The latest member of the BMW family - the new Z4 roadster - has just been introduced to the world's public and at the same time AC Schnitzer presents its interpretation of this Roadster, excellent even in standard form, which already lays justified claim to being a classic of the future.

At the Geneva Motor Show 2003, AC Schnitzer presented a complete range of special accessories covering all areas of the vehicle and highlighting the authentic Roadster feeling. All components on show are currently in the development or fine-tuning stage; they will however all be available during the Spring.

For the power plant of the most powerful variant at present - the BMW Z4 3.0i - a performance upgrade is already "in the pipeline". A development achieved in close collaboration with the BMW Motorsport Team Schnitzer, Freilassing.

The power of the AC Schnitzer Z4 C30 is increased by supercharger technology. The heart of the upgrade is a turbine supercharger which thanks its toothed belt drive allows almost noiseless running. Only in the upper speed ranges is the characteristic compressor note - totally desirably! - produced.

The geometric design of this supercharger means it only needs maximum 38.000 rpm to achieve a boost pressure of 0.35 bar at an engine speed of 6.500 rpm. This increases the output of the standard power plant to a stately 295 HP / 217 kW and brings the maximum torque up by 80 Nm.

Thanks to the excellent efficiency of the supercharger, there is no need for an extra charge cooler. The high-tech bearings are permanently lubricated via an autonomous, dedicated oil reservoir. This has the advantage of allowing the two oil circuits to work independently.

The scope of supply of the AC Schnitzer C30 performance upgrade also includes the full stainless steel AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer with chromed tailpipe trim in the new racing design and a modified control unit program. The performance upgrade is naturally also available for other vehicles with the M54 B30 engine.

Even without the engine tuning - for the BMW Z4 2.5 or 3.0i - AC Schnitzer recommends the sports rear silencer which optimises gas flow and hence response behaviour. As a "smaller alternative" the tailpipe trim in racing design completes the package.

Faster and more precise gear changes promote the adrenalin surge and improve the car's acceleration. So for the manual BMW Z4 3.0i AC Schnitzer has adapted a Short Shift.

In extensive tests on race tracks and on public roads, a complete suspension concept has been developed which consists of the AC Schnitzer sports suspension, special anti-roll bar kit and the racing strut brace. The complete concept, the components of which can also be fitted individually, ensures sporting handling while retaining the high standard of driving comfort.

The suspension concept also includes the AC Schnitzer Type II and Type III alloys and racing rims in multipiece design. Specially selected for the Z4 roadster are various wheel and tyre combinations up to size 8.5J x 19" offset 43 with tyres 235/35 R 19 on the front axle and 9.0J x 19" offset 37 with tyres 265/30 R 19 on the rear.

The front of the car is enhanced by an exciting design of front spoiler attached to the standard front skirt. And it realises even more downforce on the front axle. The smooth connection between the front and rear is created by the AC Schnitzer side skirts adapted to the contours of the Z4. The integrated cooling ducts also guide the air flow directly to the rear brakes.

Particularly eye-catching are the side-mounted deflectors with integral flashers for the indicators, which with their chromed ribs give a totally new appearance. The two-piece rear wing, the triangular sections of which are mounted separately left and right on the boot, sets totally new accents. The overall appearance is rounded off by the new AC Schnitzer rear skirt, which not only harmoniously integrates the sports rear silencer into the rear end but at the same time gives the vehicle a far more powerful look.