[Jason]

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First Look at F30 Alpina B3 in Development

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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.

First Look at F30 Alpina B3 in Development

VIDEOS

Alpina BMW Model Design, Production and Manufacturing Process

Alpina History Lesson

[E90Mario]

This is going to be good!

[Hellkite]

They really need to bring this car the the US. BMW if you are listing we need this car.

[PaulBailey@ltbmw]

Going to be amazing.

[CoolDude196]

so what line will this alpina bodykit be attached to? by the looks of it this one is a modern line with alpina bits added on, will we be able to decide if we want the body bits to be attached to say, a sport line?

[Maz335i]

Originally Posted by CoolDude196

so what line will this alpina bodykit be attached to? by the looks of it this one is a modern line with alpina bits added on, will we be able to decide if we want the body bits to be attached to say, a sport line?

I think we can.

I definitely want this on my Luxury Line...

[e92_m3]

Originally Posted by CoolDude196

...will we be able to decide if we want the body bits to be attached to say, a sport line?

I don't think we will be able to decide if we want the body bits to be attached to a particular F30 line.

Alpina has been very strict on their design. They choose a particular model line to work on. Let's say they chose the F30 335i as their base vehicle. Once it's chosen, they stay with that particular model. You also have to consider the mods they do on the engine. If Alpina used the F30 335i and based the new design on it, it would be a hassle for Alpina if someone wanted their F30 328i to have the same Alpina body bits and engine treatment.

[wdeerfield]

making a busy front end even busier.. i think the msport has it right with how basic it is.

[e92_m3]

Damn! I fuckin' love the new F30 front. (Have to cuss on this coz the front really captured my attention ever since I saw the F30 335i with the M performance goodies)

Definitely looks a lot more aggressive than the e9x's.

[TreDirtyFive]

Those Wolverine Claws wheels are horrendous.

[Tallest]

Originally Posted by CoolDude196

so what line will this alpina bodykit be attached to? by the looks of it this one is a modern line with alpina bits added on, will we be able to decide if we want the body bits to be attached to say, a sport line?

I believe you have can buy whatever BMW you want and then have the alpina treatment done in Buchloe. So wouldn't worry.
Just seen a D3 biturbo ALpina Touring in Montego Blue with sport steering wheel and Idrive, cloth - leather sport seats etc. You can spec it as you like. BEfore they weren't as flexible, but D3 has changed things a bit (as it's an Alpina for the regular guy ).

I expect this F30 to be awesome. The Dynamic rims, which are always 19s on 3er, look small on F30 though. Crap, this 3 series needs 20s to look cool.


And to all saying front is busy - Alpina is so much more than a body kit. It's like you're saying F1 car is cool and all but has 13in rims so it's actually not good, put some big rims and we're talking... Alpina does things for purpose - this lip actually helps with downforce, same as that spoiler.

[Ash83]

hopefully they will come up with a nice fix for those headlights, that connection to the Kidney grill is driving me crazy.

[e92_m3]

Originally Posted by Ash83

hopefully they will come up with a nice fix for those headlights, that connection to the Kidney grill is driving me crazy.

That's what actually makes the F30 stand out. That and the part where the whole front end drops down. No more slanted grill like the e9x's. It also has a more aggressive look than the e9x's.

[mapezzul]

They also have a prototype wagon running around... looks great!

[CoolDude196]

How well do alpinas sell, over in the US?

I am right in thinking you can get alpinas over there aren't I?

[414M3]

why would someone in Europe buy this over an M3? I understand the market for the B7 but I'm not familiar with the B3. Cheaper?

[Prissy]

ugly headlights for life

[Teemo Panda]

Not to be sarcastic but, what is the purpose of the Alpina B series for?

[Remonster]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

making a busy front end even busier.. i think the msport has it right with how basic it is.

I agree, but I generally dislike some of the details on Alpina cars until I take a step back and realize that as a whole they work very well. I was looking at a black Alpina B7 at the dealership yesterday, for example, that looked completely amazing.

[92660]

Why is it towing a trailer

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by TreDirtyFive

Those Wolverine Claws wheels are horrendous.

I agree. My neighbour has a similar set of wheels on his 7er and they are horrendous.

[lfelunden]

Originally Posted by msellars

why would someone in Europe buy this over an M3? I understand the market for the B7 but I'm not familiar with the B3. Cheaper?

I've got an Alpina B5S, the car can be both comfortable and a beast, also it doesn't have any kind of limiter and is fully tested at topspeeds with no problems at all, also the Alpina B3S Biturbo(e9x) is a lot faster than a BMW M3(e9x). Looks better too imo.