Pre-Order the GT Spirit – 1:18 Alpina B3 Gt Saloon Blue 2024 – Resin Model

Alpina’s legacy spans almost six decades, built on a tradition of enhancing BMW models with precision, power, and sophisticated craftsmanship. The B3 GT follows hot on the heels of the refreshed BMW 3-Series sedan, replacing the previous standard B3.

The ‘GT’ badge signifies Gran Turismo, a regular production model created during the final chapter of Alpina’s independent manufacturing run. Built upon the BMW M340i chassis but utilizing the highly potent twin-turbo S58 engine shared with the M3/M4, its philosophy remains true: explosive power delivery with distinctive driving comfort. Alpina’s Buchloe facility is scheduled to stop producing vehicles by the end of December 2025, making this a piece of history.

Under the bonnet lies an enhanced version of BMW’s S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six engine. Alpina engineers have reworked the engine mapping, delivering 522 bhp (529 hp) at 6,250-6,500 rpm and a massive 538 lb-ft (730 Nm) of torque from just 2,500 rpm.

This torque output is key to the GT character, maintaining a significant edge over the M3/M4’s 479 lb-ft. The performance figures are staggering:

• 0-62 mph: 3.4 seconds (0.1s quicker than M3 Competition xDrive)
• Top Speed: 191 mph (308 km/h)
• Transmission: 8-speed ZF Sport Automatic (SWITCH-TRONIC)

The B3 GT masters the art of subtlety. The exterior enhancements improve aerodynamics without sacrificing elegance.

Key Design Features: A distinctive front apron with splitter bearing the ALPINA wordmark, alongside black-painted canards for optimized aerodynamics. The rear features a prominent diffuser in high-gloss black and blacked-out tailpipes. All models receive 20-inch Classic forged alloy wheels finished in exclusive Oro Tecnico gold/bronze. Open the bonnet and you’ll find Oro Tecnico-painted bulkhead reinforcement struts adding significant rigidity.

Alpina’s reputation rests on creating a car that handles track performance while delivering sublime comfort—the essence of Grand Touring.

The B3 GT features rear-biased all-wheel-drive (xDrive) with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. The adaptive suspension employs revised dampers with stiffened rear connections. Crucially, Alpina has added an exclusive Comfort Plus driving mode, ensuring ride comfort remains paramount even with 20-inch wheels. The over-dimensioned 8-speed transmission, traditionally built for 8-cylinder cars, reflects Alpina’s philosophy of over-engineering for enhanced durability.

The cabin takes BMW’s latest dual curved screen layout with iDrive 8.5 and injects traditional Alpina luxury.

The flat-bottomed steering wheel is hand-finished in finest LAVALINA leather with contrast stitching in Oro Tecnico gold. Shift paddles are anodized aluminum in matching gold. Carbon fiber trim is standard, with new Performtex microfiber/velour upholstery. A personalized production number plate features signatures of the three Bovensiepen family members (Andreas, Burkard, and Florian), marking this as a true piece of Alpina history.

The B3 GT Saloon represents the culmination of Alpina’s independent engineering ethos. With only around 1,750 GT models planned until the end of 2025, these are inherently limited by production slots available.

It exemplifies the “upgraded Autobahn Cruiser” philosophy—arguably the last model truly conceived and hand-built by Alpina engineers in Buchloe. For those who appreciate a powerful “sleeper” that devours miles without turning every head, the B3 GT is a fantastic final recipe and a piece of history in the making.