These are the first photos of the
upcoming Alpina B3 which is currently undergoing hot weather testing in
southern Europe. The sports sedan features very light
camouflage on the bumpers, front grille surrounds, and boot lid. Everything
else is left exposed because not much has changed compared to the stock 3
Series. That’s probably because the carmaker has only begun developing the B3.
How do we know this is a gas-powered B3 and not a
diesel-powered D3? Well, the BMW M340i-specific kidney grilles give it away.
Since the prototype is based on the M Performance model, it should feature a
souped-up version of the turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine that puts
out 382 hp in the US-spec BMW M340i.
Expect the Alpina B3 to feature around 450
horsepower courtesy of a biturbo setup and other upgrades to the inline-six
engine. Customers will be able to recognize the B3 thanks to subtle design elements
such as new bumpers including a front splitter with Alpina lettering at the
front, and a rear diffuser flanked by quad round exhausts at the rear. A deck
lid spoiler and Alpina-specific multi-spoke alloys will round off the exterior
styling upgrade.
Alpina is expected to offer a D3 version as well
which should use the same 388 PS 3.0-liter inline-six diesel with a
quad-turbocharging system from the Alpina XD3 and XD4 SUVs. Both the B3 and D3
should be able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds. Topping it all off is the fact
that the Alpina B3/D3 will be available in the Touring body style as well,
unlike the next-generation BMW M3 which will remain a sedan-only affair.
