AC Schnitzer "Alloys Up" the new BMW X1 Compact SUV

It won't be long before AC Scnitzer goes all crazy on the Bavarian automaker's new X1 with numerous mechanical upgrades and styling accessories, but for the time being, the seasoned BMW tuner has presented three new sets of alloy wheels for the compact-sized SUV/crossover. Depending on the design they choose, buyers can opt for 18-, 19- or 20-inch versions of the alloy wheels. Hit the break for the complete photo gallery.

AC Schnitzer Does its Thing on the BMW Z4 Roadster, 3.5i Turbo gets 360HP Upgrade

Longtime Bimmer specialist AC Schnitzer has created a detailed tuning package for the second generation BMW Z4 roadster. For the time being, under-the-hood upgrades are limited for the most powerful variant of the hardtop roadster model, the 3.5i. With AC Schnitzer's upgrades, the modified twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six delivers an ample 360 horsepower, launching the Z4 from a standing start to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 4.9 seconds, or 0.2 seconds faster than the standard 306HP Z4 3.5i.

A new spring kit for the suspension and a sport exhaust system with a pair of dual tailpipes complete the performance upgrades.

AC Schnitzer has also developed a subtle aerodynamic package that consists of a chrome front grille, front spoiler, new side air vents and a two-piece rear spoiler complemented by the firm's 18-inch Type IV or 19- / 20-inch Type VI alloy wheels.

For the interior, visual upgrades include an aluminium cover for the i-Drive System Controller and the aluminium foot rests and pedal set.

AC Schnitzer MINI Convertible Performance Package with up to 226HP

The new MINI Convertible has caught the attention of engineers from famed tuner AC Schnizter that have developed a comprehensive sport package for the drop top. The German firm started by tuning the MINI's 1.6-liter turbocharged engine to produce a reported 208HP for the domestic market model and 226HP for the export model, up from the standard unit's 175HP. At the same time, the Cooper S and JCW models get a limited slip differential and a sport exhaust system.

Sans the JCW model, the rest of the MINI Convertible range can be upgraded with a sport spring kit and height-adjustable racing suspension. Customers can also choose from a variety of alloy wheel designs available in sizes 17-inches, 18-inches and 19-inches.

Those not content with the MINI Cabrio's exterior looks can opt for AC Schnitzer's bodykit that includes the usual front and rear aprons and side skirts along with a set of decals available in white, black or chrome-black. For the interior, the German firm offers an array of accessories such as gear knobs, handbrake handle, pedals and foot rests in aluminum and special floor mats.

AC Schnitzer's Alloy Wheel Proposals for the new BMW Z4 Roadster

Just the other day, when we showed you photos of a new Z4 Roadster spotted outside a Hartge dealership, we told you that it was only a matter of time before the usual BMW tuning 'culprits' start releasing their goodies for the latest version of the Bavarian roadster that's equipped with a retractable hardtop. And indeed today, AC Schnitzer confirmed us by unveiling its alloy wheel offerings for the new Z4.

In addition to the photos of the alloy wheel designs available for the second-generation Z4, the German tuning house also revealed that it is working on a complete product range for the Z4 that will include performance upgrades, a sports rear silencer and tailpipe trims, suspension and brake systems, aerodynamic components as well as interior accessories, all of which will be introduced shortly.

AC Schnitzer's Kitschy BMW i-Drive Cover has us Driving Away

At first we thought that BMW tuning specialist AC Schnizter had released one of those tacky car vent fresheners that imitate the looks of an alloy wheel design. Well, we got the second part right as the German tuner has come up with a new, black anodized aluminium cover for the BMW i-Drive, u-Get Confused, infotainment system with an embossed image of an AC Schnitzer Type IV alloy wheel. No word on prices, but do you really want to accessorize your bimmer with one of these?

AC Schnizter Tunes BMW 3-Series Sedan and Touring Facelift Models

After the recent unveiling of the facelifted BMW 3-Series Sedan and Touring, AC Schnizter's design team went back to the draw board to create a new aero package for both variants of the German firm's best selling model. Schnizter's cosmetic kit consists of a new front bumper with a lip spoiler, side sills, a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, a tailgate spoiler for the sedan, a roof spoiler (Sedan and Touring and of course, new alloy wheels.


As one would expect, the Aachen-based tuner also offers a variety of interior accesories as well as mechanical upgrades that include a power kit for the 3.0-litre turbo diesel that rises output 254HP to 284HP, and peak torque from 520Nm to 570Nm. AC Schnizter will release more details on its 2009 BMW 3-Series Sedan and Touring offerings at the forthcoming Essen Motorshow in Germany.

AC Schnizter's BMW X6 Falcon: A Beast Without Any Beauty

We don't know what's more laughable; the BMW X6 Falcon itself or AC Schnitzer's official press release that attempts to make some sort of connection between the vehicle and the predatory bird... Either way, the German tuner seems to have lost contact with reality and taste. Now that we've probably offended more or less 0.2% of our readers that found the BMW X6 Falcon extremely sensual, let's see AC Schnitzer's proposal in detail. Aside from the two-tone paint job, the Falcon features a wide bodykit and 22-inch alloys available in black or silver finish. -Continued

AC Schnizter package also includes a sport suspension kit as well as power upgrades for the X5 30d and 35d. By tuning the ECU the German firm has managed to boost performance on both six-cylinder diesel models, with the 30d developing an additional 35HP for a total of 272HP and the 35d 310HP instead of 286HP.









PRESS RELEASE: AC Schnitzer Presents New Addition to Falcon Territory

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.

AC Schnitzer Presents Bodykit for BMW 1-Series Coupe & Cabriolet M-Pack

For those who are not sure whether they prefer BMW’s official M-Pack aero kit or AC Schnizter’s bodykit for the 1-Series Coupe or Cabriolet models, the German tuner has came up with a solution to combine both packages. To be used on models equipped with the M-Pack, AC Schnizter’s second bodykit for the BMW 1-Series Coupe and Cabriolet models adds a front lip spoiler and a more dominant rear bumper insert. The sport kit is complemented by the sport exhaust system with chromed tailpipes and a set of 19-inch alloy wheels. -Continued

Buyers can also opt for a series of mechanical upgrades including a sport suspension spring kit and a performance kit that raises the 135i’s output from 306 to 360 HP, the 120d’s from 177 to 210 HP and the 123d’s from 204 to 240 HP.