The result is the Type V alloy forged wheel with bi-colour finish. It has a partly polished, partly painted surface. This wheel type, available for all 5 and 6-series, achieves a fundamental paradox: reduction in weight with simultaneously maximum wheel diameter and width.

The TENSION Street Version is fitted with rims size 9.0J x 20" on the front and 10.0J x 20" on the rear, and each front wheel weighs in at just approx. 10.8 kg. The tyres to fit the wheels are size 245/35 ZR 20 on the front and 285/30 ZR 20 on the rear.

In conjunction with the wheel and tyre combination, a sports suspension has been developed for the TENSION Street Version which lowers the vehicle by around 25 - 30 mm and perceptibly improves driving dynamics. For the M6, a suspension spring kit is available.

To counter lateral roll, AC Schnitzer antiroll bar sets are fitted to the front and rear axles. Another suspension highlight is our in-house spring strut brace of aluminium which superbly prevents distortion in the vehicle front.

Depending on base vehicle, the TENSION Street Version can be fitted optionally with the new AC Schnitzer 5.1 l engine. This is available in principle for all BMW 6-series with N62 B44 or N62 B48 TU engines.

The new engine offers a true alternative to BMW M5 or BMW M6. As this conversion is also available for vehicles with automatic transmission, fans of automatics can now enjoy the higher power in conjunction with the pleasures of an automatic.

Whereas the basic engine gives maximum torques of 450 or 490 Nm, the AC Schnitzer 5.1 l engine achieves 550 Nm. Naturally the performance has been optimised. It rises from 245 kW (333 HP) or 270 kW (367 HP) to a superb 302 kW (411 HP). At the same time, driving performance is enhanced. The top speed rises on average by around 35 km/h.

These excellent figures are obtained by the use of specially developed engine components. Individually, these are:

AC Schnitzer special cylinder block
AC Schnitzer special cylinder head
AC Schnitzer special pistons
AC Schnitzer special conrods
AC Schnitzer special crankshaft
AC Schnitzer exhaust manifold
AC Schnitzer special catalyst
AC Schnitzer Control Unit Program
AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer with chromed Sports Trim tailpipes

To achieve excellent deceleration figures, the AC Schnitzer high performance brake system from the TENSION has been modified. At the front axle, an 8-pot fixed caliper with perforated, vented brake discs and special pads ensures braking with ruthless efficiency. However, this kit is reserved for the Street Versions based on BMW M6.

Only the interior remains, and this too has been modified in typical AC Schnitzer fashion: Starting with the carbon interior trim in titanium via the 3-spoke airbag sports steering wheel in leather with carbon applications, the automatic selector lever in carbon, the new combiinstrument with a speed display up to 320 or 330 km/h, through to velours mats for footwell and boot with red embroidered logo: this all gives the characteristic look to the interior of the TENSION Street Version. The overall impression is completed with silver or black anodized aluminium accessories comprising pedal set, foot rests, handbrake handle and cover for the controller of the "i-Drive" systems.

Last but not least, the silver serial number on the black anodized aluminium placard on the centre console permanently reminds the driver that he is sitting in a very special car: e.g. TENSION Street Version no. 1/50.

The AC Schnitzer TENSION Street Version is available in various levels. The conversion work is performed exclusively by AC Schnitzer in Aachen. The only exceptions are the USA and Japan, where trained specialists perform the vehicle conversion locally.

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