Bartek S.
Aerodynamic Ace
Driving pleasure has been written large at AC Schnitzer for 20 years. And happily, nothing will change for the 62nd IAA. But this goal can be reached in a totally alternative way, as the launch of the superb AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED shows. This high-performance coupé has LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) drive, where power and efficiency, economy and ecology, meet in an exciting study.
As if the extravagant exterior of the project vehicle, based on the current 3-series coupé, were not enough, under the bonnet growls the V10 engine of the current M5/M6 which AC Schnitzer is presenting at the show for the first time in bivalent design: The vehicle has a fully sequential LPG system with two parallel 5-cylinder vaporizers.
There’s no loss of power or dynamics. The engine, tuned with a remapped control unit and modified exhaust tract with sports catalyst and exhaust manifold, develops 552 HP/406 kW and produces up to 540 Nm at the crankshaft. In itself, that’s 45 horses more than the M5/M6. But why power this with LPG?
Liquified Petroleum Gas is a sensible alternative to normal petrol fuel, both economically and ecologically, and after corresponding conversion can be burned in almost any petrol engine. Per litre, LPG is not only cheaper than petrol but produces around 15 percent less CO2 from the exhaust. With over 2700 filling stations in Germany alone, fuel supplies are guaranteed everywhere, and the 80 litre gas tank fits on board with the original 60 litre petrol tank. So you can switch between fuels at any time. In any case, acceleration is more than just acceptable.
The sprint to 100 km/h takes 4.5 seconds, and the 200 mark is passed after just 13.9 seconds. Only at 320 km/h does the pressure on your back begin to ease. Nimble enough to show the rear lights to many powerful sports cars. Especially when a racing suspension from Aachen provides incredible handling qualities. And to match the power of the acceleration, there’s the brakes on the AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED: At the front, 8-pot fixed calliper brakes with perforated and vented discs size 374 x 36 mm, at the rear a 4-pot brake system with 350 x 24 mm discs.
Talking of slowing down: the striking body design will soon bring passers-by to a stop. In conjunction with the mineral green special paintwork, the AC Schnitzer aerodynamic kit is a real eyecatcher. The air intakes on the front wings, with their characteristic chrome ribs, and the rear 60 mm wheelarch extensions, are particularly successful. With the AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED, AC Schnitzer has created a feast for all the senses, where the centrally positioned sports rear silencer with its sonorous crescendo takes centre stage acoustically.
The rear styling with its special contours and the rear skirt with integral diffuser, the rear roof wing with carbon centre part, are as aesthetically pleasing as the powerful front skirt with its coarsemesh sports grille. The latter makes an effective contribution to the breathing of the oxygenhungry five-litre engine. Equally breathtaking for the spectator is the first sight of the racing rims Type VI.
The latest creation from the Aachen wheel manufacturer combines the classic Y-spoke appearance with five striking hollow spokes and bicolor finish. Naturally these decorative elements are not just available for the AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED. For the moment however the latter is a unique creation not for sale, with an estimated value of 198,000 Euro.
But we can still get excited because for sure, numerous components will soon find their way into the regular AC Schnitzer range. Parts of the exciting sports interior can already be ordered for example by customers with a 3-series coupé.
Overview for AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED
Performance Upgrade:
Replacement of the standard engine by an upgraded M5/M6 engine with 406 kW / 552 HP and 540 Nm; Control Unit programming including Vmax increase; bivalent combustion, full sequential LPG system with two parallel switched 5-cylinder vaporizers and 80 litres-LPG fuel tank.
Exhaust:
AC Schnitzer exhaust manifold system with special catalyst; sports rear silencer incl. tailtrim, centrally placed.
Brakes:
AC Schnitzer 8-pot fixed calliper brake system on the front axle with brake discs in 374 x 36 mm (perforated/ventilated)
AC Schnitzer 4-pot fixed calliper brake system on the rear axle with brake discs in 350 x 24 mm (perforated/ventilated).
Chassis:
AC Schnitzer racing suspension, height adjustable
AC Schnitzer special sway bar, set.
Wheels/Tyers:
AC Schnitzer Racing Wheels Type VI
front: 9,0J x 20“ with tyres 245/30 ZR 20
rear: 11,5J x 20“ with tyres 315/25 ZR 20.
Bodywork:
AC Schnitzer special paintwork mineral green
AC Schnitzer bonnet with integrated air outlets
AC Schnitzer front skirt with integrated air intakes for brake cooling
AC Schnitzer fenders front with air outlets and chrome ribs, enlargement: 50 mm
AC Schnitzer fenders rear, enlargement 60 mm
AC Schnitzer indicators in diode technic
AC Schnitzer side skirts with integrated air intakes
AC Schnitzer rear skirt with integrated diffuser
AC Schnitzer rear roof wing with carbon centre part
AC Schnitzer boot lid with special separation edge.
Interior:
AC Schnitzer 3-spoke sports airbag steering wheel “Evo“, Nappa leather
AC Schnitzer interior of bicolor leather, Nappa-Nubuk combination
AC Schnitzer interior panels painted in mineral green
AC Schnitzer instrument display with speedometer up to 330 km/h
AC Schnitzer racing seats
AC Schnitzer aluminium pedal set
AC Schnitzer aluminium foot rest
AC Schnitzer aluminium handbrake handle, black eloxed
AC Schnitzer aluminium cover for i-Drive-System, black eloxed
AC Schnitzer floor mats with GP 3.10 logo.
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