BMW 1-Series news - In the Schnitz - 2008

Who'd have thunk it? AC Schnitzer has turned the awkward looking BMW 1-Series coupe into something really rather desirable.

Or have we been on the sauce?

The styling features, which fit to the car with or without the M-Technik bodykit, include front and rear skirt 'attachments' and enlarged side intakes on the front spoiler.

According to AC Schnitzer this gives the car a 'greedier, more competitive look'. Right you are.

Engine upgrades are available throughout the range. The 120d gets a power boost to 210bhp from 177bhp, while the 123d goes up from 204 to 240bhp.

The most appealing however is the 135i, which AC Schnitzer has ramped up from 306 to 360bhp - that's 15bhp more than a 3.6-litre Porsche 911 Carrera...