Autoblog

ATT Autotechnik drops BMW 335i Doppelturbo-Cabriolet

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Europe, BMW

ATT Autotechnik Doppelturbo-Cabriolet - click above for high-res image gallery

This is the problem: According to ATT Autotechnik -- the M3 Convertible is so good, why bother with any other 3 Series convertibles? And they have a point... until now! Meet ATT's new Doppleturbo-Cabriolet. What they've done is to take a regular BMW 335i convertible and make it quicker. How much quicker?

The regular 335i is rated at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque (though, of course, those numbers are underrated a bit). The Doppleturbo on the other hand makes 356 hp and 388 lb-ft of torque. A little less power than the M3 (414 hp) but nearly 25% more torque (the M3 makes just 300 lb-ft). You also get a stainless steel exhaust and big, good looking 20-inch, 20-spoke wheels (though some more brakes would be nice, at least visually speaking). But is it any good?

Well, in the past we've seen BMW tuners do the whole less-horses-more-torques thing with good results. Anybody remember Alpina's take on the Z8? Essentially, rather than use the E39's high-strung 5.0-liter V8, Alpina bored out a 4.4-liter BMW V8 to 4.8-liters. The results were 375 hp (vs. 394 hp) and 383 lb-ft of twist (vs. 368 lb-ft) and according to all lucky enough to drive the car, a much preferable grand tourer to the "stock" car. Could ATT Autotechnik have worked the same magic with the Doppelturbo? Maybe. Awkwardly translated press release after the jump.

Gallery: ATT Autotechnik Doppelturbo-Cabriolet

[Source: att-tec.com]

Continue reading ATT Autotechnik drops BMW 335i Doppelturbo-Cabriolet

ATT Autotechnik drops BMW 335i Doppelturbo-Cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo LWB is longer, and therefore better

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, BMW, Luxury

Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo Long Wheelbase - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo long wheelbase revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show today doesn't add anything to the less well-endowed Alpina B7 we saw at Geneva except length, but isn't that enough? The double-turbo'd 4.4-liter V8 brings 507 romping horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque - all of which is enough to get the white whale to sixty in 4.8 seconds.

Alpina's custom 21-inchers support an interior package touched up with the tuner's logo throughout. Our only cause for pause: the much larger steering wheel; the smaller diameter unit in the regular BMW helps to make the execu-barge a hoot to throw around a track. See it all for yourself in the gallery of high-res images below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Alpina B7 Long Wheelbase

Tokyo 2009: Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo LWB is longer, and therefore better originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: BMW Alpina B6 GT3 puts the 'Ring on notice

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Tuners, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW Alpina GT3

BMW tuner par excellence Alpina is returning to the motor racing scene for the first time in two decades with the new B6 GT3, which the pseudo-works firm unveiled for the first time here at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the 6 Series, the B6 GT3 features a unique radial supercharger fitted to its 4.4-liter V8 to drive 530 horsepower to the rear wheels - in proper Bavarian style - in what looks to be a compelling competition package.

Alpina itself will be fielding a pair in the European FIA GT3 series and at "selected 24-hour endurance races" (Nurburgring, Le Mans... we're looking at you), but the B6 GT3 will also be offered to private teams. Alpina has fitted adjustable everything to the car and a full array of electronic control systems to ensure that gentlemen racers - not just professional drivers - will be able to handle it and so that the car will qualify for a wide array of racing series. We're looking forward to seeing the green menace tackling the Green Hell soon, but in the meantime had to content ourselves with checking it out at Alpina's show stand here in Geneva where it was displayed alongside the new B7 Bi-Turbo, which we'll have for you shortly. In the meantime, click on the thumbnails below to view our gallery from the show floor and follow the jump for a brief press release.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: BMW Alpina B6 GT3

Gallery: Alpina B6 GT3

Continue reading Geneva 2009: BMW Alpina B6 GT3 puts the 'Ring on notice

Geneva 2009: BMW Alpina B6 GT3 puts the 'Ring on notice originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: An M7 by any other name - 2009 BMW Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo

All indications are that BMW won't, in the end, be producing an M7 based on its new-generation F01 7 Series. That would've been cool, but before the Mercedes S63 AMG and Audi S8 can breathe a sigh of relief, Bavaria's pseudo-factory partner Alpina has something to say about it, and this is what it spake: the B7 Bi-Turbo - a BMW 7 Series with an attitude. At its heart is a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, which produces 507 horsepower thanks to larger-vane turbos and a new intercooler, driving through a retuned Switch-Tronic ZF six-speed automatic transmission, and a recalibrated suspension designed to optimize the balance between supercar control and luxury sedan comfort. 4.7 seconds is all it takes to hustle to 60 mph, while custom 21-inch rims riding on conventional rubber replace the stock run-flats and a bespoke leather and wood interior round out the package. You can read more about in the press release after the jump and view all its angles in the gallery below.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: BMW Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo

Continue reading Geneva 2009: An M7 by any other name - 2009 BMW Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo

Geneva 2009: An M7 by any other name - 2009 BMW Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Leakage: 2009 BMW Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo sneaks out

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

Click above for a high-res image of the 2009 BMW Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo

The 2009 BMW Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo will join the B6 GT3 race car on the stand in Geneva, and thanks to AutoZeitung, we've got a singular photo and some preliminary specs on the uber-sedan from Alpina.

The B7 Bi-Turbo is essentially the M7 BMW forgot to build, packing a twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V8 putting out 507 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Alpina claims the B7 can run to 60 in 4.7 seconds and on to an electronically-limited 173 mph. We'll have more details from the Geneva Motor Show next week, but expect a host of upgrades to join the engine mods, including uprated brakes, suspension components and a reworked interior to compliment the B7's new body kit.

[Source: AutoZeitung]

Geneva Leakage: 2009 BMW Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo sneaks out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: More details on Alpina B6 GT3 come to light

Chris Paukert — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the Alpina B6 GT3

More images and details of Alpina's B6 GT3 racer have hit the web, and it looks like despite spending two decades away from motorsports, there are no flies on the leading Bimmer tuning haus.

Based on BMW's 6-Series coupe, the B6 weighs under 3,000 pounds and gets a supercharged 4.4-liter V8 that gives more than 520 horsepower and 535 pound-feet of torque. Backed by a six-speed X-Trac sequential gearbox, the car is reportedly capable of hitting 62 miles-per-hour in 3.9 seconds en route to a top whack of at least 177 mph (a speed it has already reached in testing on the Nürburgring).

The B6 GT3 will debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show before going on to scrap with Aston Martin, Porsche, and Ferrari on circuits around the world. Alpina will field its own team (it is reportedly considering a number of pro drivers), but privateers will also be able to buy their own B6 if they fancy going it alone.

Gallery: Alpina B6 GT3

[Source: WCF]

Geneva Preview: More details on Alpina B6 GT3 come to light originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alpina to debut B6 GT3 and B7 at Geneva show

Noah Joseph — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

Click above to view the Alpina B6 GT3 in high-resolution

BMW may have its own tuning division that carries its vaunted M badge, but Alpina enjoys a close relationship of its own with the Bavarian automaker. Alpina's tuner cars are built right off the BMW assembly line and available directly through BMW dealerships. One of the largest tuner firms in the industry, Alpina is preparing to debut two of its newest offerings at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March.

First up to bat is the B6 GT3, the racer with which Alpina has returned to motorsport competition after a 20-year absence. Those details have already been released, but joining the race-tuned 6 Series is tipped to be the new B7, Alpina's take on the latest F01-generation BMW 7 Series sedan that's anticipated to pull over 500 horsepower out of its centrifugal-supercharged 4.4-liter V8. So far, all we've seen is a teaser sketch and a raft of speculation on the supercharged 7, but we'll be looking forward to getting more solid information as we get closer to the Swiss show in the coming weeks..

[Source: topcarblog.ch]

Alpina to debut B6 GT3 and B7 at Geneva show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Race Around the Clock: Alpina times the 12 Hours of Sebring

Noah Joseph — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:24:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Motorsports, Lifestyle

Among the most iconic racing events held around the world, few American races have the clout to rival the 12 Hours of Sebring. Names like Andretti, Fangio and Moss have made it famous, and the annual "once around the clock" event continues as a mainstay of the American Le Mans Series calendar. But if you're going to count down the hours until the finish line, you're going to need the right equipment. At least, that's what the event's promoters figured when they teamed up with Swiss watchmaker Alpina Genève to offer an official timepiece of the race: the Alpina Extreme 12 Hours of Sebring.

The watch's case is made of black steel, with a matte black dial said to be reminiscent of the track surface with the requisite bit of carbon fiber at the center. The branding for a 12-hour race and a 12-hour watch practically creates itself, but we're impressed that the folks at Alpina resisted the urge to go all chrome and lacquer, opting for a decidedly subdued look instead. Only 257 examples will be offered, to commemorate the 57th running of the race this coming March 18-21, 2009.

[Source: TimeZone]

Race Around the Clock: Alpina times the 12 Hours of Sebring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alpina teases with sketch of next B7 sedan

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Sedan, BMW, Specialty

This is a sketch of the coming Alpina B7, to be based on the new BMW 750i. Outside, there won't be much happening -- nor necessary -- beyond Alpina's new front lip, rear wing and trademark wheels. Inside, Alpina might have some minor cluster mods in store, but we wouldn't expect too much change there, either. As with the 2007 B7 and its 500 hp and 4.8-second 0-60 time, we figure the engine and suspension will be heavily redressed on this next version. Alpina could opt for the centrifugal supercharger routine again, but whatever they do will surely put healthy distance between the B7 and the 400 hp of the donor car's 4.4-liter V8. The B7 might also get BMW's rumored 8-speed transmission. It will definitely get a stratospheric price tag.

[Source: Next Autos]

Alpina teases with sketch of next B7 sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alpina reveals new D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe

Michael Harley — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Europe, Green, BMW

For ALPINA, simply substituting a larger engine for added performance is considered alien. Instead, the German automaker prefers to "maximize the sporting potential of existing units." With that in mind, ALPINA has tweaked the twin-turbo diesel powerplant from the BMW 123d and dropped it under the hood of the BMW ALPINA D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe. With a new output of 214 hp, and 330 lb.-ft. of torque, the coupe will hit 62 mph in 6.9 seconds as it accelerates towards its top speed of 152 mph. Best of all, and the modus operandi behind the eco-friendly sports car, the ALPINA D3 squeezes out a combined EU fuel economy rating of 52.3 mpg with a stick shift (50.4 mpg with an automatic). Before you go running down to your neighborhood BMW dealer, we'll remind you that the ALPINA D3 will only be sold overseas with a base price starting at £32,950 (about $64,500)

[Source: Alpina]

Continue reading Alpina reveals new D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe

Alpina reveals new D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alpina ends 20-year racing respite with B6 GT3

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, BMW

Click above for a high-res image.

Aside from serious enthusiasts and obsessive Bimmerphiles, Alpina isn't as recognized today as it was in the past. The BMW ubertuner and specialty marque has a long history in motorsports that includes wins at the 24 Hours of Spa, the 24 hour at the Nurburgring and three European Touring Car Championships. Alpina will attempt to reinvigorate its image and its motorsports heritage when it enters its 6-series-based B6 GT3 in the 2009 FIA European Championship next year, along with running a handful of high-profile endurance races.

The B6 S is the basis for the B6 GT3, and comes packing a supercharged, 4.4-liter V8 dolling out 530 hp and 535 lb.-ft. of torque. That should make it competitive with the rest of the field, including Aston Martins, Ferraris and Lamborghinis. The B6 GT3 isn't strictly for Alpina's own works team, as it plans to sell race-ready versions to privateer teams and wealthy collectors.

Alpina's full press release is available after the jump.

[Source: Alpina via WCF]

Continue reading Alpina ends 20-year racing respite with B6 GT3

Alpina ends 20-year racing respite with B6 GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: Alpina delivers triple play combo - B3 Biturbo, B5 S and B6 S

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Tuners, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW

Check out the big gallery of live and media pics by clicking above

You say Al-PEEN-uh, I say Al-PINE-uh, let's call the whole thing off. Alpina just unveiled a triple threat of twisted BMWs that promise M-series-like performance with an individual flair. As much as we begged and pleaded, Alpina sales honcho Kris Odwarka says we won't see any of these hot new BMW-based specials in the States anytime soon. Something about the intricacies of dealer regulations means that it would be very difficult for a small manufacturer like Alpina to make the numbers work on anything but the brilliant B7 right now. And with the new range of B3 Biturbo, B5 S and B6 S so mouthwateringly good on paper, we would love the chance to sample one Stateside. But alas, we must go wanting.

While we never really cared for a couple of their trademark styling touches, we understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and people buying specialty vehicles prefer Picasso as much as they like Thomas Kinkade. The one thing we can't argue with is the performance reputation that Alpina has built for itself over the past 30 years. They take what BMW is offering, which is already great in most cases, and along with ZF get the most they can out of what they are given. They've gotten their automatic gearshifts down to 100 milliseconds, for instance, rivaling or besting many factory DSG-type auto manuals on the market.

The 3.0L six in the B3 Biturbo is now putting out 360 HP, compared to 265 from the unblown unit. That also happens to best the BMW 335i's 300, in case you were wondering. And in the 5 and 6, they took the V8 from 390 to 540 HP! Considering that these engines are then fitted with virtually any bodystyle in the lineup and it's enough to make you forget the letter "M" altogether. Pity more won't be coming to the US.

Gallery: Alpina B3 Biturbo, B5 S, and B6 S

Frankfurt 2007: Alpina delivers triple play combo - B3 Biturbo, B5 S and B6 S originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Motor Show: Alpina B3 brings the twist

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

Click the image for our gallery.

BMW's foray into turbocharging, in the form of the 335i, has been met with tremendous enthusiasm from both journos and consumers alike. But as any pistonhead knows, when a vehicle gets a turbo bolted on at the factory, invariably, there's more performance to be had. Vishnu has already upped the ante with their Procede ECU upgrade, which brings horsepower into the 360-380 realm, along with a substantial increase in torque. Coupled with their soon-to-be-released exhaust system, the sky is quickly becoming the limit.

For those that are looking for a thoroughly reworked system that can be bought outright, Alpina released its B3 Biturbo at the Geneva Motor Show that combines both performance and aesthetic enhancements in one complete package.

The result of Alpina's diligence under the hood (boost pressure is up to 16 psi) and the replacement of the stock exhaust, is 360 HP between 5,500 and 6,000 RPM and 368 lb.-ft. of torque available from 3,800 to 5,000 RPM. The tweaked engine routes power to the ZF six-speed automatic gearbox -- complete with SWITCH-TRONIC manumatic mode - that allows the B3 to breach the 62 MPH mark in just under five seconds.

[Source: Alpina]

Continue reading Geneva Motor Show: Alpina B3 brings the twist

Geneva Motor Show: Alpina B3 brings the twist originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Mar 2007 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the rumormill: Alpina B3 Biturbo coming to Geneva?

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

While crawling around the interwebs we came across a few pics and some specs about Alpina's next big thing: the B3 Biturbo. Information is sparse, but from what we gathered from our sources, the B3 Biturbo makes good use of BMW's twin-turbo'd 3.0L inline six, cranking output to 365 HP and 368 lb.-ft. of torque. The four exhaust tips would indicate that spent fuel will be traveling through a revised exhaust system and judging by the gains made by other tuning companies, we'd expect a thorough reworking of the ECU's fuel and boost parameters.

Some rumors suggest that the B3 Biturbo is headed for Geneva. We'll be there, so time will tell.

One more pic after the jump.

Continue reading Enter the rumormill: Alpina B3 Biturbo coming to Geneva?

Enter the rumormill: Alpina B3 Biturbo coming to Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW finally bringing Alpina B7 to Chicago

John Neff — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, BMW

click above image for a high-resolution gallery of images

Better late than never, we always say. The BMW Alpina B7 was actually announced in a press release dated 2/16/2006, but it's taken a while to get the car ready for prime time. We reported on it back then, but we've learned that the super 7-Series will finally be unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show next week. To refresh your memory, the Alpina B7 sports a supercharged 4.4L V8 engine producing in excess of 500 horsepower. That's good enough to scoot the luxo barge to 60 mph in a mere 4.8 seconds. All that twist is certainly needed to turn those giant 21-inch Alpina wheels. A sport-tuned suspension and Alpina's B7 aero kit that includes a rear spoiler round out the package. The original press release states that about 200 Alpina B7 sedans will be produced for the U.S. market, although the quoted launch date of July 2006 has obviously been moved back a bit. We'll bring you more info and live pics of the Alpina B7 when we meet it in person next week at the Chicago Auto Show.

[Source: BMW]

Gallery: BMW Alpina B7

Continue reading BMW finally bringing Alpina B7 to Chicago

BMW finally bringing Alpina B7 to Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Alpina D3: Economical Excitement

Alex Nunez — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Europe, BMW

Let's mull over some numbers.

2.0 liters. 200 horsepower. 302 lb-ft. 7.4 seconds. 6 speeds. 47.9 miles per gallon* combined.

Put them all together in one car, and you have the Alpina D3, a serious diesel performer wrapped up in a BMW 3-series shell and made better by the magicians at Alpina. Packing 100hp/liter, the D3 is more than capable of holding its own against BMW's 330i. Sure the 330 is a second quicker to 60, but we're betting that the Alpina-massaged diesel is the more fun car to drive, thanks to its sizeable torque -- better than the 330's gasoline I6's by 82 lb-ft.

At the fuel pump, the matchup between the D3 and a 330i turns into a rout. The D3's 47.9 mpg rivals the numbers put out by some city cars, and is significantly better than the 330i's 32 mpg in the combined cycle. Consider that the 330 also requires premium unleaded and the economy gap widens even further.

Finally, since it's an Alpina, buyers get the special blue paint, an exclusive aero kit, 19" wheels, and an impressive list of interior upgrades. All that for £26,995? It's a steal. The 330i's pricing starts at over £2,000 more, and while it's undeniably excellent, it lacks the Alpina's cachet.

Powerful, economical, exclusive and fun -- that's the BMW Alpina D3 in a nutshell. We'd love to have one.

*MPG figures are in Imperial gallons. 1 Imperial gallon = 1.2 gallons

(Pics, Press Release after the jump)

[Source: Alpina]

Continue reading BMW Alpina D3: Economical Excitement

BMW Alpina D3: Economical Excitement originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Sep 2006 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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