BMW is almost ready to show
us a new M3 but overseas, buyers are able to choose an alternative in
the form of the new B3 from semi-official BMW tuner Alpina.
The car was unveiled in its Touring
wagon body style in September at the Frankfurt International Motor
Show, and on Wednesday at the Tokyo Motor Show the covers came off the B3
sedan.
Under the hood is the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
normally found in the M340i. Here it's aided by a pair of turbochargers to help
deliver 462 horsepower and a massive 516 pound-feet of torque. With such numbers,
owners can expect 0-60 mph acceleration approaching 4.0 seconds and a top speed
in excess of 186 mph. In comparison, the new M3 is expected to boast a
3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 that should have as much as 503 hp on tap.
Like its M counterpart, the Alpina B3 also benefits from a
host of chassis mods in addition to the extra power. For its latest B3, Alpina
worked with ZF to ensure the B3's version of the 3-Series' 8-speed auto has
faster response and quicker shift times. Alpina also added the 3-Series'
all-wheel-drive system to ensure maximum traction.
Other chassis mods include sport-tuned suspension, a
limited-slip differential, and uprated brakes.
On the outside, Alpina has added unique fascias front and
rear, along with quad-exhaust tips, and the company's signature multi-spoke
wheels. A 19-inch set is standard but the 20-inch set with a 20-spoke design as
shown here is available.
The B3 is currently available to order and due to start
deliveries in mid-2020. While the car is unlikely to reach the U.S., other
Alpina models are sold here. The latest to arrive is the B7 based on the
7-Series, and an Alpina-enhanced version of the BMW X7 should join it in the
not too distant future.
source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1125665_2020-bmw-alpina-b3-is-the-m3-alternative-we-miss-out-on
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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