2012 BMW Alpina B3 GT3

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Alpina's recent return to international motor sport peaked this year, with the drivers Alexandros Margaritis and Dino Lunardi winning the German GT Series, the 2011 ADAC GT Masters Championship, in the BMW Alpina B6 GT3.

With this achievement Alpina purposefully demonstrates that despite a long absence from motor sports, cutting edge automotive know-how and technical expertise continues to be the foundation for the development of exclusive BMW Alpina automobiles. Ideal circumstances to re-kindle the long-standing Alpina tradition of creating ultra small series limited editions.

The exceptionally smooth twin turbocharged 3.0-liter in line six-cylinder engine from the BMW Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo - with its massive torque and effortless performance - is also employed in the B3 GT3. By amending the exhaust system and replacing the rear silencer the back pressure has been further reduced, increasing output in the B3 GT3 by 8 hp. The direct petrol injected engine now delivers a total power output of 408 hp at 6000 rpm and 400 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque at 4500 rpm.

Sophisticated Aerodynamics

Besides its competitive drivetrain and suspension technology, the B6 GT3 race car managed to more than hold its own in the ADAC GT Masters thanks to its exceptional aerodynamics - downforce playing a vital role in achieving fast lap times. The B3 GT3 special edition exhibits a number of aerodynamic features which have been directly derived from the experience gained in motor racing.

The combination of a carbon front splitter, which is mounted on the underside of the front spoiler, and dive plates, which are mounted on the side of the front valence, ensures excellent aerodynamic properties at the front end. To achieve an ideal aerodynamic balance a carbon wing is mounted at the rear. The profile of the rear wing is such, that it reduces lift at the rear significantly without negatively effecting the drag coefficient. The rear diffusor, in black matt, also plays a part in ensuring that the aerodynamic efficiency at the rear end is improved.

In summary, the optimum design and combination of these components means that lift has been completely dialled out, the B3 GT3 is the first roadgoing BMW Alpina automobile to exhibit actual downforce at the front and rear.

BMW Alpina B3 GT3: Review (2/2)