2008 AC SCHNITZER Z4M

NEWS & REVIEWS As if BMW’s standard flame-surfaced Z4 M Coupewasn’t funky enough, now German BMW-tuner AC Schnitzer has come up with its own idea of how the stubby-tailed coupe can look even more, er, angry. Officially Schnitzer’s Z4 M Profile is a concept, but it features most of the components you can buy out of the tuner’s catalog. Like those cool, five-spoke Type V 20-inch alloys and the Z4 body kit. If you’re an attention-deprived kind of person, this car is going to get you noticed. Surprisingly, AC hasn’t gone wild with the engine tuning, limiting it to remapping the electronic control unit, fitting a revised air box for better breathing, and installing a new sports exhaust with hip-looking Siamese-twin tailpipes. It adds up to an extra 20 hp, taking the tally to 350 bhp. For even sharper handling, stiffer springs and shocks are fitted along with an aluminum strut brace to improve body rigidity. Inside, AC Schnitzer’s racing seats are bolted in, along with carbon-fiber trim bits. BMW’s Z coupe has never looked so good. www.cecwheels.com PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge