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Sure, the BMW i8 may have a highly advanced and unconventional powertrain, but this is a pure supercar through and through. In the flesh, the i8 is almost unbelievably unique and special. Its low roof and CFRP bodywork offer bodywork swirls and layers unlike any other supercar — at any price.
But the i8 is crying out for an M-style makeover. For corporate political reasons, a proper M8 from BMW is not likely any time soon.
Similarly, the i8 has been deeply underserved by the aftermarket community so far, but thanks to AC Schnitzer, this dream M8 can now be your reality.
Hardcore wheels, a suspension drop and custom-developed aero solutions as wild as the factory machine should do the trick. In theory.
In practice, the AC Schnitzer i8 packs a huge wallop of impact. It will draw stares like no 2015 Ferrari or Lambo.
How is the AC Schnitzer i8 this cool with just a 25-MM suspension drop, unique wheels and color-coded bodywork and bumpers!!
The inherent beauty and shocking style of the i8 is now cranked up to 11. Our favorite details are the painted bumpers, the chin spoiler in carbon-fiber, plus the racing tail wing mounted from the center of the trunklid.
Power output is left alone so far, but this AC Schnitzer i8 shows the massive potential of the i8 as not just a Tesla-fighter, but a Porsche-killer.
AC Schnitzer BMW i8
Aachen, May 2015
Revolutionary Sporting Performance and Innovative Design
The i8 by AC Schnitzer emphasises the strengths of the plug-in hybrid from Munich
The BMW i8 is revolutionizing its vehicle class as the first sports car to have the fuel consumption and emission values of a small car. Now thanks to AC Schnitzer, this revolution is being followed by another: the AC Schnitzer special equipment for the BMW i8 emphasizes even more clearly the sporting performance and innovative design of the powerful, environmentally-friendly coupé.
Lowered by 25 mm at the front and 20 mm at the rear, the i8 by AC Schnitzer hugs the tarmac more closely than the standard vehicle and can therefore develop maximum efficiency and dynamics on the road.
AC Schnitzer carbon front spoiler elements, carbon side skirts (left and right) and a carbon rear wing also ensure that the driving pleasure can be fully enjoyed on acceleration from both the powerful petrol engine and from the electric motor. The AC Schnitzer logos on the vehicle sides show that the Aachen-based BMW tuning professionals have been at work here.
The tuning specialists also have something up their sleeve for the wheelset of the BMW i8: the new AC1 forged alloys from AC Schnitzer are perfectly designed for the sports car, combining the hybrid look with a sporting design. With corresponding tyres and in BiColor, the new generation of wheels from Aachen perfectly suits the innovative plug-in hybrid from Munich – especially as it is available in any color you want.
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.
 
The AC1 forged alloy rim saves around 30% weight compared with a conventional cast wheel, leading to a perceptible reduction in unsprung mass and centrifugal forces on the car, and significantly improving driving dynamics.
On the i8, the new AC1 wheels are fitted 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.
In comparison with the BMW i8 “Turbine 625”, the AC Schnitzer AC1 wheelset is 4.4 kg lighter. If we compare the weights of the complete wheelset, these are identical, although the tyres on the AC1 wheelset are 1 inch higher and significantly wider. Thus means improved transverse dynamics without a weight compromise.
The theme of the suspension, wheelset and aerodynamic components continues into the interior: aluminium pedal set, aluminium root rest and velours floor mats all stress the lightweight nature of the interior design while retaining the car’s sporty and sophisticated looks.
Emphasize strengths and refine innovations: the tuning package for the BMW i8 once again proves that the AC Schnitzer special accessories for BMW bring true refinement when it comes to transferring automotive revolutions to the road.
AC Schnitzer
Neuenhofstrasse 160
52078 Aachen
Telefon direkt: ++49/(0)/241/56 88 301
Telefon:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ++49/(0)/241/56 88 130
Internet:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â www.ac-schnitzer.de
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.