(continued from above)
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 liter
in line six cylinder diesel engine utilizing 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
liter 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.
Exterior and Interior Design Personalized 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. The smooth and elegant rear features Alpina
trademark doubleended-pipes that are artfully integrated into the rear valence
which features a discreet diffuser. The diffuser can be deleted as needed,
should the customer desire the optional ability to tow a trailer. 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 interior reveals discreet 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 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 personalization.
BMW Alpina D5 Bi-Turbo: Review (2/2)
