Z4-based AC Schnitzer PROFILE concept should keep a lower one


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When we first saw the AC Schnitzer PROFILE, we thought, "Man, that's a slick-looking ambulance." Then we looked more closely and realized it was a BMW Z4. The PROFILE is AC Schnitzer's latest concept creation, based on the current M Coupe, and while it has the guts of a performer, it looks pretty weird.

By the numbers, all's well. 350 horses are paddocked in the engine compartment thanks to a new airbox and remapped ECU. AC Schnitzer also fitted its Short Shift kit and changed the rear axle ratio to 3.91:1. Great.

Not-so-great is the orange-and-white two-tone paint job, which is distracting and pulls attention away from the body kit that is mostly good, actually. However, Schnitzer points to those fender ports and says, "BMW 507!" We see them and think, "Buick!" They call the diminutive roof wing "fascinatingly styled." We think "very ugly" is more apt. The wheels are cool, though. As are the hood vents and exhaust. Nix the portholes, throw the dopey roof wing in the dumpster, paint it one color, and we're in. As currently presented, however, we'll pass, thanks.

[Source: AC Schnitzer]


PRESS RELEASE:
Limits Redefined
The concept PROFILE by AC Schnitzer based on the Z4 M Coupé

Take the first ascent of the 8,848 metre high Mount Everest, the expeditions to the poles or the
dive into the 11 km deep canyon of the Mariana Trench. There have always been individuals and
extreme characters who have pushed our boundaries and discovered new terrain. An extreme
region for automotive tuners, where only a few venture, has always been the BMW M-series
cars, in particular the uncompromising Z4 M-Coupé, a thoroughbred driving machine.

But the fact that the limits of this extraordinary car are far from reached is evident from the new
concept vehicle by AC Schnitzer - the PROFILE - even at first glance. Classic engine tuning hauls
the power of the high-revving six-cylinder in-line plant to a robust 350 HP. Not only is a special
"active breathing" airbox used, but the engine control unit has been remapped. But power alone
isn't enough to get the maximum from an athletic heart. So the modified rear axle ratio of 3.91:1
provides better sprint capacity, while the perfectly smooth transmission with the AC Schnitzer
Short Shift ensures crisp changes by the driver.

And as you listen to the sonorous baritone note of the left/right sports exhaust system with the
trapezoid tailpipes, you could be deceived into thinking that the driver is not changing gears, but
playing some kind of a musical instrument. A feast for all the senses: Visually the stunning colour
combination of white-orange casts its spell and perfectly enhances the exquisite contours of the
AC Schnitzer bodykit. From the front skirt with its suggestive cup-wings via the widened
wheelarches and flanks with the gill-like vents - as already used on the legendary BMW 507- the
dynamic line is drawn over the bulging side skirts to the rear skirt with carbon diffuser.
The whole is crowned by a rear spoiler and a fascinatingly styled roof wing. The forged alloy
Type V wheels from the standard AC Schnitzer collection are a work of art in themselves. Filigree
design yet with an air of solidity, in size 9.0J x 20" at the front and 10.0J x 20" at the rear, these
wheels are the perfect adornment combined with tyres size 235/30 ZR 20 front and 295/25 ZR 20
rear.

But traction alone isn't everything, and the dynamics are supported by the AC Schnitzer
suspension with its racing heritage, set up in the Green Hell of the Nürburgring. An aluminium
strut brace in "Racing" style not only catches the eye but limits the torsion of the front body.
Thanks to the AC Schnitzer racing seats, the driver always holds position. And the carbon interior
trim and pedal set, with decor elements of aluminium, radiate pure racing flair. Could there be a
better place to experience the limits of potential?

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