Tuesday, August 16, 2011

AC Schnitzer X-Road Review

Tradition demands it - all (2) years at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, and the many innovations of the AC Schnitzer special accessory range is a very special car provided. And 2003 is no exception: The Concept Car, the AC Schnitzer V8 TOPSTER.
The basis is the BMW Z4 3.0i, but where "no one is left to chance." The most striking feature is the optical member closed, now 13 cm wider, in orange / cream.

Life-giving organ which was developed in record time as a one-off special in close collaboration with the BMW Team Schnitzer Freilassing works, has been updated to version 4941 cc eight-cylinder performance, four-valve engine in the BMW M5. Together with our technology partner, the engineers have equipped the V8 intake and exhaust camshaft TOPSTER special. Cylinder heads are also put to work, the characteristics of a high compression 11.5: 1 and the ECU reprogrammed. To improve the exhaust gas eco-friendly special steel high performance exhaust system was developed twin exhaust chrome finishes race in combination with left and right.


AC Schnitzer X-Road

Compared with the M5, the plant had to put back into the engine compartment of the base vehicle and the Z4 all optimized oil circuit, so it was necessary to change the oil pan and oil pump. Finally, the airflow has been improved. Through inlet pipes and 2 new air filter box, complete the intake duct can be optimized. These changes have resulted in the figures and the following results:

Power: 331 kW / 450 hp

Torque: 520 Nm

0 to 100 kmh 4.5 seconds

Maximum speed: 305 kmh

These figures are only the result of a new engine, but also the perfect combination of high performance and optimum power transfer. To meet the engine, transmission and rear axle has been changed. Rear axle, where the ratio is 3.62: 1, a differential lock variable 0-100%, depending on the load TOPSTER V8. In addition, the AC "Short Shift" Schnitzer is installed.


AC Schnitzer X-Road

Perfect delay is provided by the kit AC Schnitzer high performance braking. Use the larger brake discs Ø 365 x 32 mm front and 328 x Ø 20 mm rear brake calipers with the special (two-piston front and single piston floating caliper back). Even after several "hard braking", the system achieves deceleration values ​​of 1 g or more.

Motor Sport, the right environment is often the decisive victory or the podium, our engineers and product development, placed particular importance is the optimum suspension settings. In TOPSTER V8 driving dynamics are decisively improved the development of a special 9-position adjustable racing suspension AC Schnitzer. 35 mm is the lowest in relation to his distant relative - the standard Z4 - springs and shock absorbers have been changed significantly toward sportiness. In addition, wheel bearings and control arms front and rear have been replaced.


AC Schnitzer X-Road

To counter lateral roll, AC Schnitzer developed anti-roll kits on the front and rear axles. Another highlight is the strut brace aluminum suspension that prevents optimal torque in the car in front.

AC Schnitzer V8 TOPSTER keep in contact with the asphalt with a new racing rims Type IV. Sporty and stylish 5-spoke wheels are particularly fine filigree. Rays ranging from individual star-shaped pentagonal wheel in addition to bed very shiny half TOPSTER avant-garde dress. But the combination of wheels and tires is not only an aesthetic highlight. Structure size 9.0J x 20 "ET 18 with tires 255/30 R 20 (front) and 11.0J x 20" tires offset 0 305/25 R 20 (rear), can TOPSTER corner, otherwise reserved for full-speed Touring Car.

The wheels of this size should fit somewhere. Only one of the reasons why the car was, above all, be adapted to the standards much higher and wider dimensions of 13 cm.At first glance, the hood of the redesigned AC Schnitzer V8 TOPSTER bulb with its power and exhaust vents must important, suggests that it is already sitting under a very powerful engine that needs a maximum speed of cooling air, especially at full load.


AC Schnitzer X-Road

Also a new development is the front skirt gives a TOPSTER even lower and much better downforce on the front axle at high speeds. Its large air inlet with integrated grille ensures additional cooling for the engine and front brakes, and gives an unequivocal expression TOPSTER face. Last but not least, the xenon headlights integrated into front apron so that even at night, the driver excellent visibility.

To account for the rupture of the V8 engine, the new walls contain large air intakes, along with three chrome ribs integrated turn signals, reminiscent of the deflectors on the AC Schnitzer ACS4.But not only in the front of the vehicle must have a V8 Topstar exchange enough air to reach their full potential. This also applies, of course, in the rear.


AC Schnitzer X-Road

Therefore, the skirt striking house air ducts for the rear brakes. The side skirts that give an elongated look Topstar also the transition to the sides and back monstrous. The rear skirt accommodates not only of a wing on the ground, but all the dual exhaust system in stainless steel.


AC Schnitzer X-Road

The specially developed roof, with its support function, strengthens the body of the TOPSTER V8. With TOP, TOPSTER develops a new line of flat side of the body - like a coupe. The wing rear roof spoiler with integrated two-part boot mounted left and right, the support of the entire body improves.

In the development of the special commission of accessories for BMW Z4, even the initial studies of TOPSTER considered. Similarities in the aerodynamic packages available for the BMW Z4 and V8 TOPSTER is deliberate and technically sensible.

The interior of the AC Schnitzer V8 TOPSTER is a combination of changes in the AC Schnitzer range for many BMW models and special one-off products. These include the racing bucket seats in leather. Airbag sports steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and handbrake cover are also available in Alcantara with orange stitching. Velour floor mats also with orange applications and round inside leather Logo TOPSTER.A carbon fiber interior and chrome cover for the standard arc and aluminum accessories - including all pedals, footrest, gear knob and handbrake handle - however, the components are added to the standard AC Schnitzer for the Z4.


AC Schnitzer X-Road

AC Schnitzer V8 TOPSTER was developed as a technology showcase. The equipment level and form shown here, this concept would have cost approximately € 185,000.00. Mass production is not foreseen.

Technical Data - AC Schnitzer V8 Topstar

Body: Base for the BMW Z4

Engine: BMW V8 power with S62

Upgrade AC Schnitzer performance

Engine type: four-valve V8

Capacity: 4941 cc

Bore: 94.0 mm

Stroke: 89.0 mm

Compression: 11.5: 1

Nominal power: 331 kW / 450 hp at 6600 rpm

Max. Torque: 520 Nm at 4100 rpm

Transmission: six-speed transmission, the AC Schnitzer Short Shift

AC Schnitzer rear axle 3.62: 1 with

variable differential lock from 0 to 100%

0 to 100 km / h: 4.5 s

AC Schnitzer X-Road