Alpina has revealed the new triple-turbocharged D5 S at the Frankfurt Motor Show marking its public debut.
Claimed to be the fastest series production diesel on the market, the new Alpina D5 S utilizes a 3.0-liter straight six engine with three turbos and common rail high-pressure direct injection, producing 382hp (388PS) and 800Nm (590lb-ft) of peak torque available between 1750 and 2650 rpm.
All this colossal torque is transferred via an upgraded eight-speed automatic gearbox to all four wheels, enabling the new Alpina D5 S to accelerate from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 4.4 seconds. 0-124mph comes in 17 seconds while top speed is set at an impressive 178mph (286km/h).
Right-hand drive markets -including the UK- will get a lower-powered twin-turbo engine with 322hp and 516lb-ft of torque, dropping the 0-62mph time to 4.9 seconds and the top speed to 171mph.
Compared to the latest quad-turbo BMW M550d, Alpina’s new D5 S may lack one turbocharger and 7hp but makes up for it by offering 30lb-ft more. And let’s not forget that the BMW M550d, as well as other high-performance diesel models, is limited to just 155mph – even though it matches the D5 S’ 0-100km/h (62mph) time at 4.4 sec.
The chassis, brakes and suspension settings were transferred essentially unchanged from the petrol B5 Bi-Turbo. The suspension features adaptive dampers offering a wide range of modes, from Comfort+ to Sport+. The springs are shorter and lower while the Touring version of the D5 S comes fitted with a rear air suspension.
As an option, Alpina offers the Sport Plus suspension package which includes rear-wheel steering and active roll stabilisation which effectively eliminates body roll. The classic 20-inch Alpina alloys are wrapped in 255/35s at the front and 295/30s at the back.
The first deliveries are expected to start in 2018, with the saloon version priced from €87,900 and the Touring D5 S starting at €90,400. And no, it’s not coming to North American shores.
* Post has been updated with live images from Frankfurt
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