BUCHLOE, Germany - Alpina, the factory-authorized BMW tuning shop, has shifted its focus to diesels with the D3 Biturbo, a high-performance edition of the 3 Series coupe.

Alpina manages to squeeze a remarkable amount of muscle from BMW's twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel, which has been lifted from the smaller 123d. After the Alpina treatment, the compact engine delivers 211 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while returning an impressive 44 mpg on the combined European cycle.

In comparison, the standard twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel in the 330d makes 228 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, and delivers just over 30 mpg.

Performance with the four-cylinder turbodiesel is exceptional. The 0-60 sprint in the D3 takes less than 6.9 seconds, while top speed clocks in at 152 mph. Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual gearbox or the Switchtronic automatic.

The D3 gets the usual Alpina goodies, including a stainless-steel exhaust system with polished tailpipes, sport suspension, 18-inch custom alloy wheels, a front spoiler and side sills, plus an Alpina instrument cluster.

Prices in Europe start at around $63,000.