CAFÉ RACER 76

AC Schnitzer tuning programme for Range Rover Sport

Date Published: 22 January 2015

AC Schnitzer’s extensive tuning programme pushes the boundaries of the Range Rover Sport by producing even more diesel power, giving greater acceleration and perceptibly, more torque. The Range Rover Sport by AC Schnitzer has been upgraded from 292hp/600Nm to deliver a stunning 340hp/720Nm. Exhaust flow has also been improved by fitting the AC Schnitzer stainless steel twin silencer with its two "Sports Trim“ tailpipes or four "Sport“ tailpipes (both in right/left combination).

The all-wheel drive Range Rover is now even more agile and manoeuvrable thanks to the AC Schnitzer lowering module, which offers a choice of lowering the vehicle by either 30 or 35mm. The standard body lowering function is of course retained. Moving onto the wheels, the Range Rover Sport by AC Schnitzer rolls along the road on Type VIII forged racing alloys in either 10.0J x 22-inch or 11.0J x 23-inch, and of course corresponding tyres (275/40 R 22 or 305/30 R 23 all round).

Alternatively, drivers also have the option to choose the Type V forged alloys in BiColor or anthracite in 10.0J x 22-inch with 275/40 R 22 tyres. The alloy wheels are 30% lighter than the standard rims, allowing for reduced centrifugal forces, which in turn improves cornering and thus more driving fun.

To really make the Range Rover look special, AC Schnitzer has given the massive vehicle a powerful, sporting presence with a striking silhouette thanks to a few choice aerodynamic elements: the AC Schnitzer front and rear skirt with integral diffuser. Complete skirts of high quality PU-Rim are fitted to both the front and rear sections - installation is straightforward as the aero-kit simply replaces the entire standard component.

In the cockpit, the AC Schnitzer keyholder and velours foot mats featuring a sophisticated design enhance the interior. Now the benefits of AC Schnitzer tuning are no longer restricted just to BMW and MINI vehicles - the product programme for the Range Rover Sport is the company’s first for the Land Rover marque, and they are already looking forward to further models!

Alpine Vision GT Concept hints at 2016 Berlinette

Revived French manufacturer Alpine has become the latest to create a Vision GT concept car for the popular Gran Turismo computer game series – and it supposedly hints at the design direction of the forthcoming, real-world Berlinette…

In so doing, Alpine will join a list of manufacturers that includes Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz andChevrolet-Chaparral in creating a no-constraints concept car built purely for the virtual world. As you might expect, the Renault sub-brand has called upon its own historical design cues, many of which come from the A110 – a car for which we professed our love not a week ago.

Familiar features

These features include the cross-shaped inboard LED lights recalling the black tape fitted to protect the lights of the 1960s rally cars; long lateral fins like those of the A210 and A220 Le Mans racers; and wheels that represent a modern take on the original A110 design. “We even took advantage of the exercise to subtly conceal several details that are directly inspired by the future Alpine, which will see the light in 2016,” says Alpine design director Antony Villain, “but I can’t give any more away about that.” After its initial reveal at the concept cars exhibition at Paris’s Festival Automobile International, the Alpine Vision GT will be displayed at Rétromobile 2015.