AC Schnitzer to show versions of M3 and 1-Series Coupe, LPG 3-Series Coupe and new MINI at Essen

German tuning firm AC Schnitzer have released the first details of their appearance at next month's Essen Motor Show in Germany, home for 40 years to the very best in tuners, motorsport, classics and automotive accessories. And AC Schnitzer certainly steps up to the plate, delivering to Essen what the German tuner calls their 'four trump cards'.

Making its public debut at the show will be AC Schnitzer's piece de resistance - their hotly-anticipated version of the new M3 Coupe. A muscular bodykit and striking alloys are not the sole characterising features of the more athletic M3, instead extending to its further-enhanced AC Schnitzer sports chassis.

Joining the M3 will be a conceptual homage to the BMW 2002 tii of the 1970s, with AC Schnitzer applying their own interpretation of the 70s legend onto BMW's new 1-Series Coupe. Expect the re-working to show similarities with Frankfurt's BMW 1-Series Coupe tii concept, with a decidedly AC Schnitzer twist.

Having premiered at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, AC Schitzer will also tout their greener credentials with the GP3.10 GAS POWERED concept - an LPG-fueled 3-Series Coupe study. The high-performance Coupe is an 'exciting blend' of power, efficiency, economy and ecology.

To top off the host of exciting new models at Essen will be AC Schitnzer's version of the new MINI Cooper S, a cult car which now gleams with new levels of finesse. Upgrades include those to performance, sports suspension, sports rear silencer and modifications to exterior styling and interior detailing.

Stay tuned for further details on the firm's appearance at the Essen Motor Show, which takes place from 1st to 9th December.