Brussels Auto Show 2010 Special: BMW ALPINA D3 BiTurbo
January 18th, 2010
The new Diesel Bi-Turbo continues the D3 successstory begun in 2006 by the popular 200 HP (147 kW) ALPINA sport-diesel model, with over 850 units sold since its inception. 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 BMW ALPINA D3 Bi-Turbo stands for the German “Drehmoment” or torque, which the D3 has in spades. At 450 Nm (332 lbsft) 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 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).
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. At the request of many customers, one can now enjoy the D3 Bi-Turbo with the optional SWITCH-TRONIC. 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 upshifts 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
The BMW 3 Series Coupé’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 upgraded 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 8×18” front and 9×18“ rear wheels, yields outstandingly exact handling.
ALPINA typical interior and exterior design cues demonstrate the D3 Bi-Turbo Coupé’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. Economical driving and saving money is fun in the BMW ALPINA Bi-Turbo Coupé, a unique combination of driving enjoyment, high fuel economy and tasteful design.
Related posts:
Pingback: Dream-car.tv » Blog Archive » Brussels Auto Show 2010 Special: BMW … | ALL DIESEL TECH