The new AC Schnitzer BMW 650i Cabrio F12 Tuning Program

By Ryan Konko

Posted on September 22, 2011

For those that can’t wait for the M6.

BMW introduced the 6-Series Cabriolet to dealerships just in time for the warm weather at the beginning of the year. As summer draws to a close, AC Schnitzer has unveiled a new F12 tuning program for those that want to enjoy the last few days of nice weather and are too impatient to wait for the upcoming M6 model.

The design of the 650i Cabriolet is sleek and long, almost to the point where it appears to be stretched. AC Schnitzer has developed a new aerodynamic and appearance package to highlight the design and give the grand tourer a touch of sport. Aesthetics-wise, the German tuner added new chrome trim strips, chrome front grille, and rear skirt protection foil. To improve aerodynamics, AC Schnitzer has added a protruding front spoiler to reduce lift and rear skirt insert fitted between the two oval tailpipes.

The chassis has also been updated with special AC Schnitzer BMW wheels, brakes, and suspension upgrades to improve looks and performance. The standard wheels on the 650i Cabriolet can be replaced with Type VIII BiColor forged wheels in a 21-inch diameter. These wheels weigh in at 25.3- and 26.2 lbs each; a 30 percent reduction in weight over the stock rims even though they are an inch larger in diameter. The wheels can be 9.0 J x 21 front and 10.0 J x 21 rear fitment with 255/30 R 21 and 295/25 R21 performance tires. Customers also have a choice of five other wheel variations ranging from 19- to 21-inches in diameter. Behind the wheels sit AC Schnitzer’s high performance brake system with eight-piston front calipers to bring the grand tourer to a halt. An in-house spring kit lowers the Cabriolet and adds a dynamic touch to the BMW.

The 4.4-liter V-8 that powers the 650i didn’t go untouched. AC Schnitzer has give then twin-turbocharged V-8 a performance upgrade along with a growling twin sports rear muffler set and chrome tailpipes. The German tuner also dressed up the 4.4-liter with a new engine and engine bay optics package. After all the upgrades (including the visual ones), the V-8 is capable of 540 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 553 lb-ft. of torque at 3,000 to 3,500 RPM. The improved output allows the 650i Cabriolet to reach 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 192.6 mph (310 km/h).

Matching the performance and refined aesthetics of the exterior is a newly upgraded interior. The 650i Cabriolet can be fitted with matte Space Grey painted trim pieces throughout the interior, contrasted by a Black Line aluminum cover for the BMW i-Drive controller. For a more driver-oriented feel, AC Schnitzer has installed aluminum pedals along with an airbag-equipped sports steering wheel. Completing the interior upgrades is a set of velour floor and trunk mats with embroidery.

The AC Schnitzer BMW 650i F12 tuning program was unveiled at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Auto Show. All of the components are available individually or as an entire kit. Pricing has not been released.

AC Schnitzer BMW 650i F12 Tuning Specifications

Engine:
Displacement: 4.4 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 540 (397 kW) at 5,800 RPM
Maximum Torque: 553 lb-ft. (750 Nm) from 3,000 to 3,500 RPM
-AC Schnitzer performance upgrade
-Engine styling kit
-Twin sports rear muffler with chrome tailpipes

Transmission:
Type: Eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual
Drive: Rear-wheel

Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.4 seconds
Top Speed: 192.6 mph (310 km/h)

Wheels, Brakes, and Suspension:
Wheels (featured): AC Schnitzer Type VIII Lightweight Forged
Front Wheels: 9.0 J x 21
Rear Wheels: 10.0 J x 21
Front Tires: 255/30 R 21
Rear Tires: 295/25 R 21
Brakes: Eight-piston front calipers
Suspension: AC Schnitzer spring kit

Exterior:
-Front spoiler
-Chrome front grille
-Chrome grille frame
-Rear skirt insert
-Rear skirt protection foil

Interior:
-Sports airbag steering wheel with painted insert
-Trim painted Space Grey matte
-Black Line aluminum cover for i-Drive controller
-Aluminum foot pedals and rest
-Velour floor mats
-Velour trunk mat