At the IAA 1997, with the V8 roadster, AC Schnitzer were the first company to show that a V8 engine fits very neatly in the Z3. This concept car, which received a tumultuous reception in numerous tests by the international motoring press.
The power source is a version of the engine from the BMW 540i upgraded to 228 kW / 310 HP, which was modified for the engine bay of the V8 Roadster.
In keeping with the V8, the six-speed box and Short Shift are also taken from the 540i.
To ensure safe control over the power at all times, AC Schnitzer paid great attention to the development of a sports safe chassis set up. During extensive tests, a combination of gas shock absorbers specially adapted for the modified axle loads, progressive springs and adjustable antiroll bars was developed which offers sporting handling with no loss of high driving comfort.
The Type II racing alloys in sizes 9.5J x 18" at the front and 10.5J x 18" on the rear were specially made for the V8 roadster. A special high performance braking system for the front axle was also developed.
The front is distinguished by the new front skirt with larger, chrome-edged air inlet and integral fog lights, and a large air intake in the bonnet to meet the increased cooling requirements.
New modified wings with aluminium air inlets were also fitted at the front and rear axles. The rear skirt provides new highlights with a chrome-plated underfloor wing, together with the Speedster cover with integral rollover bar behind the seats. Exclusivity is the key in the cockpit of the V8 roadster: to match the sports seats in the AC Schnitzer design, the dashboard, centre console and door trims have been covered with blue Nubuck leather. The instrument combination guarantees safe engine monitoring.
Posted on 11.24.2007