AC Schnitzer Tunes the Clubman

Sections: In the Press | R55 (Clubman) May 15th, 2008 20 Comments

As they have with the R56, AC Schnitzer has decided to turn their skills toward the Clubman.

They have boosted power to 226hp and 210ft/lb of torque. Added a new body kit and a very interesting exhaust ‘silencer’ that should help keep sound levels in check with local law enforcement. Add the newly designed 18″ wheel and there you have it. Full press release after the jump.

It might not transport washing machines, but it’s got a big heart

The new MINI Cooper S Clubman by AC Schnitzer with up to 226HP

The name “MINIâ€œ says it all: Physically, the Clubman is not one of the biggest out there, but it’s got a bigger heart than any other estate. And now AC Schnitzer provides that final endorphin surge. With its new front spoiler, giving it a harder look than standard, the Cooper S Clubman doesn’t just catch the eye but demands respect. In terms of driving dynamics, the agile cornering master shouldn’t be underestimated. Especially not when fitted with the AC Schnitzer spring kit or even the height-adjustable racing suspension made in Aachen. The subtle lowering flatters the well-honed figure of the Clubman. The bonnet with its striking power dome hides real muscle. After the AC Schnitzer performance training, the Cooper S develops 226 HP/ 166 kW and a torque of up to 285 Nm. Gas and away! But with spirited driving, don’t forget: secure your load first!

An optional limited slip differential (up to maximum 75 percent) developed by the renowned BMW tuning house ensures that the raw engine power is always applied to the right wheel when cornering and not lost through the exhaust. Even the exhaust gas flow plays a dual role of utility and aesthetics: Not only does it drive the turbo, but the AC Schnitzer twin sports rear silencer plays an almost orchestral note. The musical masterpiece with its chromed tailpipes is also a top level eyecatcher. Like the perfectly styled alloy wheels specially designed for the MINI in Aachen. Variants available are the Bicolor wheel Mi2 in 7.5 x18″ and the Mi1 in the classic AC Schnitzer look in 7.5 x 17″. And naturally the passionate MINI fan wants the right accessories in the interior too. Like the attractive controls and sports pedals of aluminium – naturally from AC Schnitzer.

More information can be found by following the link below.

[ The MINI Clubman by AC Schnitzer ] AC-Schnitzer.de/en

Written By: DB

robble

They figured something out to be getting more HP than torque out of an r56 engine. Wonder what it is? The turbo runs outta steam above 5500 rpm
lavardera

I like their front bumper body kit – sort of plays up the character of the stock cover, but more aggressive.
Chad

Don’t most Europeans use 24″ washing machines? My Askos would fit in there, I’m almost certain.
Craig

That’s in interesting way to change the style of the front bumper. It looks like they just replaced the lower part of the front bumper. The part that is normaly matte black plastic is apparently fairly easy to replace.
http://miniposeur.blogspot.com eto

It looks like they just replaced the lower part of the front bumper.

I thought the same about the R56 Cooper AC tuned body kit. It looks nice, but doesn’t appear to be anything more than a slight change to the black plastic.

Still, I think it is a great looking car. The side pic looks very lean and mean.
nuvolari

Do this in all AB (including rear pillars and bumper), black out the chrome, lose the graphics, slap on some reasonable looking wheels… hmmm…
Jon

Have to say this is the best looking AC development for the Mini brand to date my my opinion. Glad they didn’t take the arches body color, a nice complement to the looks to the standard Clubman.
C4

I really dig this car. It makes you wonder if JCW is any longer at the top of their own game…
C4

Oh and it is a 5-seater Clubman nonetheless….
C4

Robble, a bigger turbo perhaps?
robble

Perhaps a bigger turbo, but it seems like they would have mentioned something as major as that.
gokartride

I’m glad they went for a more subtle approach w/ the second gen car as the front end was horrible on their first gen effort.
Kenny

Does anyone know of US rep dealing with the full kit, need this in my life.
http://dbmini.us DB

Looks like there are about 4 dealers in the US. Scroll to the bottom of this page to get their information.
http://www.gominigo.com GoMiniGo

I cannot tell, but do you think they replaced the black front fender flare too? Hard to tell. I like the front though. Curious on the $ for just it.
Nathan

Oh my… I need so much money right now
Jon

With the lack of an aero kit and suspension think AC has just produced something that Mini has really messed up on . AC cars tend to be quite expensive but this clubman is going to run circles around the JCW Clubman and the JCW r56.
GregW

AC Schnitzer has been the unofficial BMW equivalent of JCW to Mini for years. The Schnitzer Race team won many M3 E30 victories in British Touring car and European Touring Car championships. So its no surprise they ventured into MINI tuning with BMW’s blessing. They previously offered kits for R53 Cooper S. What you have to remember is that because JCW is MINI they can’t really take tuning to the limits and cause unreliability problems, especially when the warranty is backed fully by the factory. AC Schnitzer do offer a warranty on their products, but have to cover the products themselves.
Jon

Truthfully the biggest difference isn’t the power, its that Mini has taken the cheap path of not including a decent suspension with the car. Still amazes me that while every aftermarket tuner knows before increasing torque or hp to improve the suspension BMW/Mini doesn’t seem to get this idea.
bee1000

Needs more stickers.

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