With the sensational time of 1:10.87 mins, the new concept vehicle "AC Schnitzer RAPTOR" (based on the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé) completed the Hockenheimring lap and put the competition in its place in a direct comparison.

One basis of evaluation in vehicle tests, time and time again, is lap times on the world famous Grand Prix circuit in Hockenheim. The 300 HP/221 kW powerful AC Schnitzer RAPTOR has catapulted itself into the premier league of real sports cars with its lap time of 1:10.87 mins.

Once again in 2012, the "Tuner Grand Prix" hosted by "sport auto" magazine on the Hockenheimring played a major role in AC Schnitzer's schedule. The time had finally arrived on the Pentecost weekend: 25 tuners battled for the best lap times in 16 classes.

The new RAPTOR (based on the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé) concept vehicle impressively put the competition in its place and circuited the Grand Prix track in Hockenheim in a sensational time. The RAPTOR was an astonishing 1.11 seconds quicker than the fastest MINI from the previous year: the AC Schnitzer EAGLE (based on the MINI John Cooper Works).

Not only the competition paid respect to the "little Aachener": the "sport auto" editorial team gave the RAPTOR an individual test there and then and was able to improve the lap time by another 0.32 seconds to a fabulous time of 1:10.87.

The successful concept behind the unsalable study is quickly explained: all areas of the vehicle have been optimised by technicians and engineers with respect to "efficient performance" in the development of the AC Schnitzer RAPTOR.

The engine power has been increased from 155 kW/211 PS to 221 kW/300 PS and the whole exhaust system renewed at the same time. The vehicle weight was simultaneously reduced by more than 100 kg, which means the AC Schnitzer RAPTOR introduces the feel of much more agility and more driving pleasure. The sport chassis with adjustable height and the AC Schnitzer lightweight metal rims Mi2 in 18" are the icing on the cake for driving dynamics and aesthetics.