For those following me on twitter (@neilmw) you'll have seem some updates (but no photos as my phone not playing!)
Obviously the cats out of the bag on the surprise - a Xd3 Bi-Turbo based on the X3. This car has the same engine and transmission as the D5. The car looks suprisingly good - and thats from someone who is definitely not a X3 fan. I'll fill you in with some of the reasoning behind the car a bit later when I've had some more conversations.
I briefly spoke to Andy B this morning and he said the obvious and biggest challege was making the X3 feel like an ALPINA. He is confident they have.
The X3 is made in Spartenburg, USA, as a result it comes to Buchloe as a standard X3 and is converted to the ALPINA there - this is exactly the same that happened with the Roadster S.
As it comes from the USA the ability to do ALPINA things on the production line is limited. As a result it is not available in ALPINA Blue or ALPINA Green. By a quick check of the BMW website that means there are 10 BMW colours to choose from.
It also means that ALPINA wood is not available.
Interesting facts about the show car...
1. It is in Midnight Blue with full stripes. The car featured in the launch video and photos is a White car also striped.
2. The main interior is trimmed in black alcantara with white stiching this looks the part and definitely moves the interior up a notch or two.
3. The have worked with a supplier (TBD) on a new innovative interior detailing. The technique allows for very fine detailing to be put into the interior trim and lit by LEDs.
As you can see it can change colour (in this case ALPINA Blue -> ALPINA Green) and in my book looks fantastic !
Sadly this is only a prototype / concept phase - but definitely looks worth pursuing.
4. The show car is 002. 001 is not built yet - when it is it will be a RHD car !
5. The car features an akrapovic rear section - this basically has been designed to increase performance and improve / enhance the sound of the car.
6. The show car is sitting on 21 inch (optional wheels) There is no Dynamic option only 20 or 21 inch new Classic wheels.
7. An unofficial acceleration test showed the car could accelerate 0-50kph in just 1.1 seconds ! Thanks to great traction and obviously the torque.
BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-turbo
The show car is in ALPINA Blue with silver stripes. The car is running 20 inch new classics and looks well on it.
ALPINA were pleasantly surprised with the car's economy and emissions which is down to a number of factors including the donor engine's valvetronic and stop/start. As with all ALPINAs the amount of R&D gone into the car is huge.
I've recorded a video of the press conference
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Andy is putting up his photos of both the new cars - so they should be available soon too.
