Frankfurt 2013: The Aplina D3 Is A 53 MPG Biturbo Beast

Once vilified for their clunky and smelly nature, diesels are enjoying newfound popularity here in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. Delivering hybrid-like gas mileage and lots of low-end torque, German automakers are making a big push increase diesel awareness. Once Americans learn more about cars like the BMW-based Alpina D3, diesel envy could reach a fever pitch.

The Alpina D3’s vitals tell most of the story here. The 3.0 liter twin-turbo inline-six churns out 345 horsepower and 516 ft-lbs of torque, which helps the BMW-based sedan or estate go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. That’s only four-tenths of a second slower than the 2013 Camaro SS coupe, and Alpina claims a top speed of 173 mph, faster than the Chevy muscle car.

That admirable performance is backed by a 53.3 mpg rating on the European testing cycle, which would translate to the low-40s here in the U.S., and an emissions rating of 139 g/km, which is about average overall despite all that horsepower and performance. Alpina, which works so closely with BMW that their methods and components are worked into Bimmer’s production lines, also added a subtle bodykit and wheels to help the new Alpina D3 stand out (though not quite as much as their 1980s 88 mpg concept car).

Performance of a muscle car with the fuel economy of a hybrid; these are the kinds of diesel cars Americans need to know about. Sure, the BMW 328d offers decent performance and 45 mpg from its 2.0 liter turbocharged four-banger, and other diesel BMWs are on their way, but the Alpina D3 really shows how diesel engines can shine with both fuel economy and performance. No compromises here.

Alas, the Alpina D3 is for Europe only, at least for now. Eventually though, these diesel rides will reach U.S. shores, one way or another.

Source: AutoCar

2014 BMW 328d Rated At 32/45 MPG

The popularity of diesel engines in new cars is rising in America, though over in Germany driving diesels is a way of life. The BMW 328d is the latest diesel-powered sedan that Bimmer will offer to Americans, and it will also be the most efficient, boasting a 32 mpg city rating and an outstanding 45 mpg on the highway.

That makes the BMW 328d one of the most efficient cars on the road, even with the optional all-wheel drive xDrive system, which reduces ratings to 31/43. A wagon version is also available on the four-cylinder turbodiesel, which boasts an equally impressive 180 horsepower and 280 ft-lbs of torque.

You may remember that BMW initially believed their diesel 3-series would get up to a 48 mpg highway rating, so there may be a few disappointed engineers scratching their head in wonder. America’s fuel economy standards aren’t exactly diesel-friendly, though diesel owners regularly blow away government estimations. That’ll certainly help offset the $7,000 premium BMW plans to charge for their oil-burning sedan, which is the first of many diesel BMWs coming stateside.

With diesel fans looking for a luxurious touch in a sporty car (the 328d accelerarates from 0-60 mph in just 7.2 seconds), the BMW 328d couldn’t have chosen a better time to enter the American market.

These are precisely the alternate energy vehicles needed in our world today that will make a huge difference when adopted en masse.

 Source: AutoGuide

BMW says new 328d ushers in next wave of advanced diesel models for US; ~37 mpg combined

BMW introduced the 328d Sedan at the New York International Auto, ushering in the next wave of BMW Advanced Diesel models in the US. The 328d will feature BMW’s 2.0-liter TwinPower diesel 4-cylinder engine, which produces 180 hp (134 kW) and 280 lb-ft (380 N·m) of torque, available from 1,750 rpm. It will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

BMW 328d. Click to enlarge.

The 328d Sedan will accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in just over seven seconds. Preliminary fuel economy estimates for the rear wheel drive 328d Sedan are 32 mpg city/45 mpg highway/37 mpg combined (7.4, 5.2 and 6.4 l/100 km respectively).

The 328d Sedan will be available in rear wheel drive and also with xDrive, BMW’s all-wheel drive system. The sedans will be joined by the 328d xDrive Sports Wagon. All Three variants will arrive in US showroom as 2014 models in fall of 2013.

BMW Advanced Diesel technology includes Selective Catalyst Reduction exhaust aftertreatment.

The options list will include Luxury, Sport and Modern Lines as well as M Sport. Detailed specifications and pricing will be available closer to launch. All three 328d variants will be available in US showrooms this fall.

Source: Green Car Congress

Diesel-Powered BMW 328d Is Good For 48 MPG, Lots Of Torque

Every automaker is taking a slightly different path in their quest for fuel economy domination, and for German automaker BMW, diesels seem to make the most sense. We already knew that BMW would bring a diesel 3-series, the 328d, to the New York Auto Show. What we didn’t know is that in addition to an impressive amount of torque, this diesel Bimmer would be good for up to 48 mpg. Wowza.

48 mpg? From a BMW, and a non-hybrid at that? What is this, the Twilight Zone or something? Nope, just BMW finally getting around to offering diesel-powered goodness in America, something they’ve done doing for years in Europe. The new 2.0 liter BMW turbodiesel isn’t short on power either, with a respectable 180 horsepower and 280 ft-lbs of torque on tap as well. That 48 mpg figure is on the highway, by the way; BMW reps are keeping the city rating mum for now. Still, hybrids have been put on notice.

Of course all that really matters is how it performs, and BMW is not known for selling anything less than a quality performance sedan. The BMW 328d should be fun to drive and then some, with reps claiming a 0-60 mph of around 7.2 seconds. While not “fast” per se, it is certainly on par with the competition…and there is always the possibility of a M-version of the diesel Bimmers. BMW is already planning to bring other diesel sedans to market, including a 5-series sedan powered by a turbodiesel V6

Alas, the only available transmission (for now) is an 8-speed automatic, and the diesel engine will carry a $7,000 premium over a base BMW 3-series. But with hybrid-like fuel economy, and plenty of torque to boot, we think this oil-burning Bimmer will find plenty of willing buyers.

Source: Gas2.0

Diesel Powered BMW 328d To Debut At New York Auto Show

BMW has pledged to bring a new wave of modern diesel engines to American shores, and true to their word the BMW 328d will make its U.S. debut at the New York Auto Show. With 180 horsepower and fuel economy that could exceed 40 mpg on the highway, this German diesel sedan could lure away some hybrid buyers.

The fact that this diesel engine comes packed into a luxury sports sedan like the BMW 328 only increases its appeal. With an impressive 280 ft-lbs of torque on tap, stoplights will prove plenty of fun in this BMW oil-burner, though 0-60 mph is a fairly-average 7.2 seconds. We predict that the TwinPower turbodiesel four-cylinder will prove popular with the tuner crowd though.

BMW does not explicitly state when the 328d will go on sale, but it will most likely hit dealerships either late this year or early next year. With BMW doubling down on diesel engines while also toying with hybrid technology, the future of fuel efficiency looks good for the Ultimate Driving Machine.

Source: BMW