Alpina debuted two new models at the Frankfurt IAA - a B6 Biturbo and this 350hp D5 Biturbo. Full details and photos (from the event and official press photos) are below. Enjoy.
PRESS RELEASE
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BMW ALPINA D5 BITURBO
For a long time diesel engines only played a marginal role in the passenger car segment. Lethargic, unrefined, noisy and not particularly clean – just some of the attributes of early oil burners. As a result, it was painfully difficult to imagine their application in a premium, luxury or sports car even fifteen years ago. Even more incredible then, the impressive metamorphosis into a popular high-tech power plant – powerful, high in torque and very efficient.
In 1998 Andreas Bovensiepen, together with Stuck, Menzel and Duez, won the 24h Nürburgring at the wheel of a BMW 320 diesel engined race car – which was certainly unconventional at the time. This success provided the impetus for ALPINA to start the development of a high performance version of the BMW 3 litre in line six cylinder diesel engine utilising two turbochargers. The result was phenomenal: the D10 Bi-Turbo, on basis of the BMW 5 Series, held the record for the fastest production diesel saloon for many years! Especially long distance drivers valued the unique combination of excellent handling, brilliant comfort and long cruising range.
With the support of BMW’s diesel competence and the rapid advance in diesel technology altogether, ALPINA developed a modified 2 litre in line four cylinder diesel engine. Introduced in 2005, it was ALPINA’s first foray into the diesel segment on the basis of the BMW 3 Series. Hereby ALPINA opened its doors to an entirely new customer group and demonstrated, that not only maximum performance, but the finely balanced and harmonious automobile in its entirety, is a successful recipe made in Buchloe, Germany.
The new D5 Bi-Turbo continues the legacy of its predecessors with brilliant dynamics, outstanding performance and maximum efficiency. It is the new benchmark for high performance diesels!
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
Dynamic Comfort
The times when overly stiff suspensions were seen as a positive handling characteristic are long gone. It remains a fact that a truly neutral set-up, even at the limit, provides the best technical compromise.
This is achieved in part through shorter ALPINA springs, greater camber at the front and subtle changes to the toein. Together with 20“ wheels and tyres this yields a very balanced and direct chassis set-up, discarding a pure sport-orientated approach for an agile suspension with precise turn-in.
Mounted on the light-weight ALPINA CLASSIC wheels are non-run-flat MICHELIN PILOT SUPER SPORT tyres measuring 255/35 ZR20 front and 285/30 ZR20 rear. Representing the latest in ultra-high performance tyre technology available today, they feature a running surface which is made up of 2/3rds soft compound (centre) and 1/3rd hard compound (outside and flanks). This mixture makes for excellent durability despite typical hard use in high-performance vehicles, yet provides very good grip in the wet. Enhanced tread stability and a new flank reinforcement technology ensures the tyre is less likely to suffer from spikes in temperature with a resulting loss of grip in the dry.
To fulfil the seemingly contradictory demands for comfort, everyday usability and dynamic handling, the D5 Bi-Turbo is equipped with electronically-adjustable dampers (Drive Performance Control). This system has been artfully calibrated by ALPINA, and is tied into other system parameters controlling steering assistance, torque cushioning and the Dynamic Stability Control system. Featuring pronounced Comfort+, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings, the D5 Bi-Turbo transitions effortlessly from cultivated luxury to thorough-bred sportiness. Light steering, ultra-comfortable suspension and an imperceptibly shifting transmission make the D5 Bi-Turbo an ideal partner in stop-and-go traffic, when covering great distances or when encountering less than perfect road surfaces. Yet at the touch of a
button, the D5 Bi-Turbo will track through tricky corners and along exciting sections of road with an agility and light-footedness like no other in its class.
DESIGN
Personalised to every taste
BMW’s designers have outdone themselves - the form and shape of the BMW 5 Series is without doubt elegant, modern and very cohesive. ALPINA design cues and aerodynamic components integrate easily into the overall design of both the Saloon and Touring, providing a more powerful and dynamic appearance in a subtle manner.
The front, which is commanding and powerful, features an ALPINA front spoiler designed according to aerodynamic guidelines and which is also principally responsible for effectively guiding air-flows to components of the cooling system and the brakes. In combination with the rear spoiler (Saloon), the D5 Bi-Turbo’s total aerodynamic package yields the highest levels of safety and stability, especially at high speeds. The resulting reduction in lift, speed-dependent, can reach -80% front and -10% rear.
The smooth and elegant rear features ALPINA trademark two double-ended tailpipes which are artfully integrated into the rear valence which features a discreet diffusor. The diffusor can be deleted as needed, should the customer desire the optional ability to tow a trailer.
The interior reveals subtle features which one is accustomed to from ALPINA and which highlight the D5 Bi-Turbo’s exclusive pedigree. The standard equipment level is comprehensive, featuring amongst other things a leather interior, adjustable sport seats, Xenon headlamps and Park Distance Control. The hand-stitched LAVALINA leather SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel can be positioned exactly as needed to see the blue ALPINA instruments with black-panel LCD technology. The classic ALPINA burled Myrtle wood trim provides a warm ambience - found only on the USA’s Pacific Coast it is cultivated from dedicated Laurel tree groves grown for just this purpose. Optional ALPINA Piano Lacquer interior trim with its silver diagonal rhombs, offers a modern and just as exclusive alternative.
The interior’s warm ambience and modern treatments always foster a sense of well-being. For those who would only award themselves that something unique, exclusive volumes and the ALPINA philosophy of hand-craftsmanship offer a nearly endless spectrum of personalisation.
