Visitors of the
2018 Essen Motor Show will be able to feast their eyes on AC Schnitzer’s take
of the G15 BMW 8-Series, even if the vehicle is only meant to be a design
study.
AC Schnitzer kicked
things off by working on a suspension spring kit, lowering the 8-Series’ center
of gravity by approximately 20-25 mm at the front and 10-15 mm at the rear. This will result in noticeably optimized driving
dynamics and cornering ability, as well as good driving comfort, thanks to the
high residual spring travel.
As for the
aerodynamic components, they’ve been developed for maximum downforce and
balance, and will be manufactured in super-light carbon in later production. On
the Essen show car, some of the components are made from fiber glass.
Once the project is
finished, customers will be able to spec their 8-Series with carbon front
spoiler elements, a matching front splitter, carbon side wings, and carbon
covers for the vents. At the rear, downforce is provided by the carbon ‘Racing’
wing and the carbon diffuser, while a set of carbon side skirts is also present
to connect the front and rear of the car.
Inside, there will
be some aluminum accessories such as shift paddles, a pedal set with matching
foot rest and the key holder. AC Schnitzer is also prepping engine performance
upgrades for the M850i xDrive and the 840d xDrive. The former will now put out
600 PS instead of the standard 530 PS, together with an extra
100 Nm of torque, for a peak figure of 850 Nm.
Meanwhile, the diesel-powered model will see its output grow from 320 PS and 680 Nm to 380 PS and 780 Nm. Last but
not least, the ‘Carbon Sport’ tailpipes, each with a 105 mm diameter.
