Mirror.co.uk (Enlarge photo)

You've probably heard of Alpina. It's to BMW what AMG is to Mercedes-Benz (except Alpina is an independent firm).

It started out as a tuning specialist but now builds bespoke BMWs that are so thoroughly tweaked, Alpina is now more manufacturer than tuner.

Alpina's latest toy is the D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe. It's a modified BMW 123d that's had its engine tuned to give 214bhp and has been lightened for improved performance. The little coupe will do... // Mirror.co.uk

You've probably heard of Alpina. It's to BMW what AMG is to Mercedes-Benz (except Alpina is an independent firm).

It started out as a tuning specialist but now builds bespoke BMWs that are so thoroughly tweaked, Alpina is now more manufacturer than tuner.

Alpina's latest toy is the D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe. It's a modified BMW 123d that's had its engine tuned to give 214bhp and has been lightened for improved performance. The little coupe will do... // Mirror.co.uk

The factor with which the new D3 Coupe is best compared to its rivals is its Power-To-Weight ratio; an equation commonly applied in motor sport. But, with heavily increased personal taxation designed to encourage energy saving and lowered emissions, the calculation is assuming wider relevance to drivers - especially those in the select niche at which this latest ALPINA is aimed.

As epitomised by the D3 Coupe, gaining extra performance simply by substituting a larger engine is alien to the ALPINA philosophy. Instead, the manufacturer, working closely with BMW, maximises the sporting potential of existing units.

ALPINA engineers have taken BMW's state-of-the-art twin turbo diesel... // AutoCorse.it

totallymotor.co.uk (Enlarge photo)

BMW has released more details regarding the new Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo coupe, revealing that its 'added lightness' allows the car to achieve 50 miles per gallon.

The Alpina's 'power-to-weight' ratio is what BMW is highlighting as the major selling point.

Engineers have taken the twin turbo diesel engine from BMW's 123d and increased the power to 214 hp.

This, says BMW, makes it produce more horsepower per litre than any other engine in a current... // totallymotor.co.uk