Jalopnik: ac

AC Schnitzer Tunes BMW Z4 For Speed-Obsessed Hairdressers

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EDT

AC Schnitzer has plied its tuning skills on the latest iteration of the BMW Z4 and produced a car with more aggressive styling and a most welcomed 54 more horses. It'll look great sitting outside the spa.

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.

Striking Entrance
The BMW Z4 by AC Schnitzer is ready for its world first

Ready for its world premiere: the extensive product range for the BMW Z4 by AC Schnitzer. The Aachen-based tuning specialist has further optimised the brand-new classic from BMW, which has already received extensive accolades from the trade press.

The BMW Z4 as standard is far from under-powered. But as is well known, enthusiastic drivers can never have enough power. Sufficient reason then for AC Schnitzer to upgrade the Z4 3.5i Turbo to 286 km/h. With a power of 360 HP and an unladen weight of 1485 kg, the open-top roadster from BMW accelerates from a standing start to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Even the most demanding driver will be delighted with this performance.

The driving experience is enhanced acoustically and visually by the stainless steel sports rear silencer and the chromed Racing tailpipe trims.

Equally sporting is the AC Schnitzer suspension variant in the Z4. Thanks to a new spring kit, the transverse acceleration appears to bypass the conventional laws of nature.

This impression is certainly partly supported by the aerodynamic components made of PU-Rim, a high quality flexible plastic. The aerodynamic pack for the new BMW Z4 consists of a chrome front grille and front spoiler, where both components combine to give a more muscular look to the long bonnet lines.
New sports fenders, consisting of wheel arches with integral air outlets for improved cooling of the front brakes and chromed deflectors, optimise the side lines of the roadster.
Finally, the two-piece rear spoiler gives the rear of the BMW Z4 by AC Schnitzer an impressive look; because of the performance of the car, this is probably the aspect which will be seen most by other drivers!

In the inside, both driver and passenger enjoy an impressive interior. The aluminium cover for the i-Drive System Controller, the aluminium foot rests and pedal set, are just a few of the ergonomically perfect controls which give the vehicle elegance and enhance the sporting ambience.

Standing on AC Schnitzer Type IV in 18" or Type VI wheels in 18, 19 or 20 inch, the BMW Z4 takes to the stage for its world premiere. A striking entrance from the Aachen specialist, which will certainly not be forgotten in a hurry.

Overview for Press Release No. 13/2009
Z4 Roadster by AC Schnitzer (E89)
Page 1/1 September 2009

Basic car: BMW E89
Engine: AC Schnitzer performance upgrade for
Z4 3.5i from 225 kW / 306 HP to 265 kW / 360 HP
Exhaust: AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer incl. chromed "Racing" tailtrims
Suspension: AC Schnitzer spring kit
Aerodynamics: AC Schnitzer front grille
AC Schnitzer front spoiler
AC Schnitzer sports fender consisting of:
wheelarches with integral air outlets (for improved cooling of the front brakes) and
chromed deflectors
AC Schnitzer rear skirt, 2-piece
Interior: AC Schnitzer aluminium cover for i-Drive controller
AC Schnitzer aluminium foot rest and pedal set
AC Schnitzer aluminium gear knob chromed or "Black Line"
AC Schnitzer leather gear knob, illuminated
AC Schnitzer gear knob with digital shift display
AC Schnitzer velours floor mats
Wheels/Tyres: AC Schnitzer Wheels Type VI BiColor
front: 8,5J x 18" offset 27 with tyres 225/40 R 18
rear: 8,5J x 18" offset 23 with tyres 225/40 R 18
AC Schnitzer Wheels Type IV silver or BiColor
front: 8,5 x 18" offset 27 with tyres 225/40 R 18
rear: 8,5 x 18" offset 23 with tyres 225/40 R 18
front: 8,5 x 19" offset 23 with tyres 225/35 R 19
rear: 8,5 x 19" offset 23 with tyres 225/35 R 19
front: 8,5 x 19" offset 23 with tyres 225/35 R 19
rear: 9,5 x 19" offset 28,5 with tyres 255/30 R 19
AC Schnitzer Wheels Type IV BiColor
front: 9,0 x 20" offset 32 with tyres 235/30 R 20
rear: 9,0 x 20" offset 32 with tyres 235/30 R 20
front: 9,0 x 20" offset 32 with tyres 235/30 R 20
rear: 9,0 x 20" offset 26 with tyres 235/30 R 20
front: 9,0 x 20" offset 32 with tyres 235/30 R 20
rear: 10,0 x 20" offset 43 with tyres 285/25 R 20
front: 9,0 x 20" offset 32 with tyres 235/30 R 20
rear: 10,0 x 20" offset 43 with tyres 295/25 R 20

AC Schnitzer BMW Z4

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:16:31 EDT

AC Schnitzer Tweaks Mini Cooper S Convertible

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EDT

German tuner AC Schnitzer has plied its craft upon the Mini Cooper S Convertible, adding fender flares, more "powah," a limited-slip differential and adjustable suspension. Basically it's a JCW Mini in extravagant duds.

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.

"MINI Look" by AC Schnitzer
With innovative developments, the Aachen-based tuning specialist creates driving pleasure and the perfect MINI Look

With its new Convertible (R57), MINI has now produced the next body variant of the cult car. The
AC Schnitzer designers and engineers have already developed a range of special accessories for the new MINI. In keeping with the history of the MINI, the Aachen-based tuning specialists have concentrated on developments in the field of performance upgrades, sports rear silencer, sports suspension, alloy wheels, exterior components and interior details.

Under the small bonnet of the MINI Cooper S the 1.6 litre engine provides power of 175 HP. The AC Schnitzer performance upgrade energizes the MINI Cooper S to 153 kW/208 HP. Under the same conditions, the uprated export version of the Cooper S takes the standard power of 128 kW/175 HP to an impressive 166 kW/226 HP. At the same time, the AC Schnitzer limited slip differential in the MINI Cooper S and Special Model JCW (John Cooper Works) guarantees maximum driving pleasure with excellent ground adhesion.

The perfect driving experience is complemented by the acoustic qualities of the AC Schnitzer sports silencer in special steel with chromed Racing tailpipe for the MINI Cooper S and JCW. The AC Schnitzer sports exhaust perfectly adapts the complete exhaust system to the needs of high performance and tuned engines.

An equally important contribution to driving performance is provided by the renowned
AC Schnitzer suspension components, available in the form of suspension spring kit and height-adjustable racing suspension. In conjunction with an aluminium strut brace for the front, even more performance can be extracted from the MINI One, Cooper or Cooper S.

To fill the wheelarches of the new MINI, AC Schnitzer is also offering a choice of several wheel and tyre combinations with Mi1 rims in 17" and Mi2 rims in 18".

Visually, the new series MINI shows few differences from the current series. The designers of
AC Schnitzer have changed this with front spoilers and rear skirts (for the MINI Cooper S), which not only enhance the looks of the MINI but also offer aerodynamic advantages. Decal sets in white, black or chrome/black put the finishing touches to the appearance of all MINIs.

Characteristic of the MINI, in the interior the central instruments are arranged between driver and passenger. Characteristic of AC Schnitzer, sporting elements are applied to the driver's workplace. So the Aachen designers offer gear knobs, handbrake handle, pedals and foot rests in aluminium, with velours floor mats.

Vintage Sebring Goodness, Courtesy Of The Binghamton Automobile Racing Club

Murilee Martin — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EDT

While the 12 Hours Of Sebrings promises to be the best racing series ever, that race in Florida has been pretty entertaining over the years. The Binghamtom Auto Racing Club has some great shots.

The BARC folks have been going to Sebring since the 1950s, and their site features galleries of photographs from 1955 through 1965. If you like MGs, Porsches, Ferraris, Maseratis, Cobras, the works, be sure to check it out. Thanks to Scroggzilla for the tip!
[BARC]

AC Schnitzer Brings Gourmet To Customization

Wes Siler — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:20:00 EDT

I don't know about you, but every time we're getting one of our cars tuned by a high-end German company we always say to ourselves, "Sure, the extra 300bhp from the V12 they're shoehorning into our E30 is going to be nice, but what we really want is a gourmet dinner." Wish no more, friends; AC Schnitzer is here to help. By installing a rooftop fine dining experience at their facility in Aachen, they're ensuring fast car loving foodies needn't go unfed.

The company aims to finish most upgrades in one day or less, ensuring that their customers have plenty of entertainment while they cool their Italian leather clad heels in Kohlibri, their new waiting lounge-cum-gourmet restaurant. AC Schnitzer can guarantee such a short turn around time by doing most of the prep work in advance, leaving only installation to be carried out on the day of your visit. Should you become bored with the light chestnut soup and delicate coconut mousse, there's also on-site boutiques from the likes of Bang & Olufsen and Harley-Davidson. All we can say is, finally.

Press Release No. 04/2008 Page 1/1 March 2008 Gourmet Delight at AC Schnitzer Dine in luxury while your car is being converted When it comes to tuning your car, things can't be done quick enough for most people. So at AC Schnitzer in Aachen, almost all vehicle conversions can be completed within a day. And the best thing of all: the waiting time passes comfortably and entertainingly in the AC Schnitzer world and the in-house gourmet restaurant "kohlibri". While the car rolls into the workshop in the morning, the customers can start the day in the cafeteria with freshly brewed coffee and buttery croissants. Then there's the whole experience of the AC Schnitzer world to discover. Here there is not just a vast array of exciting new and used cars to look at, but also themed shops for BMW and Mini and countless boutiques - for example Bang & Olufsen and Harley Davidson. And shopping makes you hungry, so AC Schnitzer recommends a visit to its own penthouse restaurant "kohlibri", where Restaurant Director Norbert Mahlberg presents everything you could want for lunch. While the panorama glass lift takes guests up, technicians are still working flat out on the vehicle. The bodystyling accessories have already been painted in body colour the day before, and are now fitted. First check by the technician: Everything is perfect! This comment is equally true for the guests in "kohlibri", who can enjoy a view right to the horizons of this corner of three countries through the wide panoramic window. In fine weather lunch can be taken on the sun terrace, from where the view across the roofs of Aachen extends as far as Belgium and Holland. But there is also much to admire in the sophisticated refinement of the restaurant, such as the fancy ceiling lights, the beautiful floor and the creative design of the bar. While the customer enjoys an entrée of delicate chestnut soup, a few floors down work is already in progress on the interior conversion: his BMW is getting pedal covers, steering wheel and gear knob, and the i-Drive controller from the AC Schnitzer range. A first glance at the result is tempting, but there's still the main course to be enjoyed in the "kohlibri": prawn ravioli, prepared by the renowned chef Bernd Geiger. A light coconut mousse finally succeeds in overcoming any curiosity about the car. But finally even the sports suspension has been installed. While our guest sits over his espresso, the information arrives that the vehicle is ready. Even the AC Schnitzer wheels and performance upgrade have now been fitted. So there is nothing now to stand in the way of a quick tour, and perhaps the customer will come back for Sunday brunch at "kohlibri"!

Breathalyzers Be Blown, He'll Have Seen The Red Light!

Murilee Martin — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:45:00 EDT

After seeing the showroom-condition MGC-GT a couple weeks back, we were inspired to dig up this Pathe newsreel of the 1967 London Motor Show. The theme of this show appeared to be drunk driving, judging from the narrator's jokes on the subject. Lots of great vehicles here, with the real standout being the Lamborghini Marzal, the car that became the Espada.

Anarchy in the USA

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:57:43 EST

Whenever Davey G gets into whichever high-powered, oh-so precise German engineering testament I happen to be driving, we always have a good laugh, musically speaking. Whether we're blasting the Minutemen while driving past D Boon and Bukowski's graves in a $130,000 AC Schnitzer thinking of ways to get Watt in a Bentely, or shouting along to Black Flag's White Minority in the RS4 high above it all in Pacific Palisades, we know we are complete and total corndogs. And while we can't agree on where a hatchback ends and a sport wagon begins, we both agree that Paul Rachman's new film effing Rawks! [Thanks to XL Perro for the tip] – Loverman

American Hardcore [Sony Picture Classics]

Last Night Everything Broke/Dietrich Ate My Homework: Jalopnik/TTAC's AC Schnitzer Adventure [Internal]

2006 Woodward Dream Cruise: Cobra Commander'd Be Proud — Snakes On A Dream Cruise

Ray Wert — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 12:15:00 EDT

Downtown Birmingham was chock full of fun during this weekends Woodward Dream Cruise, whether it was two of the Big Three getting their exnibitionist shwerve on or just sitting back with burgers from Hunter House — fun was had by the tens of thousands. But if you looked closely between the two tall apartment buildings towering over the corner of Woodward Ave. and South Old Woodward, you'd see something really cool — the Great Lakes Cobra Club annual meet, one of the largest showings of Cobras anywhere with usually over 80 replicas in attendance — and even a couple of real ones! Although this year the morning rain, as well as a lack of parking, cut numbers to around 60, it was still an impressive sight seeing all of Carroll Shelby's Ford V8 masterpieces sitting there in the summer sun of the late afternoon.

Related:
More 2006 Woodward Dream Cruise coverage [internal]

AC to Build Cars in Connecticut

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 15 Nov 2005 20:47:38 EST

Apparently inspired by the success of BMW's rethink of the Mini, AC Cars has decided the time is right to begin building cars in the US of A, and they're doing it in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The 40,000 square-foot facility will create 141 jobs and will be underwritten in part by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. The plant's sports cars'll sell in the $90-150k range, which is becoming a rapidly impacted niche. We're rooting for old AC; still, we're curious to see if the cars will be up to snuff when pitted against venerable British companies with American and German megabucks and berbrains behind them: i.e. Aston Martin and Bentley.

AC Cars to build plant in Connecticut [Seattle Post-Intelligencer]