Mission accomplished: the Bavarian plug-in hybrid sports car looks meaner now
It's not easy to come up with a tuning package for a car that already looks like a modified one as soon as it leaves the factory gates.
Yes, I'm talking about the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car — just take one look at it and then honestly say whether that car needs a tuning job or not. Well, the folks from AC Schnitzer believe any vehicle can be improved, so to prove this point they developed a tuning package for the BMW i8.
Debuting at the Geneva Motor Show, the ACS8 from AC Schnitzer takes the BMW i8 further down the weight-saving route courtesy of a custom carbon aero kit that also happens to enhance the sports car's looks.
The carbon package includes front spoiler elements, side skirts, Racing rear wing, middle front spoiler, bonnet top including middle strut, and three-piece rear diffuser. The side skirts and the diffuser not only look aggressive but also provide the suction effect in the underfloor region of the i8 for better pressure distribution and increased downforce.
There are smaller elements made from carbon fiber as well: the air outlets that help improve airflow around the wheel arches, the front side winglets, door handle recesses, mirror covers, restyled kidney grille, and AC Schnitzer logos.
Providing the background for all these carbon bits to shine is the unique livery called Inferno Red Chrome. As for the rims, AC Schnitzer has developed a special model for the i8: the 21-inch AC1 Forged Alloy Wheels in BiColor or Anthracite, shod with tires sized 245/35 R 21 at the front and 285/30 R 21 at the rear.
Compared with the stock 20-inch BMW Turbinenstyling 625 wheels, AC1 rims are 4.4 kg (9.7 lb) lighter, helping improve dynamics. The ACS8 is also lowered by 25 mm at the front and 20 mm at the rear for greater stability in corners.
Finally, AC Schnitzer has given the interior a light upgrade by adding an aluminum pedal set and footrest, as well as velours floor mats.