Okay, it's no thoroughbred Italian bull, but the ACS1 2.3d is an example of the Association of German Car Tuners "TUNE IT! SAFE" initiative, which sounds to us like the fun police finally got to the madcap tuners in the fatherland. In any case, this Bimmer's been prepared to look like a real police car, though it's completely unclear which department it might go to, if any. That diesel under the hood's been massaged to an impressive 241 HP and 354 lb-ft of torque, mated to the six speed auto it'll scoot from 0-62 MPH in 6.7 second. The little "Halt" sign's cute too.

AC Schnitzer's been somewhat tasteful with the Z4. The upgraded styling includes the addition of de rigeur fender vents — because what car doesn't need those these days — as well as a revised chin spoiler, trunk lid and exhaust tips. Add to that the bigger wheels and, most importantly, upgrades to the 3.5i twin turbo straight six. Those engine enhancements take the now-Schnitzer-ized Z4 from 306 HP to 360 HP. Not too bad.

In what might be the first time the German auto market ever gets screwed over for the states, AC Scnitzer is providing their interpretation of the MINI Cooper S at 208 HP for the domestic market and bumping things up to 226 HP for export. Weird. Aside from the tuned engine, the car gets Schnitzerized bodywork, custom exhaust, adjustable-height suspension and modified interior baubles.

AC Schnitzer brings Transparency to Transmissions
Gear knob with digital gear display for BMW and MINI models

High performance drivers usually play the transmission like a virtuoso: clutch, shift, gas. Depending on the number of gears, the stick passes through the gate up to six times in each direction - up and down again. Which gear are we in now? It's purely a matter of feel, even on modern "manuals".?

The new sports gear knob from AC Schnitzer, with its digital display, now not only offers visual feedback as in a sequential box, but enhances the interior as a particularly cool accessory. Best of all: it will fit almost all BMW and MINI models with manual transmission, whether brand new or somewhat older. With its bright red digits and thanks to a light sensor the digital display is perfectly visible under all lighting angles and fits perfectly into the typical interior illumination of the vehicles from Munich or Oxford.?

Nor do you have to worry about complex installation: the new gear knob can be installed by any workshop, in just a few minutes. As the display changes are triggered by position sensors, apart from a power supply no further wiring is required. And thanks to? AC Schnitzer, you can move up a gear in terms of style!

AC Schnitzer presents the new styling and performance package for the BMW X6

The new BMW X6 exerts a particular form of magnetism: not only does its chassis sit perfectly on the road, it also magically attracts attention. Now it appears there is only one place where the fascination, dynamism and presence of the first Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) can be enhanced: in the workshops of AC Schnitzer in Aachen. The result is a visual and technical masterpiece which further magnifies the core qualities of the X6.

In the X6 by AC Schnitzer, the front skirt with its diagonal air intakes and repositioned fog lights are exposed. The drive-under protection has been removed in favour of a more dynamic contour of the spoiler edge. The rear carries a massive skirt with framed edges. In contrast to the original, all components are painted body-colour throughout, so the body appears downstretched and hence more dominant. Instead of the drive-under protection originally fitted here, AC Schnitzer Designer Michele Viandante has opted for a rear diffuser.

Another eyecatcher is the chromed tailpipes of the dual-flow exhaust system in AC Schnitzer Racing Design. The BMW X6 is not the only SAC in the world, but it is one of the first vehicles to be fitted with the multipiece AC Schnitzer alloy wheels Type Vll. With their black paint and tightly arranged spokes, the 22" rims present a challenging stance. The changing angles of the web pairs give an air of sophistication.

Typical AC Schnitzer: The vehicle's appearance is not misleading, but simply a reflection of its inner values. The renowned BMW tuner has developed a real firecracker under the bonnet of the diesel versions 3.0dX and 3.5dX with a new Motor Control Unit. Precise performance data will be released shortly. Of course, sheer engine power is not the only ingredient in sporting performance. So Manfred Wollgarten, Technical Director of AC Schnitzer, has developed a unique suspension spring kit for the X6 on the North Loop of the Nürburgring.

One thing can be disclosed: Despite its high body, the X6 by AC Schnitzer in this configuration will show a clean pair of heels to many sports saloons. Perfect handling with corresponding Look and Feel is ensured by the "EVO" 3-spoke Sport Airbag steering wheel. With AC Schnitzer, you hold the road firmly in almost any position. The X6 by AC Schnitzer takes control on public roads as willingly as on changing terrain with varying up and down gradients!

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

The AC Schnitzer ACS1 3.5i

Not only in proportions is the new 1-series Coupé a worthy successor to the BMW 2002, but also technically: As in the 70s, the current most powerful standard version is powered by a "charged" engine. Daringly, the overtaking prestige was then enhanced further by the mirror-image Turbo logo on the front spoiler. In the 1-series Coupé, the possibilities are more refined, not least thanks to AC Schnitzer from Aachen. And naturally the company founded in Aachen in 1987 has made more than its logo available in its refinement package. Particularly impressive is the extensive AC Schnitzer bodykit including front grille, which is far more than mere decoration, but also effectively harmonised into the entire concept. The front spoiler elements and the rear skirt insert, together with the rear wing and rear roof spoiler, increase downforce and ensure better ground adhesion. For the front spoiler elements, AC Schnitzer supplies optional aluminium struts as used in motorsport - after all, the BMW 2002 was renowned for its track speed at the time. And it is on one particularly legendary circuit, the Nürburgring North Loop, that Manfred Wollgarten, Technical Director at AC Schnitzer, set up the sports suspension for the ACS1 3.5i. As a Touring Car driver, he knows what he's doing. He also sent the Coupé on its way with another strut brace for the front, to further reduce the torsion of a body already very stiff as standard. So at every point on the course, the driver has total control over the vehicle to centimetre precision when he turns the neat AC Schnitzer 3-spoke sports airbag steering wheel. And that's good, because finally the unrestrained power of the biturbo engine is applied on the right track. Especially since AC Schnitzer has not only improved the downforce of the vehicle, but also its thrust. Its heart now beats at 360 instead of 306 HP (265 instead of 225 kW) and accelerates the fiery 1-series Coupé to 100 km/h in less than five seconds. At the same time, the maximum torque rises from 400 to 450 Nm and the top speed from 250 to an impressive 300 km/h.

Values which you can not only see but also hear because the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer with its refined "Racing" tailpipe sounds its baritone. It goes almost without saying that AC Schnitzer also offers a range of sporting alloy wheels for the ACS1 3.5i. The perfect complement with their sleek and refined design are the Type IV "BiColor" rims in size 8.5Jx19" and tyres 225/35R19. The stuff of dreams for drivers of the BMW 2002, just like the countless attractive interior components from AC Schnitzer in the form of controls and decor elements of aluminium and carbon.

Most people would be more than satisfied with the fast-as-amphetamines Porsche Carrera GT, which is famous for knife-edge handling and a capacity to test even the best driver. But apparently not everyone is so easily pleased, as Gemballa has now seen fit to strap two turbochargers to the Carrera's engine to create the Mirage GT.

Gemballa isn't known for subtlety, so it should come as no surprise that its range-topping supercar, which comes with a set of Gemballa plates, should be more than enough to satisfy the most ardent adrenaline junkie.

They could have wound it up to 1000 hp, easily, but that would have just been stupid, so they've reined it in to a more politically correct 750 hp, which should keep that expensive 5.7-litre V10 from melting all over the tarmac. The biggest, thickest set of Brembo ceramic discs put the anchors on, but even they'll struggle with a top-end speed of 250mph+ and a car that can scorch to 60mph in 3.4s.

Ruf came along to the party, too, with its brand new RGT based on the 997 GT3. Alois Ruf, arguably the most famous Porsche tuner of the lot thanks to canny PR, fantastic cars and its position in the Gran Turismo games, has produced a masterpiece based on the 1973 Carrera RS.

Bolt-on wheel arches, five huge air dams that leave little room for a front spoiler and a motorsport-style, single-plane rear wing all add to the appearance. A full rollcage clothed in Alcantara, new rear subframe and in-house suspension system make sure it handles the twisty bits as well as the straight-line assault.

The Pfaffenhausen company has pulled 445bhp and 309lb/ft of torque from a 3.8-liter engine rebuilt with hefty amounts of titanium and this little silver number with Viper stripes will hit 60mph in 4.2s, 125mph in 13.5s and on all the way to 197mph.

For those looking for the alternative to the GT3RS, this might just be the one.

AC Schnitzer brought the ACS3 to Essen, too, the 265bhp version based on the three-liter diesel variant. There will be a 335i version in the near future with lots more power, but for now this will have to suffice. The cosmetic kit was more than appealing, though, and this should sell like warm buns when the hotter cars hit the market.

Far more impressive was the production version of the Schnitzer Tension, which spawned from the near ridiculous concept launched last year. Only 50 will see the light of the day and the base car can be anything from a relatively limp-wristed 630i right through to the almighty M6, so there'll be a fair variety in there.

And for those with the small engines Schnitzer will undoubtedly offer its 5.1-liter V8 with 411 hp that works with an automatic transmission — if you're that way inclined. Now you have to wonder who would really want their 6-Series looking like this and that deep front spoiler with the monumental air intakes give it a certain buck-toothed look. I predict major sales in the Russia and the Middle East.

Hartge had the same problem as Schnitzer with the lack of a 335i engine, but they didn't give up so easy and built one themselves with the block of an M, the head of a 3-liter and a biturbo kit. If it sounds like grief, it was, considering all it would have taken was BMW being a bit sharper with the supplies of the transplant engine. But then again it looks more than worth it.

This car comes with 380 hp, a new suspension system, a 0-99 percent LSD that Hartge has become famous for, which allows for monumental powerslides through every bend without throwing this $100,000 weapon into the weeds. Hartge's ability to produce stunningly chuckable cars with even better weight distribution than Bavaria's that rarely actually possess the much boasted about 50:50 weight distribution.

It weighs less than the Z4M Coupe, at 3,075 lbs, looks tougher, comes with copious amounts of torque, and so should be faster throughout the range and through the bends. The 0-60mph time of 4.8s is exciting enough, but the top-end speed of almost 180 mph should leave fun to spare.

Eibach pitched up with a fine interpretation of the Aston Martin AMV8 that has 435bhp at its disposal, despite the rather misleading name of AMV8 400+. That will spirit this car to 60mph in 4.7s and with Prodrive's help on the ride and handling this car should prove a major improvement on the baby Aston when it comes to sticking to the apex. It looks the part, too, with a new aero kit, huge new wheels and a roughed-up aero kit decked out in carbon-fiber and an interior decked out with a much slicker center console.

There were plenty more, some good and some, like the Gulf Racing-liveried GeigerCars Humvee and Sbarro's pink Ferrari 360-based creation, were atrocities against the automotive world. But it was mighty good fun, and there's some enticing beasts to drive in the coming months. – Nick Hall

Related:
Car Hack's Notebook: Covering the Essen Show, Day Two [internal]

AC Schnitzer's Tension concept hit 206 mph on the Nardo test track in Southern Italy, stopping far short of schooling the Brabus Rocket Mercedes CLS, which peaked at 227 mph during the same AutoBild magazine showdown. But it's enough for the AC boys to call their creation the world's fastest street-legal production BMW. The Tension — like the BMW 6-Series that provides its base — is nonetheless a divisive vehicle in the looks department. And the cartoonishly appointed tuner doesn't do much to bring the poles of taste together. – Mike Spinelli

Related:
Das Rokit: Brabus Super CLS Breaks Speed Record; Frankfurt Premiere: AC Schnitzer Tension Concept; Apply Directly to the Forehead: AC Schnitzer's Street Tension [internal]

AC Schnitzer, as part of its press prep for Germany's Essen show, revealed a new tuning package for the BMW M Roadster and Coupe. The Z4Ms have been accessorizied to within an inch of their lives, with compatible kitting that include carbon aerodynamic add-ons, a 3.91 : 1 axle ratio (compared to the standard 3.62 : 1), undisclosed suspension tweaks, stainless-steel tailpipe (natch) and a range of available ACS alloy wheels. Other interior and exterior cosmetic trimmings include grillework and interior fittings like shift knob and carbon-fiber accents. Model-specific parts include a clear-glass wind deflector and two-piece rear wing for the roadster, and three-piece rear wing for the coupe. No engine mods this go-round, but the company says the change in axle ratio is enough to make the cars feel ever so much more spry. – Mike Spinelli

Related:
More AC Schnitzer [internal]

The Bayerische tweakers at AC Schnitzer released pics of their new, twin-turbo BMW E92 3-Series coupe, ahead of its unveiling at the Essen show next month. A shot of the tuner 335i leaked out last week, sending those who fancy such beasts into a tailspin of anticipation. But the pics are just a tease; the company hasn't released performance numbers or specifics of the tuning program yet. For more, you'll just have to hit up exhibition stand no. C 124 in Hall 3. – Mike Spinelli

Related:
AC Schnitzer's New BMW 3-Series on the Way [internal]

We like Claus Ettenberger, a man who can rock a Hugo Boss cap without irony, and will complete a cross-country rally as fast as possible simply to have time to shower, say hello to his family and then head up to Ventura to play fu ball. As an official installer of all things Brabus and AC Schnitzer, not to mention Oettinger, Herr Ettenberger has chiseled a career from the embrace of Bruce. The new highly-precise (although our jury is still out on Schnitzer precision) facility will offer the sale and installation of hop-up pieces from Novitec, TechArt, Azev and Antera, as well as the aforementioned brands. Rich people who prefer hurricanes to earthquakes and snow, warm up your checkbooks: the new shop opens February 24th in Miami.

Miami Vices [0-60]

Related:
Claus Ettenberger: Teutonic Butterfly Sadist [Internal]

A photo of of tuning shop AC Schnitzer's latest BMW tweaker slammed into the internets today, offering a preview of the company's plans for the 335i turbo. There's no real info on the coming tuner, but we suspect it'll have the same suspension tweaks designed for the E90 (antiroll bar kit, plus stiffer strut brace for the front), AC Schnitzer Type IV wheels, stainless steel exhaust and aero kit. No word on engine mods, but if the E90 is an indication of what's to come, expect some manner of ECU hack. We'll find out more any day now. – Mike Spinelli

ACS (schnitzer) E92!! [E90Post.com via Autoblog]

Related:
Hello Coup-ay: 2007 BMW 328i For Sale on eBay [internal]

Last year at the Frankfurt show, BMW tuning house AC Schnitzer unveiled a radical take on the 6-Series that seemed spectacularly over-flamboyant to have been created by a bunch of German guys. It was called the Tension, and it divided the Frankfurt into two camps, the delighted and the disgusted. But it was just a concept. Now, just about exactly one year later, the production kit is out. They're only converting 50 6-Series models into Tension Street tuners, so act fast. Or look away. Click through for a spec sheet and more pics.

Specs:

- large air outlet edged in a chrome frame in the bonnet
- front skirt with air intake
- front fenders with integral air outlet, three chrome ribs and the indicators
- side skirts with air ducts
- rear skirt
- stainless steel twin exhaust system with chromed Sports Trim tailpipes
- carbon diffuser
- boot lid
- sports mirrors (not for M6)
- two-colour paintwork
- lightweight forged wheels Type V in 9,0J x 20" and 10,0J x 20" with 245/35 ZR 20 front
and 285/30 ZR 20 rear (or other AC Schnitzer wheel tyre combination in 20")
- sports suspension (not M6)
- spring kit (only M6)
- antiroll bar sets (optionally)
- aluminium strut brace (only M6)
- 5.1 l engine (optionally for 645i and 650i) with 550 Nm, 302 kW (411 hp)
- high performance brake system for the front axle with 8-pot fixed caliper (optionally M6)
- carbon interior trim in titanium
- 3-spoke airbag sports steering wheel in leather with carbon applications
- automatic selector lever in carbon
- combi-instrument with a speed display up to 320 or 330 km/h
- velours mats for footwell and boot
- pedal set, foot rests, handbrake handle and cover for the "i-Drive" controller
black anodized aluminium placard silver serial number

Related:
Frankfurt Premiere: AC Schnitzer Tension Concept [internal]

So what happens when two punk rockin' autojournalists attempt to make an attempt to retrace the route of Stefan and "Dietrich" in an AC Schnitzer-tuned 6-Series droptop while cranking Jawbreaker's Bivouac album? The front fascia decides to take a dirt-nap as a result of aerodynamic pressure at 70mph (approximately 90 mph slower than Eriksson's wee mishap) and they ride back to the Claus Ettenberger shop in a big honkin' International flatbed driven by a gregarious man in a Dodgers cap.

Less ignominious and rife with intrigue than the fateful ride Mr. Eriksson took, for sure, but Davey G. and Jonny Lieberman nevertheless shamefacedly trudged back to Pedro in Lieberman's WRX, having been failed by a faulty front end just short of their goal. We didn't even have time for any hoonage. Check Lieberman's lengthier account over at The Truth About Cars.

AC Schnitzer ACS6 [The Truth About Cars]

Related:
More AC Schnitzer [Internal]

After allowing its team of designers and engineers to toke on a nuclear-powered crack pipe, which produced the Tension concept — unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show last year — someone at BMW tuning house AC Schnitzer grabbed the freaky knob and dialed it back to a more acceptable factor. The result is the ACS6 Sport version of the BMW M6 coupe, which reflects the company's latest tuning kit package, adapted from its M5 design line. Toys include carbon fiber aerodynamics add-ons, custom alloys, stainless-steel exhaust and various suspension-tuning gadgets. No word on engine tuning toys for the V10 at this juncture.

Related:
Frankfurt Premiere: AC Schnitzer Tension Concept [internal]

John Cooper Works, check the rear-view. German tuning house, AC Schnitzer will be showing off its new Mini Cooper concept tuner at the Essen Euro-tuner hoedown next week. The Mini was designed — A collaboration with GT-car builder Drexler Motorsport — to adopt the road feel of a race car, from its cockpit (Recaro buckets, altered steering wheel position) to the pavement (custom limited slip differential, race-tuned suspension, four-pot wheel stoppers). By messing with the stock Mini S's ECU, Schnitzer uncovered 222 HP at 7200 rpm, leading the concept to go from zero to 62 in under 7 seconds. [Update: more pics after the jump.]

Related:
Mini Officially Debuts John Cooper Works GP [internal]

Tuning house, AC Schnitzer offered its take on the 507hp, V10-powered BMW M6. They pulled out every toy from their toybox and tossed it at the Bimmer with either reckless abandon or malice aforethought. The company has no plans to produce this really bad boy, but says it would cost in the neighborhood of $320,000 if it did. Man, we're so tired from running around this gigganormous Frankfurt show, we almost wish they'd at least build it in pill form. We'd pay.

Related:
First Look at the New BMW 7-Series, AC Schnitzer Style [internal]