2009 BMW Alpina B6 GT3 E63 photo gallery

ALPINA can look back on a successful history in international motorsports. Well-known F1 and Touring Car racers such as Niki Lauda, Jacky Ickx, Hans Stuck and Dieter Quester have sat behind the wheel and, among other victories, won the European Touring Car Championship three times. ALPINA celebrate their return to racing after a 20-year hiatus with the BMW ALPINA B6 GT3. In this relatively new, yet quite popular series, sportscars from twelve renowned automakers such as Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini compete with one another.

2009 BMW Alpina B6 GT3 E63

2009 BMW Alpina B6 GT3 E63 technical specifications
Type	B6 FIA GT3 race car
Engine
Code	-
Displacement	4398cc
Cylinders	8
Fuel type	Gasoline
Power	390kW | 530HP
Torque@RPM	725Nm@4750rpm
Performance
Top Speed	280km/h | 174mph
Acceleration 0-100km/h 0-60mph	3.9s
Fuel Consumption (l/100km | mpg)
City	-
Highway	-
Combined	-

Dimensions
Length	4882mm
Width (without exterior rear-view mirrors)	1984mm
Height	1294mm

GT Saloon racing currently takes place in four categories in Europe, from the pure-bred race cars in GT1 to the production-based nearstreet cars in GT4. The GT3 class enjoys the greatest popularity, with its moderately modified sportscars emanating from 12 different manufacturers. ALPINA plan to sell the B6 GT3 to customer race teams for the 2009 season. They’ll be able to race in national GT3 series in Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, as well as in the VLN Endurance Series on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and other selected 24-hour endurance races.

The Chassis

The BMW 6 Series Coupé, or more accurately, the chassis with its aluminium front end and motor bay, is a good base for a GT3 race car. Reduced in weight by 40kg, the chassis then receives a full roll cage from specialists Heggemann. The long wheelbase and long overhangs front and rear form the ideal platform for effective aerodynamics such as an extended front splitter and rear diffusor, thereby gaining downforce – the key factor for getting through corners quickly. 3C Carbon makes chassis body parts from lightweight plastics and decisively contributes to the achieved weight reduction of nearly 400kg, down to approx. 1,350kg. Front and rear spoilers, bonnet, roof, rear bootlid, side valances and the quarter wing extensions are all made of carbon fibre.

The Drivetrain

The series production ALPINA 4.4-litre V8 engine forms the perfect foundation for club and privateer racers, with 530hp and 725Nm of torque. It’s absolutely stock, but for the dry sump. Cooling air flows through the large intakes at the front of the B6 and exits through large slatted grates in the bonnet. The high torque passes through a ZF two-plate sintered metal clutch into the six-speed Xtrac sequential racing gearbox, which is placed far back in the vehicle via a long transmission housing to improve weight distribution. Shifts are pneumatic via paddles, comfortably actuated at the steering wheel. This Megaline system doesn’t allow downshifts when revs are too high, preventing a mechanical over-rev of the engine. A Drexler Limited-Slip Differential takes care of traction. The race engine is fed through an ATL fuel system with 120 ltr capacity, directly behind the driver’s seat. The exhaust gases are purified through two HJS catalytic convertors fitted with Emitec metal carriers.

The Suspension

The standard BMW suspension set-up of MacPherson struts and integral rear axle links were retained. Front and rear suspension sub-frames are finished with high-tensile steel, allowing ride height to be reduced by 70mm. The ZF rack-and-pinion steering system comes from the production street car and is supported by servopower- assisted steering. To ensure contact with the track, lightweight Bilstein aluminium shocks with Einbach springs are fitted, and are nine-way adjustable on both compression and rebound. The Drexler Centre-Locking hub is a requirement for quick wheel changes, in combination with the Krontec air jack system. Short braking distances and maximum safety are the task of the Conti-Teves ABS system, working hand-in-hand with the AP brake callipers, and Performance Friction brake discs (378mm front and 355mm rear). The B6 GT3 is easily controllable at the limit due to the nearly 50/50 weight distribution. Performance is also heavily enhanced by the generously-dimensioned BBS wheels with MICHELIN tyres, 30/65-18 front and 31/71-18 rear.

The Interior

The 6 Series dash leaps into view when climbing into the B6 GT3, constructed in lightweight plastics. The height-adjustable steering column with quick release clip assists in easy exits. The seating position was moved farther back in the car to move weight distribution to the rear, and the pedals are adjustable for the driver. Important driver information is presented on the digital display, with light switches and rev counter from 2D. Exceptional lateral support and safety is offered by the Recaro race seat in combination with Schroth race belts, set up to be used with a HANS system (Head And Neck Support). The fire extinguishing system is located directly over the rear axle.