FRANKFURT, Germany — The 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show can sure benefit from a hopped-up 3 Series or two on the Alpina stand.
The BMW tuner hasn't disappointed this year, with a new B3 Bi-Turbo package available for the 3 Series sedan, coupe and cabrio. Alpina's subtle modifications, including the use of Mahle performance pistons, help boost output on the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine to 360 horsepower, with torque rising to 369 pound-feet. Mated to a ZF six-speed sequential automatic gearbox, the B3 coupe and sedan can sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.8 seconds, while the B3 cabrio makes the journey in just under 5.0 seconds.
Fuel economy is still remarkable, considering the performance potential. The coupe returns an average 24.2 mpg, the sedan 24.0 mpg and the cabrio 23.8 mpg.
Naturally, Alpina provides the usual suspension tuning, including firmer shocks and springs and stiffer rear subframe bushings. The B3 is equipped with 18-inch Alpina Classic wheels with Michelin tires: 225/40ZR18s in front and 265/40ZR18s in the rear. Nineteen-inch rims are also available.
Inside, the B3 boasts lots of leather and wood, plus the signature Alpina instrument cluster, with blue dials and red pointers.
What this means to you: The B3 Bi-Turbo is definitely cool, but it can't quite touch rival AC Schnitzer's V10-powered 3 Series for sheer muscle and panache.
The BMW tuner hasn't disappointed this year, with a new B3 Bi-Turbo package available for the 3 Series sedan, coupe and cabrio. Alpina's subtle modifications, including the use of Mahle performance pistons, help boost output on the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine to 360 horsepower, with torque rising to 369 pound-feet. Mated to a ZF six-speed sequential automatic gearbox, the B3 coupe and sedan can sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.8 seconds, while the B3 cabrio makes the journey in just under 5.0 seconds.
Fuel economy is still remarkable, considering the performance potential. The coupe returns an average 24.2 mpg, the sedan 24.0 mpg and the cabrio 23.8 mpg.
Naturally, Alpina provides the usual suspension tuning, including firmer shocks and springs and stiffer rear subframe bushings. The B3 is equipped with 18-inch Alpina Classic wheels with Michelin tires: 225/40ZR18s in front and 265/40ZR18s in the rear. Nineteen-inch rims are also available.
Inside, the B3 boasts lots of leather and wood, plus the signature Alpina instrument cluster, with blue dials and red pointers.
What this means to you: The B3 Bi-Turbo is definitely cool, but it can't quite touch rival AC Schnitzer's V10-powered 3 Series for sheer muscle and panache.
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