2009 BMW Alpina B6 GT3

(from Alpina Press Release)  After a 20-year hiatus, ALPINA celebrate their return to racing with the BMW ALPINA B6 GT3, to compete in the FIA European GT3 championship – a relatively new racing series in which 12 renowned automotive brands, such as Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche, compete. Based on the BMW 6 Series, ALPINA have developed a competitive weapon for touring-car racing that will be offered to clients, collectors and race teams alike. Furious forward pace is provided by the 4.4-litre V8 with radial compressor, taken from the BMW ALPINA B6 S. It yields 530 horsepower and 725Nm of torque.

Just a few days ago, upon completion of the first BMW ALPINA B6 GT3, the roll-out of B6 GT3 took place. The race car debuted in freezing temperatures, yet mastered its first 300km brilliantly. “We were surprised by how free of problems this maiden shake-down went,” commented ALPINA Proprietor Andreas Bovensiepen, who split driving duties with Claudia Hürtgen. “Due to the low centre of gravity, it feels more like a Formula race car than a Touring Car,“ said Andreas, summing up his first positive impressions.The next tests are scheduled for this week in France, before the B6 GT3 makes its first public appearance at the Salon d’Automobile in Geneva in early March.ALPINA will field two race cars in the FIA GT3 European Championship, and negotiations with interesting auto-racing personalities intended to fill the four race seats are on-going.Race cars are planned for customer race teams, and will compete in the FIA GT3 European Championship, as well as in national GT3 races in Belgium, Brazil, Germany, England, France and Italy. The VLN-sanctioned endurance series at the Nürburgring is also planned, as well as selected 24-hour endurance races.

Let’s all get excited about a spectacular race car and an thrilling season!