The concept PROFILE by AC Schnitzer based on the Z4 M Coupé
Take the first ascent of the 8,848 metre high Mount Everest, the expeditions to the poles or the dive into the 11 km deep canyon of the Mariana Trench. There have always been individuals and extreme characters who have pushed our boundaries and discovered new terrain. An extreme region for automotive tuners, where only a few venture, has always been the BMW M-series cars, in particular the uncompromising Z4 M-Coupé, a thoroughbred driving machine.
But the fact that the limits of this extraordinary car are far from reached is evident from the new concept vehicle by AC Schnitzer - the PROFILE - even at first glance. Classic engine tuning hauls the power of the high-revving six-cylinder in-line plant to a robust 350 HP. Not only is a special "active breathing" airbox used, but the engine control unit has been remapped. But power alone isn’t enough to get the maximum from an athletic heart. So the modified rear axle ratio of 3.91:1 provides better sprint capacity, while the perfectly smooth transmission with the AC Schnitzer Short Shift ensures crisp changes by the driver.
And as you listen to the sonorous baritone note of the left/right sports exhaust system with the trapezoid tailpipes, you could be deceived into thinking that the driver is not changing gears, but playing some kind of a musical instrument. A feast for all the senses: Visually the stunning colour combination of white-orange casts its spell and perfectly enhances the exquisite contours of the AC Schnitzer bodykit. From the front skirt with its suggestive cup-wings via the widened wheelarches and flanks with the gill-like vents - as already used on the legendary BMW 507- the dynamic line is drawn over the bulging side skirts to the rear skirt with carbon diffuser.
The whole is crowned by a rear spoiler and a fascinatingly styled roof wing. The forged alloy Type V wheels from the standard AC Schnitzer collection are a work of art in themselves. Filigree design yet with an air of solidity, in size 9.0J x 20" at the front and 10.0J x 20" at the rear, these wheels are the perfect adornment combined with tyres size 235/30 ZR 20 front and 295/25 ZR 20 rear.
But traction alone isn't everything, and the dynamics are supported by the AC Schnitzer suspension with its racing heritage, set up in the Green Hell of the Nürburgring. An aluminium strut brace in "Racing“ style not only catches the eye but limits the torsion of the front body. Thanks to the AC Schnitzer racing seats, the driver always holds position. And the carbon interior trim and pedal set, with decor elements of aluminium, radiate pure racing flair. Could there be a better place to experience the limits of potential?
Performance: 350 HP at 8000 rpm, 370 Nm at 4950 rpm, power upgrade consisting of:
- special air box, control unit and removal of speed restrictor, engine optics
- AC Schnitzer rear differential modification, 3,91 : 1
Transmission: AC Schnitzer sports gear change "Short Shift" incl. gear knob
Exhaust: AC Schnitzer dual sports rear silencer left/right incl. chromed exhaust tailpipes, design "Sports Trim"
Suspension: AC Schnitzer Racing suspension, height adjustable incl. lowering AC Schnitzer aluminium strut brace for front axle, design "Racing"
Wheels:
- AC Schnitzer lightweight forged wheel Type V
- FA: 9,0J x 20" offset 22 with tyres 235/30 ZR 20
- RA: 10,0J x 20" offset 13 with tyres 295/25 ZR 20
Bodywork:
- AC Schnitzer special painting orange - white
- AC Schnitzer front skirt
- AC Schnitzer air outlets for engine bonnet, chromed
- AC Schnitzer fenders incl. air outlets, front
- AC Schnitzer fenders rear
- AC Schnitzer side skirts incl. air intakes for rear brake, set
- AC Schnitzer wing, 3-pieces
- AC Schnitzer carbon rear roof wing
- AC Schnitzer rear skirt incl. wheel house ventilation
- AC Schnitzer carbon rear diffuser
Interior trim:
- AC Schnitzer Racing seats
- AC Schnitzer carbon interior orange incl. door handles
- AC Schnitzer carbon cover for centre console
- AC Schnitzer aluminium pedal set
- AC Schnitzer aluminium foot rest
- AC Schnitzer aluminium handbrake handle
- AC Schnitzer floor mats, velours
Fiat has expanded its Grande Punto UK line-up with the addition of the 1.4 T-Jet Sporting version. Equipped with Fiat Group’s new turbocharged 1.4-liter petrol unit that delivers 120Hp and a maximum torque of 152 lb ft, the Grande Punto Sporting manages to sprint from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 8.9 seconds while it achieves a top speed of 121mph (195km/h). According to Fiat, the Sporting 1.4 T-Jet features an avg. consumption of 42.8mpg (UK) on the combined cycle, while the engine emits 155g/km CO2. We’ve driven the specific version of the Grande Punto and despite its gorgeous looks and promising 1.4 T-Jet engine though, unfortunately it doesn’t live up to expectations in terms of driving dynamics - if you’re looking for an economic mini GTi, then you’re definitely better off with the Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S. -Continued after the jump
