2018 Alpina BMW B3 S Bi-Turbo
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About the Car
2018 Alpina BMW B3 S Bi-Turbo
The output of the 3.0 litre straight-six cylinder engine with high-precision direct injection and Valvetronic has been further increased with the aid of a revised turbocharging system comprising two new ALPINA specific turbochargers and a new high-performance cooling system. The BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo now delivers 324 kW (440 hp) between 5500 rpm and 6250 rpm and a maximum torque of 660 Nm between 3000 rpm to 4500 rpm. In fact, 600 Nm of torque is available across an even broader range from 2000 rpm to 5000 rpm! .
The new engine particularly impresses in the mid-range with an effortless power delivery in addition to an eager willingness to rev to 7000 rpm. Coupled to the excellent ZF 8-Speed Sport-Automatic Transmission it propels the new BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo in just 4.3 seconds (4.0 seconds with all-wheel drive) from 0 to 100 km/h and on to a top speed of 306 km/h (301 km/h with all-wheel drive). BMW Efficient Dynamics technologies such as Auto Start Stop and Sailing contribute to an exemplary fuel consumption of only 7.9 l /100 km and 180 g/km CO2 combined measured to ECE norm.
To achieve the BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo’s characteristic, torque driven and spontaneous power delivery without sacrificing fuel efficiency necessitates state-of-the-art engine technology in a clever package. The application of Bi-Turbo charging provides excellent throttle response and pick-up due to the low mass inertia of smaller turbocharger running gear while generating sufficient throughput for top-end performance. The design and construction of the excellent BMW 3.0 litre straight-six cylinder (N55) engine serves as a starting-point for a specially cast aluminium crankcase with reinforced bed plate and Bi-Turbo capable flanges. The latter facilitate the mounting of two turbochargers along with their oil and water feeds and a close-coupled catalytic converter arrangement. This latest iteration of the 3.0 litre straight-six cylinder engine receives new ALPINA specific turbochargers for even more output and a new piston crown cooling system. ALPINA air intake ducts guide the air with minimal losses from the air intake via the air filter housing to the turbochargers. A high-capacity intercooler with optimised collector boxes made from aluminium allows the full exploitation of the engine’s output potential. The high-performance cooling system has been further adapted concordant to the latest increase in engine output – the external water cooler and external oil cooler have grown in capacity by more than 15 % and 35 % respectively.
A stainless steel exhaust system, developed in collaboration with Akrapovi, features two trademark elliptical twin tailpipes which are elegantly integrated into the rear valence. The resonant, sporty sound of the exhaust system is controlled by an intelligent exhaust valve. This offers the driver the possibility to influence the sound experience via the Drive Experience Control button and facilitates the balancing act between emotional soundtrack and long-distance comfort. In Comfort Mode the exhaust valve remains closed up to 2500 rpm, beyond which it opens depending on engine load and rpm. In Sport Mode, however, the valve is permanently open and the BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo thrills with an emotional soundtrack.
2018 Alpina BMW B3 S Bi-Turbo Front View
TRANSMISSION
Adapted and tested in co-operation with ZF, the advanced 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission with SWITCH-TRONIC is perfectly tailored to the power and torque output of the BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo. Adapted mechatronics and a reinforced torque converter ensure that power is transmitted with maximum efficiency and comfort to the driven wheels.
The ALPINA specific software coding enable the transmission to exhibit both pronounced comfort and sportiness. High torque at low engine rpms combined with 8 speeds offers fast gear changes in the Automatic (D) Shift Mode with no noticeable interruption to the transmission of power – effortless, relaxed and fuel efficient cruising is a pleasure. The Sport (S) Shift Mode is more dynamic, individual gears are held for longer and the shift times are significantly faster.
When using the Manual (M) Shift Mode the driver takes full control of each gear change by using the SWITCH-TRONIC buttons on the back of the steering wheel to shift up or down as required. In combination with the selection of Sport+ or DSC OFF Mode using the Drive Experience Control button the automatic up-shift function is deactivated. In this mode of operation the transmission will hold the selected gear up to maximum rpms (electronically limited) and will not automatically up-shift into the next gear. This is desirable in certain driving situations, for example during especially dynamic driving on roads with multiple tight hair-pin corners.
The BMW ECO PRO mode activates defensive transmission and accelerator parameters, which in conjunction with other BMW Efficient Dynamics functions such as Automatic Start-Stop and Sailing make a considerable contribution to reducing fuel consumption, depending on personal driving behaviour.
SUSPENSION & CHASSIS
The chassis and suspension set-up of the BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo provides great ride-quality and comfort while simultaneously offering sharp and dynamic handling. The adaptive ALPINA sport suspension solves this conflict of interest by means of electronically adjustable dampers in collaboration with performance springs, bump stops and stabilisers. The system allows the driver to use the Drive Experience Control (Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, Sport+) to select the suspension setting and driving dynamics to match his mood.
The 20″ ALPINA CLASSIC wheels with low profile MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4 S tyres, a strut brace and subtle adjustments to camber, toe-in and the elastokinematics are responsible for the neutral and predictable handling that is typical of all BMW ALPINA automobiles.
The Drive Experience Control settings also influence other parameters which effect driving dynamics, such as the electric power steering and the driving stability control system. The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) systems are specifically adapted to harmonise with the BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo’s chassis and suspension – allowing for dynamic handling characteristics and maximum safety.
The BMW Variable Sports Steering has a progressive steering rack – this ensures excellent steering stability at high speeds while the required steering input (turns of the wheel) when manoeuvring and parking is reduced by almost half.
Deceleration is taken care of by a high-performance brake system with 370 mm discs at the front and 345 mm discs at the rear. Aluminium callipers (4-piston on front axle, 2-piston on rear axle) painted in blue and with ALPINA lettering, in conjunction with high-performance pads, ensure fading stability and optimal pedal feedback.
For safe traction and balanced handling characteristics during cold months a 19″ ALPINA CLASSIC winter wheel and tyre package featuring CONTINENTAL
ContiWinterContact TS 830 P winter tyres is available in the dimensions: 8 x 19″ front and 9 x 19″ rear with 245/35 R19 XL 93W M+S.
New ALPINA CLASSIC 20″ forged wheels with revised, minimalistic design. A reduction in unsprung mass results in even sharper handling and precise steering and also leads to enhanced comfort.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
The optional all-wheel drive system exploits the technical potential of BMW’s xDrive system and its intelligent and dynamic distribution of drive power which continuously and fully variable distributes torque between the front and rear axle within milliseconds for maximum traction and control.
The software of the torque distribution control system, which is interconnected with the stability control and engine management system, is performance-oriented and increases driving agility and dynamics markedly – especially under lateral acceleration – while maintaining neutral handling.
Besides allowing optimum traction under acceleration by eliminating slip induced losses, the system continuously monitors a wide range of sensory inputs – for example steering angle, lateral acceleration, yaw angle and speed – to distribute torque so as to achieve maximum safety in challenging conditions or when encountering sudden changes in road surface friction.
DESIGN & EQUIPMENT
The front of the BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo, including LED headlights featuring the typical BMW light design, appears focussed and dynamic. The BMW kidney grill, finished in chrome, along with additional design elements around the air intakes accentuates the wide, muscular stance.
The ALPINA aerodynamic components blend seamlessly into the modern shape of the 3-Series. Their functional but understated design ensures excellent high speed stability by effectively eliminating uplift. The rear valence with a updated BMW LED rear light design integrates the two elliptical twin tailpipes of the ALPINA exhaust system.
A fundamental ALPINA trademark for over forty years: the sophisticated design of the twenty spoke ALPINA CLASSIC wheel with lockable wheel centre is principally responsible for the elegant appearance of the BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo.
Fine materials and exclusive design elements make the interior a place of well-being which is further aided by a comprehensive level of standard equipment. In addition to Sport Seats, Climate Control and Cruise Control, the BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo also features high-tech LED headlights, Park Distance Control and a Storage Package for even more comfort and safety. The new generation BMW Navigation System Multimedia Professional including industry leading connectivity services is available optionally.
Discreet ALPINA design elements including door sills, floor mats, emblems in the seatbacks, a blue instrumentation with red needles and an exclusive production plaque featuring the vehicle build number are unique details. Like every BMW ALPINA, the B3 S Bi-Turbo’s sport leather steering wheel is hand-finished using the finest LAVALINA leather. In a meticulous work process taking several hours to complete, each steering wheel receives signature ALPINA colours in the form of parallel Blue and Green stitching.
Virtually no limits are placed on the individual design of a BMW ALPINA. From the paintwork to the interior trim and the colour of the upholstery – everything offered by the extensive BMW and ALPINA optional and bespoke equipment range is available. Seldom does a BMW ALPINA leave the manufactory in Buchloe without making use of the virtually limitless personalisation options available. The ALPINA philosophy dictates that the customer can design his or her own interior – assembled by skilled craftsmen in the leather workshop.