So there’s no Switchtronic gearbox, just the standard BMW six-speed manual ... and combined with Alpina’s twin exhaust tailpipes they give the slightly underwhelming 3-series a welcome ...

More powerful than an E30 M3, this is one special Bimmer.

The kidney grills are a glossy deep black while other pieces like the exhaust feature dark chrome, finishing the Batmobile aura. Inside, the Alpina really shines, as any BMW 7-Series would.

In Comfort Mode, the exhaust valve is closed up to 2,500 rpm, and in Sport Mode the valve is permanently open. Chassis, wheels, and tires. BMW ALPINA automobiles place special demands on chassis ...

Underneath are electronically-adjustable dampers and a new exhaust manifold running into a stainless steel exhaust. Inside are Alpina touches ... attributes of the BMW full aluminium 3 litre ...