CAR News

2011 Mini Countryman by AC Schnitzer

How great can small really be? And how small can something great be?
A recent addition to the compact SUV segment, the MINI Countryman enriches this class with the joie de vivre typical of MINI. And in comparison with its MINI siblings, it also brings a totally new dimension of a size previously unknown.

The Countryman is also a completely new vehicle for the AC Schnitzer developers and offers new opportunities thanks to its size. For the first time in our history with MINI, the 18 inch wheel dimension has been exceeded, and AC Schnitzer offers wheel and tire combinations in various designs up to 19 inch.

This makes the MINI Countryman ideal for every terrain. Visually too, the AC Schnitzer rims give the “great little one” the finishing touch.

In the interior, AC Schnitzer also sets unique highlights: for example, an aluminum pedal set is available. Various gear knobs in leather with digital gear display, or in aluminum, complete the range.

Dynamics in its most beautiful form, beyond the standard: The BMW 5-series saloon gains its wings from AC Schnitzer

“Dynamics in its most beautiful form” – the new BMW 5-series saloon has been in the showrooms of BMW dealers since May 2010.

Aachen-based tuning specialist AC Schnitzer gives the new dynamic BMW extra wings with its extensive range of special accessories. Thanks to the AC Schnitzer performance upgrade on the 530d, the driver behind the wheel can enjoy 286 HP instead of the standard 245 HP.

Optimizations for the BMW 520d, 525d and 535d are also in development. Whatever the model, all 5-series can be improved with the AC Schnitzer engine styling with capacity logo.

Acoustically, the AC Schnitzer versions of the BMW 550i, 535i, 535d and 530d are enhanced with the twin sports rear silencer with its chromed “Sports Trim“ tailpipe trims in left/right combination (in development). This not only provides the sonorous, sporting sound but also brings an improved response behaviour from the engine. For the purely aesthetic enhancement of the exhaust system on the 525d and 530d models, a chromed “Racing“ tailpipe trim is also available.

The “most beautiful form” of dynamic driving behaviour is provided by the AC Schnitzer spring kit, which not only lowers the vehicle by 25 millimetres but also gives the entire suspension set-up a more sporting tone, without neglecting the comfort requirements of the passengers.

There’s no escaping it – even the most dynamic drive must be slowed down at some point. In this case, the AC Schnitzer 8-piston high performance brake system mercilessly grips the front axle. The 8-pot fixed calliper (left/right) and the perforated, internally vented brake discs provide greatly improved deceleration and even safer stopping for the vehicle – and of course the wheels, available from AC Schnitzer in various designs and with different wheel and tyre combinations.

The five-series by AC Schnitzer stands either on 19 or 20-inch Type IV wheels in BiColor or silver. Another alternative in 19 inch is the Type VIII rim, which is also available for the 5-series BMW. The highlight of the wheel range for the new 5-series (F10) is the Forged Alloy Type V rim, which allows sizes of 9.0J and 10.0J x 20 inch with tyres 245/35 R20 on the front and 285/30 R 20 on the rear, and at the same time achieves a clear weight advantage.

BMW drivers place great visual importance on sporting, refined styling. In development of the aerodynamic kit, the AC Schnitzer designers and engineers have picked up the contours of the new 5-series saloon and subtly emphasised this. The result is a tailor-made outfit which further enhances the striking looks of the BMW 5-series.

At first glance, the new front spoiler catches the eye. This, in conjunction with the chromed grille, ensures a far more dynamic appearance. And of course the saloon not only has a smart front, but also a neat rear: the AC Schnitzer rear skirt insert integrates the sports exhaust harmoniously, and together with the rear roof spoiler and rear spoiler, makes the entire rear end substantially “more powerful”. Visually, the AC Schnitzer side skirt elements with chromed design elements (available as an option) link the front and rear parts of the vehicle.

That perfect feeling while driving comes also from the AC Schnitzer interior enhancements such as the AC Schnitzer “Evo” sports airbag steering wheel with optional AC Schnitzer carbon steering wheel insert in black “Exclusiv“. The carbon interior trim and the carbon sill trim set in black “Exclusiv“ ensure just the right distinction from the standard look. The AC Schnitzer interior range also includes the aluminium cover for the i-Drive System Controller, aluminium foot rests and pedals set, and gear knobs in leather, aluminium (black anodized), with leather and illumination or digital gear display. Boot and foot mats in velours complete the interior package.

“Dynamics in its most beautiful form” – the new BMW 5-series saloon has been in the showrooms of the BMW dealers since May 2010. “Dynamics in its most beautiful form – beyond the standard” is now available from Aachen tuning specialist AC Schnitzer.

“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.