Developing an AC Schnitzer Sports or Racing suspension is a complex and time-consuming process:
• fully set up the standard vehicle including suspension
• define residual spring travel and possible lowering
• produce sample springs
• fit sample springs with standard dampers
• measure height and test spring preload
• series of tests with sample springs and standard dampers
• transfer damper curve from standard diagram to sample
• collaborative development of dampers with manufacturer
• test series on the motorway, country roads and race tracks
• modifications if required, with subsequent new test series
In addition, the antiroll bars must be reinforced and modified to adapt the vehicle handling and ride comfort to the new AC Schnitzer suspension components. The only thing that is truly, really hard for an AC Schnitzer chassis is the test process. Because AC Schnitzer suspension components are tested for comfort and handling not only on motorways and country roads, i.e. under everyday conditions, but also on the North Loop of the Nürburgring, better known to insiders as the "Green Hell". Only when a set-up has achieved optimum results under all conceivable driving and race conditions, and combines sports handling with maximum suspension comfort, can it be offered for sale as an AC Schnitzer sports or racing suspension.
Manfred Wollgarten personally approves the extremely high product quality of all AC Schnitzer suspension components and certifies the extensive test process for every original product. As standard models differ considerably from each other, the AC Schnitzer engineers must develop specific suspension components for each model. Vehicle weight, size, engine and wheel/tyre combination must be taken into account individually. As standard models differ considerably from each other, the AC Schnitzer engineers must develop specific suspension components for each model. Vehicle weight, size, engine and wheel/tyre combination must be taken into account individually.
Finally the springs, dampers, antiroll bars and strut braces are optimally matched to the vehicle and its characteristics. But the pay-back from all the effort and enthusiasm with which at AC Schnitzer develop suspension has been evident for years in the trade press - above all in comparison tests. AC Schnitzer chassis set-ups frequently create "amazement" even in experienced car journalists.
