410 bhp coupe and convertible combine luxury and refinement with just 177 g/km of CO2
Goodwood Festival of Speed – Stand 7 – UK launch for new ALPINAs
Nottingham (UK). ALPINA is following the launch of the remarkable D3 Bi-Turbo, the world’s fastest diesel production car, with two new petrol models. The new B4 Bi-Turbo is available as a coupe or a convertible, together offering a unique combination of comfort, refinement and very high performance.
With more than 300 kW (410 hp) and 600 Nm of torque, the Coupe touches 100 km/h(62 mph) from zero in just 4.2 seconds (4.5 for the Convertible). Four Wheel Drive versions, available in left hand drive markets only, will reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in an astonishing 4.0 seconds. ALPINA’s careful optimisation of the powertrain and aerodynamics allows this remarkable performance to be delivered with combined cycle fuel economy of 37 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 177 g/km.
The B4 Bi-Turbo will be launched in the UK at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (June 27 – 29), where visitors will also be able to see the XD3 luxury compact SUV and the astonishing 700 Nm D3-Bi-Turbo, which combines 278 km/h (172 mph) and 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.6 seconds with CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km.
ALPINA GB sales manager Matthew Stripling says the cars are designed for people who appreciate refinement and comfort as much as very high performance. “ALPINA customers value the finely-honed feel of a bespoke car and the easily accessible performance that comes with substantial torque available at almost any engine speed,” he explains. “We are not trying to compete with cars that must also perform well on a track. An ALPINA is often described as ‘the best performance car for the real world’ and that’s something we are very proud of.”
Based on BMW’s latest generation 3-Series, the B4 Bi-Turbo is the result of a two year development programme during which every aspect of the vehicle was analysed and refined to increase performance, comfort, efficiency and style. Using design and validation processes identical to those implemented by BMW, ALPINA’s team of 50 development engineers worked with specialist suppliers to enhance the engine, gearbox, cooling system, body structure, wheels, tyres, aerodynamics, steering, suspension and interior.
At the heart of the new B4 Bi-Turbo is an extensively re-engineered version of BMW’s highly-regarded 3.0 litre straight six from the 335i. That engine’s twin-scroll single turbocharger is replaced by a twin-turbo system to provide very fast throttle response and the many bespoke components include a sophisticated cooling system and a new, forged steel crankshaft. “ALPINAs must be capable of high-performance motoring every day without any compromise in durability,” emphasises Stripling.
Bespoke Luxury
The BMW ALPINA B4 Bi-Turbo is available in the UK as a Coupe for £58,950 or as a Convertible for £62,950, with a long list of standard equipment that includes an eight-speed automatic gearbox, Adaptive M Sport Suspension, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated sports seats, climate control and Bi-Xenon headlights. Inside, there are luxury carpet overmats and subtle ALPINA logos on the seat backs and door sills. The instruments are in ALPINA Blue and the steering wheel is covered in finest-quality, hand-stitched Lavalina leather. The acoustically insulated metal roof of the Convertible can be closed in just 20 seconds at up to 18 km/h (11 mph).
Outside, the new B4 Bi-Turbo receives subtle aerodynamic enhancements developed in BMW’s wind tunnel, a four outlet exhaust with an ‘intelligent’ acoustic valve, and 20” ALPINA alloy wheels in the company’s famous Classic design. Every car is finished with a model plaque displayed on the centre console, showing the car’s unique build number.
In addition to being available with all BMW options including those from BMW Individual, the B4 Bi-Turbo can receive almost limitless personalisation from ALPINA’s craftsmen. Alongside the famous ALPINA Blue and ALPINA Green signature paintwork, choices include hand-stitched full leather interiors of superb quality and a wide range of hand-finished woods for the dashboard and doors.
ALPINA has worked closely with BMW since 1961, with shared warranty cover since 1964. The company was registered as an automobile manufacturer in 1983. ALPINAs can be serviced at any BMW dealer.
www.bmwalpina.co.uk
Technical Notes
Bespoke ALPINA Technology
ALPINA CEO Andreas Bovensiepen says the remarkable combination of comfort, performance and durability achieved with every vehicle is possible because although all BMW ALPINAs are available with an almost infinite variety of bespoke luxuries, his company manufactures only one mechanical specification for each model.
“As well as enhancing the performance of all major vehicle systems, our engineers are able to focus on ensuring that they work perfectly together, without the compromises needed for wide model and option variations,” he explains. “For ride comfort, for example, there is one combination of seat cushion, tyres, wheels, dampers, bushes and springs, so they can be designed to work as a well-coordinated team. We build only 1,500 cars a year, so we can do things that would not be possible in volume production.”
Powertrain
Based on BMW’s highly-regarded N55 straight six, the B4 Bi-Turbo engine is extensively re-engineered to provide effortless, very high performance without drama. Exceptionally clean, it already complies with the tough Euro 6 emissions standards to be introduced in September 2014.
ALPINA’s engine is built around a bespoke aluminium block with Bi-Turbo capable flanges that allow the mounting of two turbochargers (one very small for ultra-fast response, one larger for high throughput) along with the necessary oil and water connections and a close-coupled catalytic converter. ALPINA-specification sparkplugs and a bespoke high-strength steel crankshaft help ensure exceptional durability.
The new, twin turbochargers are fed from larger intake ducts with optimised radii, allowing the engine to breathe more freely by reducing induction air pressure losses by up to 30 percent compared with the standard system. The result of complex fluid dynamics modelling, the bespoke induction system allows increased engine output as well as improved throttle response. A 61 percent larger intercooler with flow-optimised aluminium ducting increases the density of the fuel / air mixture to further enhance engine performance. Maximum airflow is up 30 percent compared with the standard system.
An additional radiator in the engine cooling circuit is mounted behind the bespoke front spoiler, which also directs air to the new, high-flow oil cooler. Control is provided by a dedicated thermal systems control unit that uses information from the vehicle’s databus to optimise powertrain temperatures and to reduce parasitic loading on the engine by momentarily switching off the fan when maximum acceleration is required.
ALPINA has paid equal attention to the hot side of the engine. The bespoke, free-flow exhaust manifold is manufactured from high carbon steel with a cobalt addition to provide very high temperature resistance. The light-weight, quad-outlet exhaust system, developed with specialist supplier Akrapovic, is optimised for gas flow as well as for acoustic characteristics, which are enhanced by opening a computer-controlled valve when the Drive Performance Control is in Sport mode and when the system identifies spirited driving.
The eight speed transmission has been developed in partnership with ZF to provide a very fast shift speed while ensuring durability with the B4 Bi-Turbo’s immense torque. Around 20 percent of the unit’s components have received design changes. Linked to recalibrated software, the system provides smooth, comfortable gear changes with no noticeable interruption to power delivery.
In Manual mode, the driver can take complete control of the transmission using the unique ALPINA Switch-Tronic buttons on the back of the steering wheel for intuitive fingertip control. In Automatic (D) mode, the transmission maintains low engine speeds to optimise refinement and fuel economy. Sport (S) mode shortens gearchange times and moves the shift points up the engine speed range. When combined with the Sport or Sport+ setting of the Drive Performance Control, gear shift times are further reduced.
The high torque developed by the Bi-turbo engine over such a wide speed range allows the use of a long rear axle ratio which in combination with the 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission and Auto Start Stop contributes significantly to achieving exceptional fuel economy. Top speed is achieved in 7th gear. The driveshafts and differential are also reinforced and a limited slip differential is available as an option.
Ride and Handling
The combination of incredible performance and low emissions is matched by a remarkable ride quality and superb dynamics from the chassis. Bespoke ALPINA springs with a 40 percent higher rate work with bespoke roll-control bars, bushings and bump stops. The four-setting variable damper control has been recalibrated to provide softer compression and stiffer rebound. The system works with the revised springs and bushes to provide superb body control, particular in the sports settings, while allowing excellent bump absorption. Front camber and toe-in are optimised and a front body strengthening brace, designed specifically for the D3 Bi-Turbo, is fitted to further enhance steering feel, turn-in and dynamic consistency.
Wheels are ALPINA’s legendary ‘Classic’ design with a 20” diameter, carrying non-run-flat Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres developed in partnership with the tyre company specifically for the B4 Bi-Turbo. Enhanced tread stability and a new flank reinforcement technology reduces temperature spikes during very hard driving, ensuring consistently excellent grip in the dry complemented by a bi-compound running surface to ensure equally outstanding performance in the wet. Side walls that are 20 percent softer contribute to the car’s superb ride quality and refinement.
Brembo callipers in ALPINA Blue announce a bespoke braking system with 370 mm discs and four piston callipers at the front and 345 mm discs with twin piston callipers at the rear. The pad specification has been selected to provide excellent temperature stability to provide consistently good stopping performance and pedal feel during hard use without compromising feel or refinement when being driven more gently.
To help ensure that every aspect of the suspension works perfectly together, ALPINA has recalibrated the control software for the power steering, the Dynamic Stability Control and the Dynamic Traction Control. “This is a great example of the attention to detail that is applied to optimise the entire car as a unified driving system,” says Bovensiepen. “Optimising the DSC for our wheel and tyre combination means that we can deliver more performance and greater safety, with unobtrusive intervention helping to make the vehicle feel wonderfully neutral at its dynamic limits.”
Aerodynamics
The appearance of a BMW ALPINA has always been a distinctive blend of function and style. The new front spoiler provides the necessary airflow to the front brakes and through the additional heat exchangers and also works with the bespoke rear spoiler to reduce high-speed lift to within two decimal places of zero.
TECHNICAL DATA Coupe Convertible
Weight (kg unladen) 1,615 1,840
Length (mm) 4,640 4,640
Cylinder 6 in line 6 in line
Displacement (cm3) 2979 2979
Bore (mm) 84.0 84.0
Stroke (mm) 89.6 89.6
Maximum output (kW / hp) 301 / 410 301 / 410
@ 5,500 to 6,250 rpm
Max. torque (Nm / lbs-ft) 600 / 443 600 / 443
@ 3,000 to 4,000 rpm
Final drive ratio 2.8:1 2.8:1
Front wheels and tyres 8 x 20“ 245/30 ZR20
Rear wheels and tyres 9 x 20“ 265/30 ZR20
Emissions classification Euro 6 Euro 6
Acceleration 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) (sec) 4.2 4.5
Acceleration 0-125 mph (0-200 km/h) (sec) 14.1 15.6
Top speed (km/h / mph) 303 / 188 301 / 187
Combined (mpg) 37.2 35.3
CO2 emissions (g/km) 177 186
Efficiency category D C
Prepared by Market Engineering,
Europe’s leading communications agency for the automotive technology industry.
ALP8477 1.1ap 12/06/14
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