Introduced ahead of its coupe sibling, the 650i Convertible is the latest in the open-top BMW 6 Series era. A brand new styling, more powerful performance and new technological features are the highlights of the 2012 BMW 6 Series, following the recently redesigned 5 and 7 Series sedans with which it shares its platform. Offering four seats, a fully automatic roof and an excellent overall setup the BMW 650i is the best example of a grand touring car.

The release of the new luxury convertible opened doors to numerous tuning companies developing their programs for the grand tourer from Munich. German tuner AC Schnitzer is one of those. They will officially reveal their brand new program for the 2012 BMW 650i Coupe and Convertible at the IAA 2011 in September. Ahead of the debut in Frankfurt, the Germans gave us a chance to have an exclusive look at the brand new AC Schnitzer ACS6 5.0i.

Our first drive included the world’s first 2012 ACS6 5.0i dressed in Spacegrey metallic and packed with any possible gizmo you can choose from BMW’s option list. For the time being we focussed on the setup of the car itself, but only on the available options and extras the tuner offers for the new 6 Series.

First Drive AC Schnitzer ACS6 5.0i 01

The complete program for the BMW F12 6-Series Convertible and Coupe includes a wide variety of parts. From exterior to interior trims and from an slip-on exhaust system to a multipiece wheel set, all available parts were outfitted to the luxury roadster shown here.

Let’s start with the performance and technical setup. The standard 650i packs BMW’s twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8, the one with 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. The power is send to the rear wheels via a standard six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. An all-wheel drive version of the 650i is also available in selected markets.

AC Schnitzer is still working on a performance package for the 650i. The power increase will be similar to the BMW F10 550i upgrade. To be on the safe side, they prefer not to extract the maximum possible power but instead ensure greater robustness, which means a longer life of the engine. Unfortunately, both upgrades are not yet available. Official figures will be released in September.

The sound track of the bimmer’s exhaust system is enhanced using a twin sports rear silencer with chromed “Sports Trim” tailpipe trims in left/right combination. The sound production is quite different from the stock system. Overall, it adds a deeper, sonorous and more sportier sound track. The new exhaust tune is accompanied by an easily noticeable and darker burble whenever the automatic shifts.

Stopping power is available via an eight-piston high performance brake system fitted to the front axle. The eight-pot fixed caliper (left/right) and the perforated internally vented brake discs provide an adequate amount of deceleration. The suspension setup is specifically developed for the 2012 BMW 6 Series. The spring kit lowers the vehicle by 25 millimeters but also gives the entire suspension set-up a more sporting tone, without neglecting the comfort requirements of the passengers.

AC Schnitzer is known for their body kits and wheels. The new 6 Series received some moderate upgrades at the front and the rear. You will spot a new front spoiler, which is accompanied by a chromeline mesh insert and chrome front grille. The rear has a new skirt insert integrating the chromed exhaust tips. A protection strip is fitted to the sill of the trunk.

Our ACS6 5.0i test car had brand new 21 inch Type VIII multipiece rims. The forged racing wheel Type VIII is based on the design of the Type VI wheel and has the classic five double-spoke design. The bolted connections to the wheel bed are easily visible and a trademark. The outer rim is polished and the complete wheel bed clear lacquered.

Four additional rims are available for the 2012 6-Series; the BiColor Type IV in 19 and 20 inch, the Silver Type IV in 19 inch, the BiColor Type V Lightweight Forced in 20 inch and the Type VIII in 19 inch.

On the inside, you can opt for an aluminum cover for the i-Drive System Controller, aluminum foot rests and pedals set, and boot and foot mats. Additional parts will be available at a later stage.

First Drive AC Schnitzer ACS6 5.0i 02

Despite all the improvements, the overall character of the new 6 Series Convertible is much the same. It still remains a 2+2-seat grand tourer, but one that’s faster, better looking, and more loaded with technology.

AC Schnitzer just adds an unique flavor to the mix, you either love or hate. Our personal highlight was the twin sports rear silencer with chromed tailpipe trims offering an unique sound track to the excellent power train; a must-have add-on offering more sportiveness, which isn’t directly visible.

Previous articleVideo Of The Day: Nürburgring Nordschleife in a Formula Race Car
Next articleAMS ALPHA 12 Makes History with 8 Second Nissan R35 GTR

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here