Wednesday 23rd September 2009

AC Schnitzer Reveals 178mph BMW Z4

Top-end Z4 sDrive35i gets the Schnitzer treatment

Erstwhile BMW tweaker AC Schnitzer has breathed on the latest BMW Z4 to create this, the BMW Z4 ACS4.

It uses the range-topping sDrive35i as a base, but ECU tweaks and a pair of stainless steel exhausts push power for the twin-turbo six up to 355bhp from the standard car's 302bhp. Schnitzer also frees the Z4 from the shackles of its electronic speed limiter.

As a result the ACS4 tops out at 178mph and passes the 62mph mark in 4.8secs (0.4secs quicker than the standard Z4).

Visual changes are relatively subtle, with a chrome front grille, a chunky front spoiler and an unusual 'twin' rear spoiler. Even the 18-inch five-spoke wheels are restrained, although 19-inch and 20-inch alloys are available.

Schnitzer has also massaged the handling with a stiffer set of springs. According to the folks at Schnitzer, the grip of their new ACS4 defies physics. "Thanks to a new spring kit" they say, "the transverse acceleration appears to bypass the conventional laws of nature". Blimey...