Six Appeal: AC Schnitzer's new 6-series mods includes diesel tuning

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 BMW 6-Series by AC Schnitzer

AC Schnitzer revamped its offerings for the 2008 BMW 6-series and is including tweaks for the 635d model. The changes boost power from the stock oilburner's 286 hp and 428 lb.-ft. to 310 hp and 501 lb.-ft. of torque. Along with the engine mods, the AC crew has redesigned its 6-series body kit to include a new lower intake, side skirts, rear lip and rear spoiler with an integrated brake light, along with fitting Type VI 20x9-inch wheels in the front and 20x10s out back. The 650i model also gets some love under the hood with an increase in power from 367 hp to 411 hp, which helps the new Schnitzer 6 get a 22 mph boost in its top speed to 178 mph. All the details are in AC's press release, posted after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE

Crisper Proportions for Even More 6 Appeal

Michele Viandante restyles the ACS6 - now also a powerful diesel

More aggressive, more attractive: With its latest facelift, BMW has made its successful 6-series coupé a little more dynamic. Everyone who thinks this measure does not go far enough will welcome the newly restyled aerodynamic components from AC Schnitzer. Like its predecessor, the new front skirt of the ACS6 mirrors the famous kidney design of the grille, but its proportions have been clearly sharpened by Head Designer Michele Viandante. In conjunction with the new-style triangular fog lights from BMW, the car looks considerably more powerful. This impression is reinforced at the restyled rear, where an AC Schnitzer rear spoiler enhances the new design of the tailgate with its dynamic "sharp creases" and the integral brake light. The Aachen-based vehicle tuner has made the rear skirt slightly smoother than before, which in conjunction with the facelift rear lights make the vehicle appear not only more elegant but also more dynamic - an effect only enhanced by the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer with chromed tailpipe. Made totally from stainless steel, this is not only an eyecatcher but also optimises engine response.

A touch of sophistication is given by the AC Schnitzer new side skirts which now also look flatter than before. In contrast, the power and torque curves of the uprated engines are anything but flat! This is especially true of the new diesel, which is available in the 6-series for the first time in the facelift model. AC Schnitzer has really turned up the power screw in the 635d in particular: instead of 210 kW/286 HP and 580 Nm, the ACS6 3.5d develops 228 kW/310 HP and 680 Nm.

For genuine petrol-heads, AC Schnitzer offers the 650i with the 5.1 l engine, which in technical terms is almost a completely new engine. Its power rises from 270 kW (367 HP) to a superb 302 kW (411 HP). At the same time, driving performance improves: the top speed increases by 35 km/h. Trimmed with alloy wheels from the AC Schnitzer collection, the new 6-series coupé cuts a fine figure even when stationary, especially with the breathtaking racing rims Type VI in 9.0J x 20" at the front and 10J x 20" at the rear.