have unveiled the new B3 S Biturbo. Originally launched in Geneva 2007 (as the B3 BiTurbo – notice the missing ‘S’), the B3 S Biturbo features “improved performance and torque with reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.” It was designed to combine “explosive performance with a high level of comfort and everyday usability, addressing the needs of an unusually broad target group of automotive connoisseurs.”
Broad is an understatement – the B3 S Biturbo is available as a Sedan, Coupe, Estate, or Convertible (with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive). Regardless of body style is selected, owners will be rewarded with a powerful 3.0-liter engine that produces 294 kW (400 PS / 395 hp) and 540 Nm (397 lb-ft) of torque. In order to eke out the extra performance, ALPINA engineers optimized the air intake and air filter (in terms of pressure loss), added a new exhaust system (which optimizes back pressure), installed high-strength MAHLE pistons (which allow for a maximum boost of 1.2 bar with a compression ratio of 9.4:1), and put in a high-performance cooling system.
Thanks to the engine modifications, the B3 S Biturbo can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 300km/h (186mph). In terms of efficiency, the car can achieve up to 9.7 l/100km (29.1 mpg imp) while emitting 224-225 g/km of CO2 in the combined EU test cycle.
As always, ALPINA added some modest styling tweaks to separate the B3 S Biturbo from the standard BMW 3-Series. Highlights include 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a new rear valance (on the Coupe and Convertible), a front-lip spoiler, a leather sports steering wheel, and a unique ALPINA instrument cluster.