BMW has given us the M3 GTS, but renowned Bimmer tuner Alpina used the Tokyo motor show to wheel out its take on a hardcore 3 Series via the B3 GT3, touted as a racer for the road.
Alpina plans to build and sell just 99 examples of the B3 GT3 (priced just over $120,000 in Germany), which was conceived to celebrate Alpina's win in the 2011 German GT Series with the B6 GT3.
Rather than using the V8-powered M3 as base, the B3 GT3 is powered by an uprated version of BMW's 3.0-litre twin-turbo six used in the likes of the new 1M Coupe.
A range of mods, including a titanium exhaust with twin carbonfibre tailpipes, has yielded a beefy 300kW from the twin-turbo six (not far short of the M3's 309kW), which makes for a brisk 0-100km/h split of 4.6 seconds and top whack of 300km/h.
However, there's no dual-clutch sequential gearbox to be found here as drive is sent to the rear wheels by a six-speed ZF auto.
That said, the B3 GT3 gains fully adjustable coilover suspension system and a limited-slip differential derived from the B6 GT3 racer, and it rides on lightweight 20-spoke 19-inch forged alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres. Stopping power should also be up to the mark, as its brakes are similarly derived from that of the racecar.
Visual/aero tweaks include a carbonfibre front splitter, fixed rear wing and rear diffuser, and these, too, were inspired by the accoutrements fitted to the championship-winning B6 GT3.
You don't have to order your car in the race livery adorning the car in these pics, as the B3 GT3 is available as standard with black or white metallic paint. Inside, you'll find a pair of Recaro sports seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara, which features throughout the cabin.
Although some of the 99 cars are destined for markets outside Germany – such as the UK and Japan – unfortunately none are earmarked for Australia, but there's always the possibility of securing a grey import.
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