AC Schnitzer's Take on the BMW i8 Roadster: A Balance of Efficiency and Sportiness
The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster has received a new lease on life, courtesy of renowned auto tuner AC Schnitzer. Despite the base car being a well-acclaimed hybrid sports vehicle, AC Schnitzer saw a canvas primed for their signature enhancements. The outcome is a ride that pushes the boundaries of driving dynamics and lightweight construction without compromising the original ethos of the BMW i8 series.
Gravity and Dynamics in Play
Perhaps the most striking adjustment made by AC Schnitzer is the lowering of the front and rear axles by 20 to 25 mm. This reduction in ground clearance gives the Roadster a more planted stance, a maneuver designed to optimize the vehicle's driving stability in all cornering scenarios. Partnering this tweak with a lightweight wheel set exemplifies the company's focus on performance. The AC1 Forged Lightweight Rims save about 4.4 kg in weight, a tweak that seems minor on paper but has a noticeable impact on the i8 Roadster's lateral dynamics.
A Lesson in Aerodynamics
When AC Schnitzer speaks of their aerodynamic conversion for the i8, it becomes evident how deeply committed they are to the "Form follows Function" principle. Every component, meticulously crafted from carbon, aims to enhance downforce and thus driving pleasure. The package includes front spoiler elements, centre front spoiler, carbon front side wings, side skirts, and a rear "Racing" wing, with the addition of carbon door handle shells and mirror covers. An interesting mention is the front grille for the BMW kidney, which is also available in a “hot climate version”.
An Inviting Interior
AC Schnitzer has also breathed life into the interior of the i8 Roadster. The use of aluminium pedals, footrest, and a cover for the iDrive system controller coupled with velours floor mats, reflect a calculated emphasis on lightness. This refined simplicity contributes to the sporty yet elegant ethos of the Roadster, a significant factor in the overall driver experience.
Performance Meets Sustainability
The AC Schnitzer's upgrade doesn't compromise the hybrid nature of the BMW i8 Roadster. The 'special developments' are intended to increase dynamics while promoting efficiency, an impressive feat in an era of growing environmental consciousness. This balance of sportiness and sustainability is an innovation that is not commonly seen in the automotive world.
Wrapping Up the Innovation
AC Schnitzer's approach to the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster is a prime example of how tuning can enhance a vehicle's performance without sacrificing its essence. Their effort on improving driving stability, aerodynamics, and interior aesthetics, all the while emphasizing efficiency, adds a fresh perspective on what it means to tune a hybrid sports car. It's an adventure that holds true to the spirit of the BMW i8 series while pushing the limits of what can be achieved in terms of both efficiency and sportiness.
-Ed
2019 AC Schnitzer BMW i8 Roadster
