Driver's Notebook: Surface Tension

Paul Meyers

10/01/2007

Under normal circumstances, putting a concept car in your garage means commissioning a custom knock-off from your favorite coachbuilder (see Desert Stormer). But admirers of the Tension show car—built by AC Schnitzer for the 2005 Frankfurt International Motor Show—are in luck. The German aftermarket tuner plans a limited run of 50 "Street Version" variants that feature coachwork inspired by the original Tension.

Using a BMW M6 or 650i as a platform, the Tension "Street Version" comprises several exterior components to refashion Chris Bangle’s controversially flamboyant design into something even more outrageous. Many of the styling elements also enhance functionality: The new grille and chrome air-duct bonnet on the hood, for instance, increase airflow to the engine, while mesh vents on the side skirts cool the rear brakes. An optional AC Schnitzer sports suspension lowers ride height by about an inch and a half, trading a measure of ride comfort for improved handling and a more aggressive stance. Interior Schnitzer touches include custom pedals, a host of carbon-fiber trim and a new, brushed aluminum iDrive ornament. The specification also includes a numbered placard on the center console and "Street Version" racing decals in place of the old M6 badges.

Three days behind the wheel of number four of 50 and one thing is clear: The AC Schnitzer Tension "Street Version" attracts a lot of interest from passersby on Los Angeles roads. While the BMW M6 is relatively discreet in areas where Bentley Continental GTs and Mercedes S-Classes crowd the streets, the Tension screams for attention with its two-tone paint scheme and radical shape.

Even the car’s subtler details can cause double takes. The gap between the trunk-boot and rear fenders, for example, measures nearly a half an inch in places—an exaggerated design element that is a significant deviation from the standard body panel gap of a few millimeters. "The trunk is completely sealed," says Victor Carillo, spokesperson for CEC, the official U.S. importer. "The gap is there for effect." To further accentuate the reconfigured rear end, a new stainless steel exhaust system with specialized chrome tips is incorporated into the carbon-fiber diffuser on the back bumper.

However, AC Schnitzer did not spend all of its development time on appearances alone, as an 11-month testing phase was implemented in order to convert the original concept car into the limited-production road-going vehicle. The new lowered sport suspension setup, for instance, may pose some difficulty when cresting steep driveways, but it also provides the driver a better feel for the road. The Tension takes corners with ease on custom-fitted 20-inch AC Schnitzer Type V forged alloy wheels and BMW’s impressive steering response is only enhanced by the handling modifications. And those who prefer the Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) will not have to worry about acclimating to a new shifting system, because BMW’s love-it or hate-it SMG transmission remains unchanged for the Schnitzer-tuned M6.

Although the "Street Version" does not include the show car’s engine improvements—which boost power to 552 hp and top speed to 206 mph—owners of the shark-nosed car can purchase the upgrade for an additional $29,000. Upgrades are offered on 2004 model year 6-series and newer, and can be purchased through CEC tuning centers and showrooms in Southern California and Miami.

The AC Schnitzer "Street Version" package adds $53,000 to the price of a new M6 ($99,100) or 650i ($74,700) and can now be fitted to the M6 convertible ($104,900) for a cost of $51,000; the trunk modification is not included for the convertible conversion. To add Tension to your life, make an inquiry soon—only 25 will be sold stateside.

AC Schnitzer, www.acschnitzer.com
CEC, www.cecwheels.com