BMW Alpina D3 BiTurbo – a great diesel

The BMW Alpina D3 BiTurbo - a brilliant, quick and economical everyday drive Alpina has turned out some stunning versions of the BMW range over the years (and some not so stunning – their 8 Series springs to mind) and they fill a gap that is either not profitable in small volume for BMW or, in some cases, a hole that BMW hasn’t plugged. And this one is a good hole to fill with the BMW Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo, a 3 Series diesel with the heart of a hot hatch. Alpina has taken the engine out of the 1 Series 123d and given it a boost to 240bhp, in the process dropping the 0-60 time to a very creditable 6.9 seconds But it’s not the sprint that count,  but the way this peppy diesel unit delivers it.

Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider 1750 TBi and 2.0 JTDM (2010): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 17 May 2010 07:00 Alfa Romeo has fitted its new 200bhp 1750 TBi engine to the 2010 Brera coupé and Spider convertible ranges – alongside the 170bhp 2.0 JTDM diesel. We'd already seen both engines in the 159 compact executive model in 2009, but the new pair should broaden the appeal of Alfa's distinctive sports duo.Alfa's 1750 TBi: the tech lowdownThe TBi engine is a very zeitgeisty 1742cc four-cylinder, equipped with twin overhead cams running 16 valves, direct injection and turbocharging. This full book of tech is enough to liberate 200bhp and 236lb ft from just 1400rpm – not bad specific outputs for a 1.7.The new TBI engine will appeal to business drivers in particular, who will benefit from CO2 emissions of 189g/km in the Brera and 192g/km in the Spider.

Shelby Cobra to headline 2012 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

We're only one day out of the Pebble Beach weekend, and already Cobra enthusiasts are sharpening their fangs for next year's event. Announced on Sunday, Cobras from all over the world will rally in Monterey, Calif., next year as the featured marque on Aug. 17-19 for the 2012 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.