AC Schnitzer's CLS II demonstrates how an M3 can be converted into a thoroughbred race touring car for street use by professional tuning. To achieve the goal of maximum power combined with unrestricted suitability and reliability for everyday use, the engine has had to be practically rebuilt: the 2990 cc six cylinder four valve engine is upgraded with special camshafts, a new high performance exhaust system and a new Motronic mapping. The combustion chambers are modified with special forged pistons and increased compression ratio, and the cylinder head is also refined. In addition, a finely balanced crankshaft, weighed rods and a completely new intake system with a large airbox are installed.
This beast comes out clean: 350 HP with a torque of 355 Nm, 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 288 km/h.
In the interior, you can easily see the effort put into achieving maximum performance by using lightweight construction materials. AC Schnitzer exchanged the stock seats for extremely light racing seats which are upholstered with competition green leather. The rear seats are taken out and replaced with an especially light carpet cover. The driver pilots this green machine with an ergonomically designed suede leather steering wheel and is informed about everything from the speed to the temperature by a Stack display from DTM racing. In contrast to the dark green body color, many parts in the cockpit are manufactured in a new yellow carbon kevlar compound. This M3 Coupe, which is painted in AC Schnitzer's special Competition Green, hasn't only been slimmed on the interior - the special diet includes the full car: In addition to the hood, the elegant AC Schnitzer S3 Sport CLS body conversion kit is made from very light but very rigid Carbon Kevlar. The car lost 63 pounds.
The aerodynamics and driving stability of the CLS II are truly state of the art. The even wider wings allow the use of 9.5J x 18" racing alloys on the front and 10.5J x 18" on the rear, with low profile tires 255/35 ZR 18 and 285/35 ZR 18. A new front spoiler is connected direct to the flattened underfloor components. The guided air flow is deflected by the rear skirt with integral wing profile. The combination of rear roof spoiler and rear wing also provides extra downforce. The rear wing, which is electrically adjustable, can be adapted to the requirements of individual driving situations. Also included are the height adjustable AC Schnitzer racing sports suspension and the high performance brake system. The combination of progressive springs, which lower sthe M3 by approximately 1.4 inches, sport adjusted gas pressure shock absorbers and adjustable torsion bars helps the CLS II to obtain race-like handling together with extraordinary ride comfort. The ABS-controlled high performance braking system with perforated discs all around satisfies the highest demands.
The CLS II Combining lightweight construction with tremendous engine power and excellent handling, the CLS II results as one of the most sporting cars currently on the market.
Written by Steve Oziel for Supercars - Past and Present
Copyright 1998
| Specifications | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Production Start | 1997 Model | Manufacturer | AC Schnitzer / BMW |
| Powertrain Layout | Front Engine / RWD | Wheelbase | 2700 mm / 106 in |
| Length | 4430 mm / 174 in | Width | 1710 mm / 67 in |
| Height | 1340 mm / 52.6 in | Front Track | 1420 mm / 56 in |
| Rear Track | 1440 mm / 57 in | Engine Type | DOHC 24-valve inline-6 |
| Displacment | 2990cc | Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Weight | 1410 kgs / 3110 lbs |
| Performance | |||
| Top Speed | 288 kph / 180 mph | 0-100 (kph) | 5.1 sec |
| Horsepower | 350 BHP @ 7800 rpm | Torque | 355Nm / 262 ft lb @ 4400 |