The New AC Schnitzer Tension Concept Car Based on the BMW M6
Engine
Type: V10
Displacement cu in (cc): 305 (4999)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 552(406) / n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 400(540) / 6200
Redline at RPM: n.a.
Psychologically, tension means excited expectation or apprehension of a proposed event which is either particularly desired or feared. Physically, tension describes a force within a resilient body. Mechanical tension is the force per surface unit which acts in an imaginary section plane through a body, a fluid or a gas. Tension is also the most important instrument of playwrights and authors for motivating the viewer and reader to watch and read further.
The application of all these different definitions to a single vehicle, viewed from all aspects, is demonstrated by AC Schnitzer at the IAA 2005 with the Tension Concept car.
Engine Optimization
The basis for the extensive conversion could only be one vehicle: the 507 bhp BMW M6, which underwent a performance upgrade as the first development stage. Optimizing the entire engine management system and fitting a new AC Schnitzer exhaust manifold system with special catalyst, sports rear silencer with chromed tailpipe trims in right/left combination in "Sports Trim Design" help the Tension achieve 552 bhp. The Sports Trim Design will also shortly be included in the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer range exclusively for the new BMW M vehicles.
Even more imposing than the pure engine power is the maximum torque of 400 lb-ft at 6200 rpm, which pushes the driver back in the seat and catapults the Tension explosively to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
The AC Schnitzer Vmax delimiter means that the acceleration thrust continues to 202 mph (325 km/h) before the speed needle can relax - where driving conditions allow.
Brakes and Wheels
Conversely of course tremendous forces are also necessary to bring the Tension back to a standstill. To achieve good deceleration values, development of an AC Schnitzer high performance braking system was essential. On the front axle this takes the uncompromising form of an 8-pot fixed caliper with perforated and vented brake disks in 374 mm diameter and with 36 mm thick brake discs. On the rear axle, a 4-pot fixed caliper is used in conjunction with the standard brake discs.
For both acceleration and deceleration, it is the wheels which are permanently under full load in all maneuvers. To take account firstly of the safety aspect and secondly to fulfill the high technical requirements imposed on the new Concept Car by our engineers, a completely new wheel had to be developed. The result is the AC Schnitzer "Forged Wheel": a lightweight forged wheel with bi-color finish, i.e. it has a part polished, part painted surface. The forged wheel embodies an apparent contradiction: reduction in weight with at the same time the largest possible diameters and widths.
The Tension is fitted with wheels size 10.0J x 20" all round. The offsets of -12 on the front and -2 on the rear allow tires of size 285/30 ZR20 respectively.
The Tension's Suspension
In motorsport the right setup often makes the difference between first and second places, and our engineers put particular importance on optimum chassis set-up. In the AC Schnitzer Tension, driving dynamics are decisively improved by the special development of an adjustable AC Schnitzer racing suspension. As well as lowering by 1.2 inches in relation to its standard brother M6, the spring and damper rates have been clearly modified towards sporting performance.
Aerodynamic Accessories
The Tension body conversion is absolutely breathtaking, and is totally dedicated to optimizing the aerodynamics. A further focal point of the development was the improvement of the air supply and extraction for the power plant and braking system.
The redesigned bonnet of the AC Schnitzer Tension reveals at first sight, through its striking power bulge and large air outlets, that it conceals an extremely powerful engine which requires maximum cold air flow especially at full load.
To provide additional venting for the V10 engine, large air outlet openings have been provided in the new front wings, where the 3 chromed ribs and LED flashers are reminiscent of a shark's mouth.
The driver of the AC Schnitzer Tension has the option of actively changing the vehicle aerodynamics to suit his needs. This is achieved through two interchangeable carbon diffusers which meet the differing needs for downforce on a track or when driving on country roads. The fast action aluminum catches mean that this conversion can be made effortlessly by the driver and the unused diffuser can be carried in a special holder in the boot so conversion can be spontaneous.
The same applies also to the rear wing of the Tension. This too was designed as a mobile option for the track and has its place either in the boot or, using fast action catches, on the specially redesigned boot lid.
The boot lid of the Tension is a real eyecatcher even without the rear wing. In contrast to the standard car, it comes without integral rear spoiler, giving smoother lines to the vehicle rear.
The body concept, which makes the Tension 1 inch wider on each side, is complemented by the AC Schnitzer sports mirrors and the extravagant two-color paint in Magic Orange Metallic with Carbon Grey.
The AC Schnitzer engineers are currently planning to include in the range a "softened" version of the Tension aerodynamic concept for the M6, which is now in development.
The Interior
The interior of the AC Schnitzer Tension is a combination of developments from the AC Schnitzer range which are available for many BMW models, and special one-off products. The latter include amongst others the racing seats in leather with AC Schnitzer logo and the carbon interior trim in Magic Orange. The 3-spoke airbag sports steering wheel in leather is also fitted. The selector gaiter and handbrake handle are finished in Alcantara with black seams. The arm rests in the doors and on the centre console are finished in Magic Orange leather to match the paintwork. Velours foot mats with embroidered Tension logo complete the interior. The aluminum accessories consisting of pedal set, foot rests, handbrake handle and a cover for the controller of the "i-Drive" system are however an established part of the
AC Schnitzer range.
The AC Schnitzer Tension was developed as a technology platform. This Concept Car in the equipment level and form shown here would cost around 260.000 €. There are no plans for series production.
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