AC Schnitzer, the legendary BMW tuner, is one of those aftermarket companies that can make something look great just as easily as it can make something look terrible. Case in point: the current F90 5 Series recently got a workover from the company with beautiful results, but then the tuner showed us its upgrades for the G82 M4, and the comments section on that story erupted with phrases like "you can't polish a turd" and "this is just like putting lipstick on a pig." Fortunately, the G80 BMW M3 - although still stricken with buck-tooth disease - looks a little better, and now that AC Schnitzer has upgraded it to become the tuner's most powerful 3 Series ever, the looks are almost a moot point. Almost.
No silly names are made up here, this is simply the M3 by AC Schnitzer. Thanks to some mysterious upgrades that include a sports exhaust featuring carbon tailpipes, the M3 now generates 582 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. AC Schnitzer has not said that this performance upgrade is exclusive to models that power the rear wheels, but we assume that it would work just as well on xDrive models. To help cope with the extra power, the tuner has fitted a lowering kit with shorter springs, but you can swap these for RS compression- and rebound-adjustable coilover suspension if you prefer a more sporty feel. AC Schnitzer says that the suspension upgrade retains "gentle understeer at the limit", so you'll know long before you wipe out that you need to back off.
To complement the lowered stance, AC Schnitzer once again offers wheel upgrades, including AC3 lightweight forged wheels in Silver/Anthracite or Anthracite Silver. Measuring 20x10 inches at each corner, these wheels offer reduced unsprung mass with a greater contact patch from the 285- and 295-width front and rear tires. If these are too serious for you, AC1 light-alloy wheels are also offered.
Naturally, good roadholding comes from more than just the spring and tire combo, so ACS has added a gloss black front splitter that increases downforce by up to 88 pounds. Helping achieve that increase are front winglets, developed specifically for the M3.
Another aero upgrade is the rear roof spoiler which, combined with the carbon fiber "Racing" rear wing, generates a further 44 lbs of downforce. The tuner is also offering inserts for the hood recesses and fender accent vents, along with various decals and badges and a new trim for the rear diffuser.
Inside, you get a reupholstered steering wheel with perforated Nappa leather in black along with black Alcantara. This is held together by light gray cross-stitching, while a gray center marker with a badge help you align the wheel. Other upgrades include aluminum gear paddles, aluminum foot pedals, and an AC Schnitzer keyholder.
No pricing has yet been made available as the car is still in development, but you can expect to be able to order by the end of the year at the latest.