Alpina Will Enter Modified BMW 6 Series in FIA GT3 Racing

BUCHLOE, Germany — Alpina, a specialist in tuner BMWs, is making a return to racing after a 20-year absence with a car based on the BMW 6 Series. The public will be able to see that car, the B6 GT3, at the Geneva Auto Show next month.

The Alpina factory team will enter the FIA GT3 racing series with its B6 GT3, derived from the BMW 6 Series. The B6 GT3 is also inspired by Alpina's B6 S road car that makes 523 horsepower and 535 pound-feet of torque from a supercharged 4.4-liter V8. That B6 S is capable of accelerating to 60 mph in less than 3.9 seconds and can hit a top speed of 177 mph.

In addition to putting up a factory team, Alpina will sell B6 GT3s to individuals and teams looking to compete in the series.

Inside Line says: Alpina's expertise in tuning BMWs with the quality and polish of major manufacturers should help the company when it comes to racing. — Eric Tingwall, Correspondent.