Owners of the BMW M2 G87 already have plenty of options when it comes to M Performance parts and aftermarket upgrades but some were waiting for AC Schnitzer to unveil its own version. This day has come with the Aachen-based tuner spicing up the looks and tweaking the chassis of the M2, although the actual performance upgrades will follow later alongside a louder exhaust.
As expected by our scoop stories, AC Schnitzer‘s BMW M2 looks like a track-focused version of the original thanks to the more pronounced aero components. At the front, there is a larger splitter, canards, extra winglets within the bumper intakes, and a black sticker highlighting the bump on the hood. The profile benefits from discreet side skirts and decorative side gills inspired by older BMW M models. The rear view is more striking thanks to the addition of a roof spoiler, a diffuser extension, and a large carbon racing wing with an optional gurney attached to it.
More: 5 Reasons Why The BMW M2 Could Be The Best M Car Despite Not Being A Looker
AC Schnitzer
The aforementioned bits are not only for show as they increase downforce by 60 kg (132 lbs) at the front and by up to 80 kg (176 lbs) at the rear. On the other hand, the carbon trim for the quad tailpipes is decorative, at least until the proper exhaust system upgrade with flap control becomes available, promising to deliver a “sonorous” sound.
AC Schnitzer is known for its wheel designs, so the M2 couldn’t be left with the stock shoes. The AC4 Lightweight Forged Rims available with a Techgold or a gloss black finish measure 20 inches up front and 21 inches at the back although owners can opt for 20 inches all around. Setting aside the looks they can reduce the unsprung mass by up to 25-35% resulting in improved performance and handling. A lesser (and probably cheaper) option is the “conventionally manufactured” 20-inch AC1 alloy wheels which also come in a variety of finishes.
On the chassis front, the M2 trades the stock BMW M suspension for an AC Schnitzer RS coilover, offering adjustments in height, rebound, and compression damping. The new setup lowers the car by 25-35 mm at the front and by 20-30 mm at the rear. The tuner also offers another spring set with a less drastic 20-25 mm lowering up front and 15-20 mm at the rear.
More importantly, AC Schnitzer is working on a performance upgrade for the twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine although they didn’t reveal the final numbers yet. As a refresher, the stock unit makes 453 hp (338 kW / 459 PS) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque, with the tuner likely pushing those numbers higher than the upcoming BMW M2 CS. The power boost will be combined with a new engine cover, for those who like to showcase their ride with the hood open.
There are also a few interior upgrades for avid fans of the tuner. Those include a redesigned sports steering wheel combining perforated black napa leather and Alcantara upholstery with light grey stitching. Behind it, we find a pair of noticeably larger gearshift paddles made of aluminum which are easier to grab. The same lightweight material was used for the pedals, footrest, keyholder, and special cover for the iDrive Controller on the center console.
AC Schnitzer will showcase the modified BMW M2 at the 2023 Essen Motor Show in Germany, between December 1-10. The tuner welcomes M2 owners to start upgrading their ride and potentially complete it with the performance boost that will be available in spring 2024.
