by Andy Goodwin

BMW tuner Schnitzer has got its hands on the BMW 1-series Coupe and given it a large injection of testosterone, re-naming it the AC Schnitzer ACS1.

The 3-litre twin-turbocharged engine has its pulse raised from 300bhp to 360bhp, allowing it to hare from 0-62mph in less than five seconds.

Torque swells from 295lb/ft of pulling power to 332lb/ft, giving the svelte coupe a top speed of 186mph, 30mph more than the standard car.

Extrovert front and rear spoilers are not just for show, they produce downforce to push the car onto the road and give enhanced stability.

Schnitzer employed the expertise of German Touring Car star Manfred Wollgarten to develop the handling around the punishing Nurburgring test track, adjusting the suspension until he believed it was perfect.

The engine is more audible under acceleration thanks to AC Schnitzer’s fitment of a ‘Racing’ tailpipe.

Type IV ‘BiColor’ wheels of 19-inches in diameter fill the wheelarches to bursting point.

Inside the main controls and interior trim are replaced with carbon fibre and aluminium parts to add a race-car demeanour and subtract weight from the smallest sporting Schnitzer.

Click here for more pictures of the AC Schnitzer ACS1