Wednesday 24th October 2007

BMW Tii Lightweight Concept

The new 1-series that thinks it's an old M3

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Tii name hints at turbo-power

With the paint barely dry on the first 1-Series saloons to roll of the production line, it seems that BMW is looking to one-up itself with a heavily breathed upon range topper.

The tii concept, named after a performance version of the 70s 2002 saloon, features a reworked bodykit incorporating resculpted bumpers, which actually add to the car’s length, and a small carbon fibre gurney flap on the bootlid.

On the inside, the concept gets black alcantara aplenty and some nice contrasting iPod white trim.

As for what’s under the bonnet, BMW remains schtum on the power source, although it has plenty of power units in its armoury.

While our choice, naturally, would be the straight six from the old M3, this car’s single twin-exhaust nods towards a smaller unit – possibly the homologation 320si special.

This engine had the tasty carbon air box a la M3 CSL (ish), but its actual performance figures weren’t that great.

However, stick a turbo or two on that lump and, coupled to this car’s carbon-fibre-assisted light weight then we may have a successor to the original E30 M3 on our hands.

Concept has a liberal sprinkling of carbon fibre	Side shot shows lip spoiler made of... you guessed it... carbon fibre
Tasty racing seats with white trim. Very now	Rear view shows the exhaust that raised a thousand questions

 

[Schnell]

OK now I'm listening


ETA: Loonster, you're next new car has arrived

Edited by Schnell on Wednesday 24th October 07:50

[bob1179]

Now this has potential. Make it lightweight, fun and not stupid expensive and BMW could be onto a winner. A real E30 M3 successor.

Not sure about the tii badge though, those machines were legendary with their fuel injected 2.0 litre M10 engines.

135 CSL maybe?

Edited by bob1179 on Wednesday 24th October 07:24

[exboxster]

"tii" badge captures the whole "wii" thing of the moment- which is a shame. That aside I really like it, and I really really hope it becomes a reality, but somehow I think we all know the answer. I hope I'm wrong, I really do...

[Schnell]

exboxster said:

"tii" badge captures the whole "wii" thing of the moment- which is a shame. That aside I really like it, and I really really hope it becomes a reality, but somehow I think we all know the answer. I hope I'm wrong, I really do...

Ah, but remeber, BMW 'concepts' have a habit of morphing into near identical production realities.
As the author said, an S54 lump would have me mowing down my dealers door, but alas, I fear EU emissions laws will have terminated that idea.

My bet is a 135 'csl' as bob said. The twin outlet exhaust would also seem to suggest this too

[Schnell]

SHOCK HORROR!!

The car in the above pics appears to be wearing monoblock callipers

Shirley not BMW? You know better than to produce a quick car with decent brakes...

[bob1179]

I think it's a traditional thing to give performance BMW's slightly borderline braking.

My old M535i has perhaps the worst brakes fitted to a BMW. It's certainly entertaining!


I have to admit, the more I look at the new 135i Coupe, the more I like it. I just hope it's endowed with a bit of decent handling and they produce somthing like this.

The old M3 engine was a corker, it would be an awesome package.

[Marki]

exboxster said:

"tii" badge captures the whole "wii" thing of the moment- which is a shame.

You must be too young to remember the original tii`s you make it sound as if BMW are following the wii trend

[M5Player]

I haven't got excited by a new BMW for ages hence i drive an e30 M3, e28 m5 and a 3.0 CSL but this has me really very intersted. I hope it is realistic money and as described!!

[havoc]

Mmmm...got my attention too! You know, side-on it even looks the part...shame the nose still looks like an extra from an old Hammer horror movie!

[Marki]

havoc said:

Mmmm...got my attention too! You know, side-on it even looks the part...shame the nose still looks like an extra from an old Hammer horror movie!

Like i said on the other 1 series coupe threads i think this is a great looking little coupe

[mikeg996]

...or just buy a previous generation M3. Why anyone would buy what looks like a Chinese knock-off of said car is beyond me.

[willdew]

Keep it sub 1200kg, with c. 280bhp+ (3 liter NA with revised intake, sports exhaust and engine map?), decent suspension, the M-diff and sub £30k and I'll have one.

[GarC]

I think it looks great. The first 1 series I wouldn't mind having....if the power is there.

[Alex]

It's a shame it's so frumpy looking.

[L100NYY]

Schnell said:

OK now I'm listening


ETA: Loonster, you're next new car has arrived

Edited by Schnell on Wednesday 24th October 07:50

Morning buddy!!

Just how is this lil' Coupe!?!? I love it!!!

[toohuge]

Wouldn't they use the 335 engine, twin turbo straight six. Or if to keep with the original it will probably have the mini's turbocharged motor. Looks stunning though

[Cathar]

willdew said:

Keep it sub 1200kg, with c. 280bhp+ (3 liter NA with revised intake, sports exhaust and engine map?), decent suspension, the M-diff and sub £30k and I'll have one.

In your dreams.

I'd love to have a car like that, but a 4-seater from a german manufacturer with less than 1400kgs would be positively shocking. All the carbon fiber probably makes for a 50kg reduction of the 1550kg kerb weight at best

[MK4 Slowride]

very

Interesting that it might get the Tii badge, not sure if I agree with that considering there doesn't appear to be much lightweight material used. Still will be a very good drive indeed.

[niva441]

4 cylinder would be more suitable for the tii theme, assuming the weight could be kept down. BMW abandoned the M3 for touring car racing when the 6 cylinder was introduced as it was too nose heavy.

[willdew]

Cathar said:

willdew said:

Keep it sub 1200kg, with c. 280bhp+ (3 liter NA with revised intake, sports exhaust and engine map?), decent suspension, the M-diff and sub £30k and I'll have one.

In your dreams.

I'd love to have a car like that, but a 4-seater from a german manufacturer with less than 1400kgs would be positively shocking. All the carbon fiber probably makes for a 50kg reduction of the 1550kg kerb weight at best

You're probably right.
Is there much weight saving with the smaller engines? 2 liter turbo?
I suspect there's another 50kg saving from a light weight interior (door cards, no electric windows, less sound deadening, loose a few of the airbags etc). Then a titanium exhaust, lightweight wheels etc.

I agree though that all the above's not going to be more than 200kg saving. Still - 1350kg is a lot better than where we are now.