An Alpina racecar for the road.
Motorsports have always played an important role at BMW Alpina. Much of the technology and experience gained in racing has translated over to many of the company’s products and automobiles. In 1988, BMW Alpina pulled out of racing for a period of over 20 years and finally made their return to the track in 2009 with the Alpina B6 GT3. After achieving much success with the D6 GT3 and drivers Alexandros Margaritis and Dino Lunardi, BMW Alpina decided to make a limited edition street-legal racecar.
Shown for the first time at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the Alpina B3 GT3 is a track-ready B3 modeled heavily after the successful D6 GT3. The Alpina B3 GT3 will be powered by the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine of the B3 BiTurbo, mated to a ZF six-speed sport automatic transmission. Alpina has installed a new Akrapovic exhaust system on the B3 GT3 to reduce backpressure and shed weight. The titanium construction of the exhaust, removal of the middle muffler, and use of a cross-pipe saved 22.4 lbs. and increased power by approximately eight horses. After the upgrades, the 3.0-liter produces 408 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 398 lb-ft. of torque at 4,500 RPM. The added power helps the Alpina B3 GT3 accelerate to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).
As with all racecars, the Alpina B3 GT3 features a host of performance-oriented chassis goodies. The suspension was replaced with a new coilover system that has 18-way compression and 12-way rebound adjustability along with a full range of ride height options. New front top mounts with adjustable plates help improve chassis rigidity and provide dynamic handling characteristics. The camber at the front axle can also be adjusted for specific tracks.
In addition to the race-bred suspension, the wheels and tires of the B3 GT3 are designed specifically for performance. The classic 20-spoke Alpina wheels were manufactured using a forging process to reduce weight and increase strength. The 19-inch Himalaya grey wheels are 25 percent lighter and measure 8.5 x19 up front and 9.5 x 18 rear with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires standard. As an option, customers can order a GT3 Cup kit that is compromised of Alpina GT3 Classic lightweight alloy forged wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup+ tires. Behind the wheels is a powerful braking system that is designed to prevent fade. The high-performance setup features six-piston front calipers with 380 x 35 mm discs and four-piston calipers with 355 x 32 mm at the rear. Each caliper is painted blue and wears silver “ALPINA” logos.
The entire exterior was optimized with racing accessories and bodywork in order to provide maximum aerodynamic performance. The front spoiler was fitted with a new splitter, and the front fascia was given dive plates to improve downforce. The rear of the Alpina B3 GT3 features a large carbon fiber spoiler and a matte black diffuser. Each component helps to reduce lift without affecting the B3 GT3’s drag coefficient.
Inside of the BMW Alpina B3 GT3 is a black interior with soft leather and grippy alcantara. Lightweight Recaro sports with heating and adjustability provide front passengers with superb lateral support and comfort. All of the seats feature special Alpina vertical racing-colored stripes, while the alcantara sports steering wheel with paddle shifters is given racing-colored stitching.
The BMW Alpina B3 GT3 will be available starting at € 90,000 and be limited to a production of just 99 units. Customers can order the Alpina B3 GT3 in three standard colors or the featured B6 GT3 designed full body vinyl wrapping. Each B3 GT3 will come standard with a Drexler limited-slip differential.
BMW Alpina B3 GT3 Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.0 liters (2,979 cc)
Number of Cylinders: Inline-six
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Bore x Stroke: 84.0 x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.4 : 1
Maximum Horsepower: 408 (300 kW) at 6,000 RPM
Maximum Torque: 398 lb-ft. (540 Nm) at 4,500 RPM
– Akrapovic lightweight titanium exhaust system
Transmission:
Type: ZF six-speed sport automatic 6HP19 TU Switch-Tronic
Drive: Rear-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.6 seconds
Top Speed: 186 mph (300 km/h)
Wheels, Tires, Brakes, and Suspension:
Wheels: Alpina Classic 20-spoke lightweight forged
Front Wheels: 8.5 x 19
Rear Wheels: 9.5 x 19
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 2
Front Tires: 245/35 ZR 19
Rear Tires: 265/35 ZR 19
Suspension: Adjustable coilovers, front top mounts, and adjustable top mount plates
Front Brakes: High-performance six-piston calipers with 380 x 35 mm discs
Rear Brakes: High-performance four-piston calipers with 355 x 32 mm discs
Calipers: Blue paint with silver Alpina logos
Exterior:
-Carbon fiber front splitter mounted on the spoiler
-Dive plates mounted on the each side of the front valence
-Carbon fiber rear wing
-Matte black rear diffuser
Interior:
-Lightweight and heated Recaro sport seats with adjustable height
-Sports steering wheel with alcantara, special stitching, and shift paddles
-Black leather and alcantara interior
-Vertical Alpina racing color stripes on all seats
BMW Alpina B3 GT3 Gallery
Source: BMW Alpina
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