Autoblog

Click above for high-res gallery of the AC Schnitzer BMW X6

In case the BMW X6 just doesn't look "the business" enough for your liking, AC Schnitzer has revealed a new aero package for BMW's controversial segment-buster. Hot on the heels of the X6 5.0iS spy shots we brought you today, Schnitzer's package is mostly cosmetic. It consists of a new front bumper with integrated diagonal vents and fog lights, a new rear bumper with diffuser and integrated tailpipe enclosure, and a set of 22" Type VII modular rims. The tuning house is also offering a set of new springs developed on the 'Ring, and a three-spoke steering wheel. The end result, of course, is a matter of taste, but with nothing more than a new engine control unit offered for the diesel models, we wish we had some engine mods to report on. Check out the show in the gallery below.

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

AC Cars, creators of the original Cobra on which Carroll Shelby built his legendary roadster, is planning two important moves. The sportscar-maker, owned by Acedes Holdings LLC, is currently based in Malta. However, legal troubles in the country have prompted the company to return to its original headquarters at the famous Brooklands facility in England. A second factory in Michigan where AC will build its classic sportscars for U.S. consumption is also in the works.

AC continues to manufacture the original Ace, Mk11, Mk11 FIA and Mk111, and is anticipated to build just ten units per year at an average price of £150,000 a pop. No word, however, on the new roadster, the rights to which Project Kimber acquired to resurrect AC after Smart cancelled the vehicle.

[Source: 4car]

Following the Smart Roadster's dismal sales failure, the rights and equipment to build it were sold to a British engineering firm called Project Kimber, which, as we reported earlier, will use the diminutive barchetta to resurrect the old AC brand. Although the first sketches didn't show much change from the Smart's design, Project Kimber has now released a new rendering of the revised car, featuring some differentiating design elements. Most obvious are the new front end and the Lamborghini-style scissor doors, which may or may not make it to production.

The AC will be built in both coupe and roadster body-styles at a site in the UK. Project Kimber is amassing a $65 million investment and has ironed out a deal with DCX for the Smart Roadster's original manufacturing equipment.

The rendering isn't much to go on, but considering some of the names involved – like Gordon Murray (of McLaren design fame) and John Piper (from the JCB Dieselmax land speed record project) – this should be interesting.

[Source: Motor Authority]

As more information about the resurgence of AC comes to light, our excitement grows two-fold. This update, however, left us a little cold, as we expected a slightly more radical styling departure from the old SMART Roadster.

Nonetheless, Project Kimber will be producing some variant of the above two-seater, available in both hardtop and convertible form. Overall, the design is a dead ringer for the model forming its basis, but a few small tweaks in the headlights, grill and rear haunches make it distinct. With Gordon Murray and the rest of the team plotting and planning, we're going to keep on praying at the altar of the Gearhead God that somehow this new AC will find its way stateside. Check the 'related links' below for our previous coverage.

[Source: Auto Express]

Related Links:

• AC will live, with SMART underpinnings
• SMART roadster to be built in Wales

Legendary BMW tuning house AC Schnitzer as unveiled a range of upgrades for the 6-Series, together forming the "TENSION Street Version". Following the concept shown last year, the Street Version offers a variety of custom add-ons to the entire range, from the six-cylinder 630i to the V10 M6.

The TENSION Street Version offers upgrades to the rolling stock, suspension, body panels, brakes, exhaust, interior, and (last but not least) the engine. AC Schnitzer's 5.1 L engine offers "a true alternative to the M5 or M6", producing 411 hp and netting an increase to the top speed of 35 km/h. The upgraded powerplant features specially-fabricated engine block, cylinder heads, pistons, conrods, crankshafts, exhaust manifold, catalyst and engine management system... basically an entirely new engine that shares about as much in common with the stock BMW engine as a sheet of paper does to a tree.

As you can see from the photos, Schnitzer has fabricated enough custom body bits to give the car the "show" to accompany all that "go". Two-tone Alpine White & Anthracite Metallic paintjob optional.

(For additional photos and complete press release, follow the jump.)

[Source: AC Schnitzer via Tuning News]

The U.K. sports car group Project Kimber has announced that they'll be bringing back the renowned AC mark, with production expected to begin in 2007. As if that's not exciting enough, they've brought in some of the most celebrated names in vehicle design. Most notably among them is Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1, John Piper who was instrumental in the JCB DieselMax landspeed record-setter and Jaguar F-Type concept designer, Keith Helfet.

The featherweight two-seater is based off the last generation Smart roadster and will come in both coupe and convertible trims. An updated engine and gearbox will be mounted mid-ship, shoveling power to the rear wheels. 8,000 examples are expected to be produced each year, with a starting price rumored to be around £13,000.

Beyond those basics, details are scarce, but knowing what masters are manning the design team, we're confident that AC will be returned to its former glory.