AC Schnitzer ACS3 3.5i Convertible: Turbo Tin Top Motoring
Channel Staff - 12/June/2007 | 
AC Schnitzer ACS3 3.5i Convertible
The new look front apron adds a touch
more aggression to the BMW 335i's face
With it's 'figure-8' exhaust tips, the AC
Schnitzer could almost pass as a BMW M3
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Aachen, Germany —
AC Schnitzer, one of Germany's core tuning groups, has applied its
automotive magic to the BMW 335i Convertible whose appeal lies in its
turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, metal folding roof, and of course the
myriad changes that AC Schnitzer has wrought. Premier
amongst the changes include the look of the car. Its BMW origins are
still as clear as day, but the modifications accentuate the car's style
rather than totally altering it. The objective for AC Schnitzer was not
to
hide the body contours under excessive bulges, but to emphasise the
natural characteristics of the vehicle in a structured way. The German tuner added a new front apron that adds an angular appeal to the car, and also increases downforce. In its basic
design it follows the 3-piece original front bumper section, but it is substantially softer,
more facetted and more energetic according to the tuner. New side skirts add a touch more sportiness to the side of the 335i Convertibles body
with their asymmetric lines, rising towards the back, and
though an adjustable suspension kit is still being prepped for
sale, a reinforced antiroll bar kit for the rear axle is
already available which tidies up the cars tail end, and improves power
down when exiting corners. The rear
of the car has been left largely alone, though the eagle-eyed readers
will spot the different lower apron, with its more strongly
contoured rear skirt that integrates the new look twin flow
exhaust pipes, which feature tailpipe
trims in what the company calls the "Racing" design, which visually suggest a stylised horizontal
figure eight, which is the mathematical symbol for infinity.
The exhaust system, built by AC
Schnitzer, adds an extra visual element to the car, but as the
tuning group explains, when you hit the accelerator you get an
acoustically unique crescendo. As
well as the updated body work, this tuned BMW 335i Convertible can be
fitted with new wheels, the ones in the photographs referred to as
'Type IV'. They measure 9 x 20-inches at the
front and 10 x 20-inches at the rear, and are fitted
with 245/30 R20 295/25 R20 tyres respectively, which provides a
huge amount of grip as well as improving the cars image. AC Schnitzer
can also fit dark Type IV
'BiColor' wheels in 19-inch sizes that give the BMW a hint of
"Badboy" with 225/35 R19 and 255/30 R19 tyres. The
standard power output for the BMW 335i Convertible is 225kW (306hp)
from its 3.0-litre, twin turbocharged 6-cylinder inline petrol engine,
and at the time of writing AC Schnitzer had not finalised its
performance
kit, but notes that it is currently in development. Power levels
wouldn't be hard to increase in the new car - a tweak to the
turbocharger boost pressure would increase power and torque
significantly - so a 260-270kW power hike would not be out of the
question. The
German tuning group also signified its interest in warming up the 335d
as well, giving the diesel version of the BMW 3 Series coupe an upgrade
in looks, handling, and performance. It already has a tuning kit (the
Power-Plus pack) for the older 3.0-litre diesel convertible, which
hikes power from the standard 170kW (231hp) to 195kW (265hp). Because
the new 335i Convertible and other 3 Series convertible models are
relatively new, AC Schnitzer is still testing a number of mods for the
cars, including a complete suspension system with race technology. The
company says it is
completing its final test laps on the Nürburgring as we
speak. The
new system is for those drivers who revel in the high G-forces of
spirited driving, and includes a multipiece alloy strut brace that
according toAC
Schnitzer divides asymmetric forces evenly over the
entire front of the car and provides not only a functional
aspect but a high level of unobtrusive aesthetics. Modifications to the interior can also be managed by the German tuning company, including high quality decor
and new controls that improve both visual and tactile impressions when driving. AC
Schnitzer released a statement for the new vehicle that
talks about the emotional connection with the vehicle, and how
it "stimulates the automotive pleasure centre
without setting reason aside". The practical aspects of the car are
obvious: its metal folding roof replaces the previous cloth model and
improves weather protection and security, but AC Schnitzer says that
while drivers of the car are clearly reasonable people, the ACS3
3.5i Convertible takes the formula one step further by improving the
car in almost every sense. The
AC Schnitzer ACS3 3.5i Convertible is for the kind of driver who wants
the prestige of the BMW brand, but with more power, better handling,
and most importantly a more individual vehicle. Related Articles:
- BMW M3 (2008)
- BMW Concept CS (concept)
- BMW 130i M Sport (Road Test)
- BMW 120i (Road Test)
- AC Schnitzer 1 Series
- AC Schnitzer 6 Series
- BMW M3 (2008)
- BMW 3 Series Coupe (2007)
- BMW Hydrogen 7 (2007)
- BMW 3 Series Convertible (2007)
- BMW M6 Edition Race by Hamann (2006)
- BMW X5 (2007) |
