BMW M3 GTR

BMW’s M3 GTR is finally coming to a European race circuit! It makes its European debut at the Nürburgring on the 3rd of October, with a second outing planned on the 17th of October.
The car is enetered into the final 2 rounds of the German VLN Endurance Championship by the works favoured Schnitzer team and will be driven by current WTCC drivers Andy Priaulx (17th Oct.), Augusto Farfus (3rd Oct.), Dirk Müller (17th Oct.) and Jörg Müller (3rd Oct.).The two events are seen as important development excercises for the M3 GTR as BMW try and improve their car for the coming 2010 season. Results in America have proven to be good but the GTR is yet to be a consistant class winner and the races at the world’s toughest race track are hoped to bring an extra competive edge.

AC Schnitzer ASC3.

BMW tuners AC Schnitzer {link} offer a complete tuning package for drivers of the current BMW 3 series. The ASC3 range covers everything from performance upgrades to styling and wheels.

The ACS3 exterior styling range includes front and rear spoilers (roof mounted for the 3 series Touring and boot mounted for the saloon), side skirts and mirrors. Designed to fit to BMWs with or without the M Technic pack the ACS3 styling is classic AC Schnitzer; purposeful, exceptionally well made yet slightly understated and fully in keeping with the original design of the 3 series.

Power upgrades range from 177PS to 360PS and cover diesel and petrol engines, the M3 receives its own stand alone tuning package. To complement the various engine tuning options available Schnitzer also offer an uprated limited slip differential as well as a performance exhaust system too.

With a selection of wheel designs and sizes available the BMW 3 series driver is almost spoilt for choice. The new range topping 9 & 10x20" wheels are certainly most impressive but the 17" wheels may be a more sensible choice in these harsh economic times. The option of 8 pot front brake calipers seems like a worthwhile investment for the most powerful ASC3s.

Helping keep the wheels in contact with the road at all times are a selection of suspension kits. Depending on use and budget AC Schnitzer can supply springs, springs and dampers, coilover suspension or a full race suspension kit. In addition there are also uprated anti roll bars as well as front and rear strut braces on offer.

Schnitzer have also improved the interior styling of the current BMW 3 series including having the option of a gear knob with digital display (showing what gear is selected). Other items include carbon dash and door inserts, aluminium pedals and velour mats as well as a 3 spoke sports steering wheel in a choice of two finishes.

AC Schnitzer's ACS3 tuning kits cover every aspect of the current 3 series BMW and allow a driver greater performance, exclusivity and extra style all at reasonable cost.

AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport Touring

German BMW tuning specialist AC Schnitzer are held in high regard worldwide for their impressive ability to improve and uprate standard BMWs. Their latest 5 series creation, the ACS5 is a perfect example of their craft; offering those who demand more from their standard M5 Estate exactly that: a lot more!
The impressive BMW V10 engine in the ACS5 is tuned and tweaked to produce and exemplary 552PS instead of the standard 507PS. The increase in power is found by fitting an improved exhaust system (including new manifolds) as well as some clever alterations to the engine mapping ~ which also includes removal of the top speed limiter too. Top speed is approximately 198mph which is quick for a sports car, stunning for a practical Estate car!
As a tyre company once mentioned, power is nothing without control and the ACS5 benefits from testing at the local racetrack, not just any racetrack though! Schnitzer undertake all their suspension testing at the Nürburgring.
AC Schnitzer have improved and upgraded the ACS5 to cope with not only the extra power but extra speed too. Forged 20 inch wheels cover 8 pot front callipers that give truly remarkable braking capabilities. The suspension benefits from new springs and an aluminium strut brace, keep all things handling firm and business like.
An appealing and subtle styling package compliments the extra power supplied by the monstrous V10, small carbon lower front spoilers help guide extra air into the intercoolers and radiator. The rear diffuser helps keep airflow smooth from the rear of the car, as does an unobtrusive roof spoiler lip.