The IAA 2005 saw the much-observed premiere of the Concept Car AC
Schnitzer TENSION based on BMW M6. The positive reception together with
huge demand for this unique vehicle persuaded us to include in our
range a road-going version, limited to 50 examples, for conversion from
the 630i - M6 model. 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 Concept
Car, as the TENSION is a technology showcase which 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.
The bonnet of the AC Schnitzer TENSION, restyled from the standard
6-series, is used on the Street Version. It reveals at first glance,
from its large air outlet edged in a chrome frame, that the ventilation
of the power plant is actively supported by sufficient cooling air
flow. The front skirt of the TENSION technology showcase has been
completely adapted. It makes the TENSION Street Version look much lower
and at the same time improves downforce on the front axle at high
speeds. The air intake provides additional cooling for the engine and
the front brakes and also gives the TENSION Street Version its
unmistakeable facial expression.
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.
Adequate air exchange is essential not only in the front of the vehicle
in order to develop its full potential. The same principle applies to
the rear.
Consequently, in the TENSION Street Version too air ducts for the rear
brakes have been worked into the striking side skirts. The side skirts
which give the vehicle its elongated appearance form the smooth
transition to the rear, which on the TENSION Street Version in
comparison with the Concept Car is still very sporting but slightly
less lavish.
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 of the TENSION Street Version 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 of the TENSION Street Version is completed by the AC
Schnitzer sports mirrors and the extravagant two-colour paintwork in
Alpine White in combination with Anthracite Metallic. Naturally other
paint options are available on request.
What does a costly aerodynamic conversion look like without the right
wheel and tyre combination? We think it's incomplete. So we decided to
equip the TENSION Street Version with the latest AC Schnitzer wheel
generation: the forged alloy Type V.
Appearance is one thing, but much more important in this context is the
safety aspect. To take this into account, and secondly to meet the high
technical demands placed on the AC Schnitzer wheel by our engineers, a
complete new wheel development was required.
The result is the Type V alloy forged wheel with bi-colour finish. It
has a partly polished, partly painted surface. This wheel type,
available for all 5 and 6-series, achieves a fundamental paradox:
reduction in weight with simultaneously maximum wheel diameter and
width.
The TENSION Street Version is fitted with rims size 9.0J x 20" on the
front and 10.0J x 20" on the rear, 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.
