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AC Schnitzer TENSION Street Version Review

September 2006
Filed under: ACSCHNITZER Car News | ACSCHNITZER Headlines
After just 11 months of development and testing, we now present: the AC Schnitzer TENSION Street Version.

Naturally the "small brother" could not be a 1 : 1 copy of the TENSION concept car, which is a technology showcase and demonstrates what is technically feasible. In contrast, the TENSION Street Version had to incorporate suitability for everyday use with no loss of driving pleasure or reliability.

The focal point of the development work was adaptation of the breathtaking, costly aerodynamic conversion for series production.

Into the bonnet large air outlet edged in a chrome frame have been fitted so that the ventilation of the power plant is actively supported by sufficient cooling air flow.

Also the front skirt of the TENSION technology showcase has been completely adapted. It improves downforce on the front axle at high speeds. The air intake provides additional cooling for the engine and the front brakes. To provide sufficient ventilation for the power plant, the new front wing has integral air outlet openings which with their three chrome ribs and the indicators are reminiscent of a shark's mouth.

Consequently, air ducts have been worked into the side skirts to improve the cooling of the rear brakes.

The rear skirt houses not just the solid stainless steel twin exhaust system with chromed Sports Trim tailpipes but also a carbon diffuser. Another highlight at the rear is the boot lid which was originally reserved for the TENSION. But its modified styling gives the rear of the BMW 6-series the "Finishing Touch", so the new boot lid is now a firm part of the Street Version conversion. The bodystyling is completed by the sports mirrors and the extravagant two-colour paintwork.

Furthermore the TENSION Street Version is equipped with the latest wheel generation, the lightweight forged wheels Type V. On the front axle we use wheels in the size 9.0J x 20" and on the rear 10.0J x 20" and each front wheel weighs in at just approx. 10.8 kg!

The tyres to fit the wheels are size 245/35 ZR 20 on the front and 285/30 ZR 20 on the rear.

In conjunction with the wheel and tyre combination, a sports suspension has been developed which lowers the vehicle by around 25 - 30 mm. For the M6, a suspension spring kit is available.

Furthermore antiroll bar sets and strut braces can be fitted.



Depending on the basic model the TENSION Street Version can be equipped with the 5.1 l engine which can be used for all 6 series with N62 B44 oder N62 B48 TU engine.

Whereas the basic engine gives maximum torques of 450 or 490 Nm, the 5.1 l engine achieves 550 Nm. Naturally the performance has been optimised. It rises from 245 kW (333 HP) or 270 kW (367 HP) to a superb 302 kW (411 HP). At the same time, driving performance is enhanced. The top speed rises on average by around 35 km/h.

To achieve excellent deceleration figures we offer a high performance brake system for the M6. At the front axle, an 8-pot fixed caliper with perforated, vented brake discs and special pads ensures braking with ruthless efficiency.

The interior also has been modified: Starting with the carbon interior trim in titanium via the 3-spoke sports steering wheel in leather with carbon, the automatic selector lever in carbon, the new speedometer with a speed display up to 320 or 330 km/h, through to velours mats for footwell and boot with red embroidered logo.

The overall impression is completed with silver or black anodized aluminium accessories and the silver serial number on the black anodized aluminium placard on the centre console.

The AC Schnitzer TENSION Street Version is available in various levels. The conversion work is performed exclusively in Aachen, the USA and Japan.

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