2011 AC Schnitzer BMW 550i ACS5 Saloon Concept

(from AC Schnitzer Press Release)  Superb, powerful and individual: the AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S Saloon reveals new and unusual aspects of driving pleasure

With the new BMW 5-series saloon and the new BMW 5-series Touring, in 2011 two new 5-series models have been awarded the prestigious iF Award for outstanding product design. Equally prizeworthy is the AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S Saloon based on the BMW 5-series saloon, which celebrates its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show from 3rd to 13th March.

With this concept vehicle, the Aachen-based tuning specialist AC Schnitzer is demonstrating new and unusual aspects of driving pleasure. With a performance upgrade from 407 to 540 HP, the AC Schnitzer engineers are pushing the boundaries of the possible - for greater dynamics and efficiency. The driving performance is at thoroughbred sportscar level: the sprint from 0 - 100 kph takes just 4.5 seconds, and the top speed is around 320 kph. A glance under the bonnet with the AC Schnitzer engine and engine bay styling shows just who is responsible for the revolutionary refinement. The AC Schnitzer limited slip differential with up to 75% effect ensures that the tremendous power reaches the point where it is needed.The AC Schnitzer twin sports rear silencer with chromed "Sports Trim“ tail pipe trims left and right combines exciting appearance and sound.

What does the sophisticated driver expect from perfect brakes? Perfect braking of course! With the AC Schnitzer high performance brake system with 8-piston fixed calipers left and right, and an 8-piece kit of brake pads and caliper holders for the front axle, all expectations of optimum deceleration and maximum stability are amply fulfilled. And the driving dynamics leave nothing to be desired. The AC Schnitzer racing suspension guides the saloon perfectly through the corners.

The AC Schnitzer tuning specialists will be focussing on the reactions to the new aerodynamic components for the body of the 5-series saloon. As well as the familiar AC Schnitzer front spoiler and chromed front grille, a new carbon front spoiler centre part gives the ACS5 Sport S Saloon an even more striking aspect. The carbon air ducts for the brakes left and right ensure adequate ventilation for the high performance brake system, and the new AC Schnitzer carbon side skirts clearly enhance the side view of the concept vehicle. The engine bay is ventilated by the bonnet vents from the current AC Schnitzer range. Together with further accessories already available, such as the AC Schnitzer rear roof spoiler, the rear spoiler and the rear skirt extension, new elements such as the AC Schnitzer sports wings left and right with Chromline Set and the carbon rear diffusor contribute to the great appearance. The AC Schnitzer loading sill protection film and the BiColor film trim harmoniously complete the sporting elegance of the body conversion. Possible and probable reactions to such a well-equipped vehicle are envious glances, which the proud driver seated behind the AC Schnitzer sports airbag steering wheel with painted spokes can enjoy in the new AC Schnitzer sports mirror.

The AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S saloon appears at the Geneva Motor Show with full leather trim in BiColor, painted interior trim strips and racing bucket seats with AC Schnitzer logo, which form part of the overall concept for the interior. The AC Schnitzer range already contains the AC Schnitzer "Black Line“ aluminium cover for the i-Drive system controller, the aluminium foot rests and pedal set, velours boot mat and foot mats.

For the BMW 5-series saloon, AC Schnitzer also provides an unusual range of custom wheel/tyre combinations in both 20 and 21 inch diameter. The largest variants are the racing forged rim in BiColor and the new forged alloy wheel in BiColor in sizes 9Jx21“ front and 10Jx21“. Alternatives are the AC Schnitzer Type IV BiColor wheel and Type V BiColor forged alloy rim.

The AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S Saloon - an extraordinary concept vehicle which embodies the state of the art of technical achievement in more than just power. The AC Schnitzer definition of "Performance" will certainly inspire BMW tuning fans throughout the world.