Year: 2011

Renowned German tuning firm AC Schnitzer are bringing their version of the ultimate BMW 1 Series M Coupé to the Frankfurt Motor Show. They’ve called it the ACS1 Sport Coupé. Here’s a few pics that might make you think twice.

On the plus side they have upped power from 340hp to 400hp (250kW to 300kW). Brakes and suspension have been uprated, too, so you can be sure you’ll have the ability to better control that horsepower.

On the downside; well, just look at it. We reckon they’ve taken a great looking car from BMW and turned into a real shambles.

Just look at the interior. It’s horrible! What were they thinking with that iDrive controller cover. To us, it looks cheap and nasty.

What do you think? Have we got it wrong; is this ACS1 jobbie a fine example of performance and cosmetic perfection, or is it just butt ugly?

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

BMW Australia has announced it will introduce TwinPower Turbo technology to its entire Z4 range, with the rollout due in November. Out go the old normally aspirated inline six cylinder engines from the 150kW sDrive23i and 190kW sDrive30i. In comes the new world order of 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo power in the form of a 135kW sDrive 20i and a 180kW sDrive28i.

These changes have been made in the chase for cleaner and greener engines. Fuel consumption figures for the two entry models have fallen to 6.7l/100km, a reduction of 1.7l/100km against the old six cylinder units. This means the sDrive20i and sDrive28i will be exempt from the luxury car tax. And that means they will be cheaper to buy. Compared to the replaced models pricing has dropped $9300. Quite a tidy saving really.

While it is a shame to lose BMW’s classic inline six from the Z4, performance won’t be greatly affected. Indeed, the sDrive28i can reach 100km/h in 5.7 seconds (0.1 second faster than the sDrive30i).

The existing six cylinder 225kW sDrive35i and 250kW sDrive35is will remain, albeit with reduced pricing. Gotta be happy with that.

More from BMW Australia after the break.