Updated with new photos as of 10/19/12 of the Alpina B3 testing at the Nurburgring (spied at BMW's Nurburgring test center).
The Alpina F30 B3 has started development and we've got the first sighting of the prototype. The B3 test mule (based on the F30 335i) provides a good preview of the external styling to expect on the F30 B3, with its Alpina front lip spoiler, aggressive trunk spoiler, quad exhaust, and of course Alpina wheels. It appears that Alpina has now changed the front lip spoiler design from its
original preview render. The production version is likely to feature a special exterior color as in past Alpina models.
The F30 B3 will be powered by a highly massaged (by Alpina) N55 engine which should output more than the 400HP from the
current B3 S's N54 engine. It will be offered in automatic transmission only. Expect a top speed in the ballpark of 290kmph as Alpinas are traditionally top speed unlimited.
The cabin will feature the usual beautiful interior (which is not yet fitted in this prototype) we've come to expect and see in Alpina models - such as the trademark Alpina blue dash gauge cluster.
Expect the new B3 to debut at next year's Geneva show in March 2013. If tradition holds, we will unfortunately not see the F30 Alpina B3 in the North American market. Only the
Alpina B7 is currently sold in the US.
Also see the videos below for a history lesson and insight into the development process of Alpina vehicles.
VIDEOS
Alpina BMW Model Design, Production and Manufacturing Process
Alpina History Lesson