With a lap time of 1:13.341 min., the new "AC Schnitzer Eagle"
concept vehicle (based on John Cooper Works MINI) showed its competitors a clean
pair of heels in a direct comparison around the Hockenheim Circuit.
In
vehicle testing, one of the standard bases for assessment is the lap time on the
world-famous Grand Prix Circuit in Hockenheim. The 260 hp AC Schnitzer Eagle has
muscled its way into the big boys' league of thoroughbred sports cars with a lap
time of 1:13.341 min.
In a direct comparison, the AC Schnitzer Eagle was
able to leave its class rivals well behind, and some big names as well.
The successful principle behind the concept study
(the vehicle is not for sale, indicating it was tuned to the max and likely
wouldn't survive for very long as a daily driver) is easy to explain: in the
development of the AC Schnitzer Eagle, all areas of the vehicle were optimized
by ACS technicians and engineers.
The power of the standard engine was
increased from 211 hp to 260 hp and in parallel, the entire exhaust system was
replaced. At the same time the vehicle weight was reduced by 176 lbs (80 kg),
which means that the AC Schnitzer Eagle gains a perceptible bonus in terms of
agility and driving pleasure. The height-adjustable racing suspension and AC
Schnitzer alloys Mi2 in 18" give the final touches both aesthetically and in
driving dynamics.
The AC Schnitzer Eagle is a concept vehicle which was
developed as a technology platform. Its value is 62,000 EUR or $89,000.
Selected times from the test organized by German car magazine "sport auto" on the Grand
Prix Circuit in Hockenheim (full
times here - in German):
Car |
Lap Time |
AC Schnitzer EAGLE (with sports tires) |
1:13.3 min |
Ferrari California |
1:13.5 min |
Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Black Series (with sports tires) |
1:13.8 min |
Porsche 911 Carerra S |
1:14.3 min |
BMW M3 (with sports tires) |
1:14.3 min |
Porsche 911 Turbo |
1:14.6 min |
Audi RS 4 |
1:15.4 min |
Mercedes C63 AMG |
1:15.7 min |
BMW Alpina B3 Coupe |
1:16.1 min |
Audi RS 6 |
1:17.6 min |
Ford Focus RS |
1:17.8 min |