AC Schnitzer takes the BMW i8 to a whole new level

BMW’s tree-hugging sportscar emits a meagre 49g/km CO2 and consumes only 2.1litres/100km on the combined cycle – and these credentials ride alongside a whopping 362bhp combined system output at 5800rpm and 570Nm of torque anywhere between 1200rpm and 5700rpm.

BMW’s superstar of combusted and electrified fury became available in Malaysia after its debut at BMW World early in 2015 for RM1,188,000 (OTR sans Insurance).

And if you should find the blend of wind-tunnel tested beauty and sensual curves too bland for your liking, fret not; AC Schnitzer’s (ACS) tuning program for the BMW i8 takes it from brutal to simply ballsitic levels of pomp and performance efficiency.

ACS first drops the low-slung silhoutte of the i8 by some 25 mm at the front and 20 mm at the rear through the fitment of a spring kit. The lowered ride height is said to hug the road more for better aero-efficiency and driving dynamics.

AC Schnitzer then peppers the bodywork with carbon front spoiler elements; carbon side skirts (left and right) and a functional carbon rear wing.

The pièce de résistance of the ACS8, is the AC1 forged alloys. With the AC1 wheel, AC Schnitzer has reinterpreted the classic double-spoke design. With sophisticated style, the spokes form triangle tips towards the rim which widen into the wheel centre forming five trapezoids. These guide the eye straight to the single classic element of the AC1 rim: the 5-cornered hub cap with the AC Schnitzer logo.

There are three different wheel designs available of the catalogue by BMW for the i8. But for instance when compared to the ‘Turbine 625’ design – the AC1 wheel set is 4.4 kg lighter. The overall weight of the complete wheel set is identical; however, the tyres on the AC1 wheels are 1 inch larger and significantly wider resulting in improved transverse dynamics without the weight compromise.

The ACS BMW i8 comes shod in 8.5J x 21" with 245/35 R 21 tyres on the front, and in 9.5J x 21" with 285/30 R 21 tyres on the rear. Original tyre sizes are 215mm and 245mm wide front and rear respectively wrapping 20-inch wheels.

On the inside, ACS keeps the overall theme of light-weight performance with the addition of an aluminium pedal set, aluminium root rest and velour floor mats with the legendary Aachen-based tuner’s logo.