2011 AC Schnitzer BMW Z4 99D Coupe Concept

(from AC Schnitzer Press Release)  Endless driving pleasure with only 99 g CO2 emissions

The AC Schnitzer 99d is our definition of Efficient Performance

The AC Schnitzer 99d generates only 99g/km CO2 – that's less than any standard BMW vehicle available at present.

And despite this, driving pleasure is guaranteed thanks to 190 HP / 140 kW. The 99d accelerates from 0 - 100 in an electrifying 6.9 s and has a top speed of 235 km/h – a vehicle with all the sporting genes, in fact a true AC Schnitzer. And with a fuel consumption of just 3.8 litres diesel per 100 km.

So how does this Concept Car by AC Schnitzer manage to achieve such low figures?  AC Schnitzer calls the combination of features Efficient Performance.   "Pleasure is the driving force!“ That applies not only to the BMW engineers but also - and in particular - to the tuning specialists at AC Schnitzer.

Secret 1: Diesel engine and matching drive train
A diesel engine in a BMW Z4, and the most efficient currently available from BMW. It comes from the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition. And of course now the power has been optimised by the Aachen specialists to 190 HP and 420 Nm torque (standard 320d EfficientDynamics Edition: 163 HP).

Secret 2: 230 kg weight saving
The elegant lightweight coupé demonstrates what is technically possible today. The energy source for example is a lightweight lithium ion battery instead of the usual lead accumulator. The use of further lightweight materials such as carbon, magnesium and titanium has achieved further substantial savings in the interior equipment. So it's lighter than any current standard BMW.

Secret 3: Weight reduction in unsprung mass
35 kg less weight in the parts directly connected to the wheels, such as wheels, tyres and brakes, leads to a perceptible gain in agility and driving pleasure. The latest forging techniques using materials from the aerospace industry guarantee strength and an unbeatable weight saving. For example, the AC Schnitzer lightweight 4-pot high performance brake system with retraction system for the front axle, and the lightweight brake discs on the front and rear axles, ensure the shortest braking distances.

Or the Type VIII one-piece high-strength forged rims used on the AC Schnitzer 99d. These weigh in at just 7.9 kg per wheel and are connected to the vehicle with titanium wheel bolts. Experts say that measures to reduce the unsprung mass have a benefit of up to four times the weight saving. This means that in terms of agility, the AC Schnitzer 99d feels like a vehicle which overall weighs 335 kg less.

Secret 4: Special Eco-tyres from Continental
The Continental BLUECO tyres size 225/35*19 were a special concept development in conjunction with AC Schnitzer. These tyres help optimise the rolling resistance. The design is a refinement of the Conti Sport Contact 5P, and allows sporting driving thanks to its high cornering stability and ZR speed rating of over 240 km/h.

Secret 5: Adaptation of EfficientDynamics
Behind the BMW EfficientDynamics concept lies a technology package of intelligent measures which significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions. These technologies from the BMW 320d were integrated into the AC Schnitzer 99d: Automatic start-stop, brake energy recuperation, gear shift display, low-friction lubricants and active aerodynamics.

Secret 6: Improved aerodynamics
The bodywork lowered by 30 mm, in conjunction with several AC Schnitzer carbon aerodynamic components, reduces drag. The AC Schnitzer racing suspension with adjustable dampers reduces the residual spring travel to a sporting but still comfortable level, especially when driving at low speeds.

Secret 7: Reduced friction
Special ceramic wheel bearings achieve a decisive reduction in friction resistance. In addition, optimised low-friction lubricants minimise friction. The high performance brake system is fitted with a special PFC Retraction System which, after each brake process, retracts the brake pads by 0.1 mm from the brake discs. The wheels of the AC Schnitzer 99d then turn much more easily.

Secret 8: Driving pleasure
Individuality, exclusivity, ultramodern lightweight construction and over 20 years of experience in refinement have led in the AC Schnitzer 99d to a vehicle which perfectly combines efficient fuel consumption and driving pleasure: Efficient Performance by AC Schnitzer.
Naturally all safety elements are retained such as ABS, airbags and ESP. The multimedia world too is not lacking thanks to the Apple iPhone4 integrated into the vehicle. This gives access to all data from the on-board computer. So the actual fuel consumption, or for example the function of the particle filter can be checked. Music, telephone, navigation, handsfree or internet complete the overall experience in the AC Schnitzer 99d.

The AC Schnitzer 99d is a concept car not for sale, which was developed as a technology platform. In the form shown here, the vehicle would cost € 149,000.00.

The conversions in the fields of brakes, suspension, bodywork, interior and wheels are part of the accessory range for the BMW Z4 model range. All are TüV-tested and available from BMW dealers.