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“Gran Turismo” means “Grand Tour”, and this is the principle behind the 5-series GT by AC Schnitzer. The performance upgrade from 245 to 286 HP for the six-cylinder 530d already gives the standard car more pulling power and racing flair, which is demonstrated externally by the AC Schnitzer engine styling with capacity logo.

Yet the 5-series GT by AC Schnitzer doesn’t just bring a gleam to the eyes of BMW fans, but acoustically it delivers what the aesthetics promise at first glance. The AC Schnitzer twin sports rear silencer is the ideal tuning product for drivers with an appreciation of engine sound, to whom design elements such as the chromed “Sports Trim” tailpipe trims and the chromed “Racing” tailpipe trim are equally important.

Impressive comfort in driving behaviour, even on dynamic driving on twisty roads, is achieved by the AC Schnitzer suspension spring set. The tuning by the Aachen specialists makes the 5-series GT convincing in every speed range thanks to its superb agility. Two tonnes of unladen weight are irrelevant when the car is glued to the tarmac by the AC Schnitzer front and rear spoilers. Bonnet Vents with chromed centre web combine individual design with sophisticated engineering. The side lines are subtly emphasised by the AC Schnitzer side skirts, and the flowing dynamics of the coupé-like roof line are further enhanced by the AC Schnitzer rear skirt.

The comfort of the Gran Turismo took priority in the fundamental architecture of the BMW 5-series GT. So the specialists at AC Schnitzer completed the stylish elegance of the interior with a cover for the i-Drive System Controller, foot rest and pedal set in aluminium. Behind the frameless doors, velours footmats and boot mat welcome the driver.

To enjoy a “Grand Tour”, the passengers must be well supported, so the silver AC Schnitzer wheels Type IV in 19″ or the BiColor Version in 19″ and 20″ provide the perfect conditions technically and visually for an extraordinary trip. With the AC Schnitzer wheels Type VII in silver and BiColor in 22″ and the alloy forged wheels in Type V in 20″ and 22″, the drive is even more firmly planted. Another ideal choice is the brand-new Type VIII rims in 19″ or the racing forged alloys Type VIII in 22″. The new wheel with its double spokes in BiColor Finish is an evolution of the well-known Type VI wheel. All wheels are available with suitable tyres.

Driving comfort and performance at the highest level – that’s the promise from the 5-series GT by AC Schnitzer – a promise which is guaranteed to be kept on the next “Grand Tour”.

New Standards in Driving Pleasure Quality and Emotion: The BMW X1 by AC Schnitzer

The X1 is the latest welcome addition to the compact vehicles segment, and brings the characteristic BMW “Driving Pleasure” to this class. With an extensive range for the BMW X1, the AC Schnitzer version now celebrates its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2010.

The BMW X1 is available with choice of a 6-cylinder petrol engine and three 4-cylinder diesel power plants. Here again, AC Schnitzer is setting totally new standards for driving pleasure in the premium compact segment. The BMW X1 xDrive23d has been upgraded from a 150 kW/204 HP diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo and Common Rail injection to 240 HP. The 2.0 d and 1.8 d units in the BMW X1 also feature Common Rail injection and a turbocharger, and with the AC Schnitzer tuning package achieve 210 and 171 HP respectively. Naturally, the power upgrades are available for both the sDrive and xDrive versions. The AC Schnitzer engine styling including capacity logo is available for vehicles with and without performance upgrade.

Acoustically, the sporting driving experience is enhanced by the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer for the petrol X1 xDrive 28i (in development). Visual elegance is provided by the chromed “Racing“ tailpipe trim which is also available for all other models.

The superb driving behaviour of the BMW X1 with its focus on agility, precision and handling is the direct result of the sophisticated suspension technology used on the extremely solid body structure. AC Schnitzer has built on this and with its suspension spring kit and an aluminium strut brace, ensures the perfect balance between sporting performance and driving comfort.

The AC Schnitzer aerodynamics package is far more than mere decoration, although it harmonises effectively in the overall concept. The front spoiler and rear skirt extension, in combination with the rear roof spoiler, improve downforce and ensure additional ground adhesion.

Engine bay venting is optimised by the AC Schnitzer Bonnet Vents. These are enhanced further with chromed centre webs available as an option. In aesthetic terms, the AC Schnitzer aerodynamic conversion emphasises the expressive styling and reveals to the observer on first glance the universal sporting ambitions of the X1 by AC Schnitzer.

Impressive design elements also lend a sporting and youthful note to the interior of the BMW X1 by AC Schnitzer. These elements include silver “Exclusiv“ carbon interior trim, illuminated leather gear knob, aluminium gear knobs with or without digital gear display, “Black Line“ aluminium cover for the i-Drive system controller, aluminium handbrake handle and pedal set, foot rests and velours foot mats.

The finishing touch comes from a set of attractive wheels, so the X1 retains its stylish appearance not only on twisty or changing terrain, but also outside a fashionable cafe. An ideal choice is the brand-new Type VIII wheel in 19“. The new wheel with its 5 double spokes in BiColor Finish is an evolution of the well-known Type VI wheel, and complements perfectly the styling language of the BMW X1. AC Schnitzer Type IV wheels in silver or in BiColor in 18, 19 or 20 inch, together with the Type VI rim in 18“, complete the range available for the BMW X1.

AC Schnitzer ACS3 3.5d Coupe is the world fastest road-legal diesel car. Built by the renowned BMW tuner from Aachen – AC Schnitzer, the ACS3 3.5d Coupe broke the world record from 2006 by reaching the astonishing 288.7 km/h at the legendary high-speed circuit in Nardo, southern Italy.

This is the third world record set by AC Schnitzer at Nardo. After the records from 2006 with the TENSION as the fastest road-legal BMW and the GP3.10 GAS POWERED from 2007 for gas-powered vehicles, the ACS3 3.5d Coupe has continued the success story.

Based on BMW 335d, the ACS3 3.5d Coupe benefits from an extensive AC Schnitzer programme specially developed for all vehicles based on the 3.5d BMW engine.

The fifth concept car of the “TUNE IT! SAFE!” VDAT initiative has been designed mainly by BMW tuning specialist AC Schnitzer

“Only serious, safe tuning will bring the hoped-for driving pleasure!“ Under this motto, the Association of German Car Tuners (VDAT) every year launches a special concept car. In 2010, BMW AG is providing a BMW 123d Coupe for the Association’s “TUNE IT! SAFE!“ initiative, which is also supported by the Police and the Federal Ministry for Transport, Building and Road Development. Most of the vehicle accessory equipment has been supplied by Aachen-based BMW tuning specialist AC Schnitzer.

As in the last four years, a police vehicle has been professional converted as part of the promotion. The AC Schnitzer “ACS1 2.3d“, based on the BMW 123d Coupe, shows that safe tuning is far from boring. VDAT-member AC Schnitzer has upgraded the 2.3 D engine to 241 HP (177 kW) and 480 Nm. The police car with 6-speed automatic transmission now accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, so would acquit itself well even in the fastest pursuit. The latest AC Schnitzer wheels Type IV BiColor are fitted with tires from TUNE IT! SAFE! main sponsor Hankook. The low, safe road position is achieved with the sports suspension from the Aachenbased specialist with 30 mm lowering. The bodystyling kit consists of two-piece front spoiler, rear skirt insert, rear wing and rear roof spoiler. Good visibility is ensured by the “LEDayFlex“ modern daytime running lights from Hella, and optimum rearward vision by the AC Schnitzer “New Generation” sports mirrors.

In the interior, the guardians of the law could enjoy leather racing bucket seats with AC Schnitzer logo and silver genuine carbon fiber trim on the dashboard, center console, door handles and steering wheel, which are perfectly complemented by the aluminum pedals and aluminum foot rests. A further highlight is the G-force indicator, which measures and displays the centrifugal forces inside the car.

The concept car impressively demonstrates large parts of the tuning accessory range from AC Schnitzer. To give the BMW the essential, authentic look of a “real” police car, Foliatec supplied the original stickering and Hella the flashing lights. Even the police could – and would like to – drive the converted vehicle in public road traffic. To their regret however, the concept car will not be brought into use and is not available in this complex form. Nonetheless, it makes an important contribution towards achieving the aim of the initiative: to combat illegal, unsafe tuning and counterfeiting. All AC Schnitzer conversions are however available commercially and are of course TÜV-approved.

The AC Schnitzer “ACS1 2.3d Coupe“ will be on display for the first time at the Essen Motor Show on VDAT Stand No. 406 in Hall 10 from 28 November to 6 December 2009. “Serious and safe tuning is not only a company philosophy, but it is also our mission“, emphasises Rainer Vogel, Managing Director of AC Schnitzer. And you can take this literally: Safe tuning with components from a reputable manufacturer not only brings the desired driving pleasure, but can even be lifesaving.

AC Schnitzer BMW M3 Brake System 2009

Enjoy unrestricted driving comfort and be prepared for every situation: you can achieve both with the AC Schnitzer high performance brake system for the BMW M3 (E90, E92, E93). The high quality brake system offers excellent performance and values which are usually only achieved by sports cars. In conjunction with the height-adjustable racing suspension (adjustable in compression and rebound) tested on the North Loop of the Nürburgring, the BMW M3 makes the heart of every sports car driver beat that bit faster.

“The neutrality well known from the M3 takes on a new dimension in AC Schnitzer trim”, was the verdict of the specialist magazine “sport auto” when testing the ACS3 Sport Coupé. The new brake system uses fixed calipers with 6 pistons on the front and 4 on the rear. The slotted brake discs, vented internally on both front and rear, respond quickly and precisely.

Particular attention has been paid to keeping the weight to a minimum in order to promote agility. Despite the substantially larger dimensions, the unsprung weight has been reduced by a valuable 4 kg in relation to the standard brake system.

At the same time, the AC Schnitzer high performance brake kit is renowned for its excellent deceleration values even on sustained use, in extreme heat and in pouring rain. The generously sized brake discs measuring 380 x 35 millimetres at the front and 355 x 32 millimetres at the back bleed off the speed energetically and with stable pressure even after the twentieth time.

The new AC Schnitzer high performance brake system is available for all three variants of the current BMW M3 both as a complete system for front and rear, or “just” for the front.

“Totally suitable for the track, and for a long time” was the verdict of “sport auto” after testing the high performance brake system. A verdict to endorse fitting, and not only for sporting driving styles.

*Values from “sport auto” test 11/2008

**Values from “sport auto” test 12/2007

F01 / F02 are the internal works codes for the new 7-series. The combination sounds like motorsports, but is this title adequate for a big luxury saloon? Anyone who’s seen the big BMW in AC Schnitzer trim will certainly answer this with an unambiguous “Yes”.

“The new model is certainly the most dynamic 7-series ever, so we’ve only made subtle changes to the outline”, explains AC Schnitzer Chief Designer Michele Viandante. His philosophy: “Our accessories set important accents and emphasise the sporting characteristics of the saloon in a targeted manner.” These are already written large in the imposing front, which is emphasised by a new AC Schnitzer spoiler element. Michele Viandante’s tip: The through lip elongates the front and gives the car a faster look.

Like all accessories from AC Schnitzer, it is made of very hardwearing, well-fitting PU RIM. Subtle but striking also describes the effects of the side enhancements: “The result must be a harmonious ensemble, and not a combination of trainers and tuxedo”, says Viandante. The AC Schnitzer side skirts attachments emphasise the car’s wheelbase and lengthen it visually, giving it a more purposeful appearance. Towards the rear third, they are lifted and widened to give the car a more muscular look.

This is no bluff, because the new 7-series has plenty of power under the bonnet in every version, even when the music’s playing at the back. The sight of AC Schnitzer tailpipes is as striking as the sound: two exhaust channels come together in a slightly rounded, chromed trapezoid trim – all very individual. But that’s not enough for sporting attributes. Between the exhausts, Michele Viandante has introduced a further spoiler element which with its diffuser style symbolises pure dynamics. Only the subtle boot spoiler and rear roof spoiler remain to complete the look.

AC Schnitzer knows how to enhance a saloon’s sporting aura without losing its elegance. Then the final touch is down to customer taste:

There’s a choice of countless exciting AC Schnitzer wheels for the new 7-series. Two particularly striking examples: the Type V alloy with its clear, transparent five-spoke design, which celebrates its world premiere in 22″ on the 7-series and is also available for X5 and X6. Or the multispoke Type VII, also available in 22″. Both versions not only show true greatness, but constitute the perfectly balanced combination of performance and elegance. A characteristic which is symbolic of the entire car.

Falcons are becoming increasingly common in town. Now a particularly imposing variant of the agile predator is conquering the road valleys with its broad wings: the Falcon based on the X6 by AC Schnitzer. It follows the styling features of the X5 version of the same name, already successfully launched. Other identifying marks are the striking wing extensions of PU-RIM, a high quality plastic which is far more flexible and robust than for example GRP laminate or deep-drawn materials such as ABS. The dimensions of the X6 in the attractive lengthways format are 70 mm wider at the front axle and 80 mm wider at the rear. In other respects too the Falcon is perfectly adapted to its habitat. Instead of sweeping through the sky, it swept around the North Loop of the Nürburgring in numerous laps until the chassis developers and Engineering Director Manfred Wollgarten were totally satisfied with the setup of the new AC Schnitzer springs. Now the X6 remains firmly on the ground even at speeds which a normal falcon only achieves in a nosedive.

And of course, on every corner. Downforce instead of lift, was the motto in the design of the impressive plumage, styled by Chief Designer Michele Viandante. The aerodynamics package includes a front skirt with diagonal air inlets, and repositioned fog lamps. The submarining protection has been removed in favour of a dynamically contoured spoiler edge. The Falcon rear now wears a solid skirt with edge frame. In contrast to the original, all components are painted in body colour throughout, so that the body appears drawn further down and hence more dominant.

Instead of the submarining protection also originally fitted here, AC Schnitzer has opted for a rear diffuser and completed the effect with a new rear spoiler.

While birds generally sing in high keys, the bass engine note of the Falcon is more suggestive of a big cat. The twin-flow exhaust system in AC Schnitzer Racing Design however has an excellent resonance section. A lot of noise about nothing? On the contrary: thanks to the Control Unit, AC Schnitzer takes the series diesel engines, already excellent as standard, of types 30d and 35d to 200 kW / 272 HP instead of 173 kW / 235 HP, and 228 kW / 310 HP instead of 210 kW / 286 HP respectively. Perfect handling with corresponding Look and Feel is achieved with the “EVO” 3-spoke sports airbag steering wheel.

Instead of the falconer’s rings, the “legs” of the Falcon are decorated with the multipiece AC Schnitzer alloy wheels Type Vll. With black or silver paint and a dense sequence of spokes, the 22″ rim perfectly complements the challenging appearance. The alternating spread angle of the web pairs gives a refined look. Decorated and equipped in this way, the AC Schnitzer Falcon really has no natural enemies out there.