Alpina reveals BMW B3 GT3
Posted 1st December, 2011 in BMW | Leave a comment
BMW fans know Alpina, a manufacturer in its own right, for producing some great performance and styling programs that compliment the Bavarian brand’s road vehicles. But, with a pedigree in motorsport stretching back to the 1960s, and a European Touring Car Championship title under its belt, Alpina decided to return to the track this year in the BMW B6 GT3, winning the ADAC GT Masters Championship in the process. As a celebration, Alpina has created this limited edition B3 GT3 model.
Powered by the twin turbocharged 3.0 L six-cylinder engine from the Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo, the B3 GT3 is fitted with a lightweight exhaust system, developed jointly with Akrapovic. The removal of the middle silencer, combined with the use of titanium in the rear silencer and tailpipes, sees a drop of 11 kg and an extra 6 kW (8 hp) released, resulting in 300 kW (408 hp), 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque and a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 4.6 seconds.
Chassis upgrades include special top mounts with adjustable plates at the front, and a coilover suspension kit that allows adjustment of the ride height, and damper compression and rebound. The high-performance motorsport brake set-up uses 380 x 35 mm discs up front with 6-piston calipers, and 4-piston calipers at the rear with 355 x 32 mm discs.
Despite an increase in size (8.5 and 9.5 x 19-inches), the Alpina GT3 Classic forged alloy wheels are 25 percent lighter than the factory rollers. Their clean 20 spoke design suits the Himalaya Grey paint finish, while those Michelin Pilot Sport Cup+ tyres are probably best kept for track use…
Aerodynamic features include a carbon fibre front splitter, diffuser and downforce-inducing rear wing.
The B3 GT3 can be ordered in Mineral White metallic and Black Sapphire metallic or Alpina Blue matt metallic as a special option, while inside, the upholstery is trimmed in black leather and Alcantara, including the lightweight RECARO seats and flappy-paddle steering wheel. If you really want to get noticed, Alpina can apply the green/blue/silver wrap that serves as a hommage to its B6 GT3 race car.
The B3 GT3 will be limited to just 99 units – each with its own numbered plaque, and is priced at € 90.000 (including 19 percent VAT).
[Source: Alpina]
