BMW 1-Series tii Concept
BMW have given the motorsport orientated BMW 1-Series tii concept car its North American debut at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this week. The BMW 1-Series tii coupe pays homage to the 2002 tii coupe that was produced from 1968 to 1976; the performance model in the 2002 range that is credited for creating the compact sport sedan category. It is the first BMW vehicle to be given the “tii” badge since the 2002tii ceased production in 1974.
The BMW Concept 1-Series tii is based on a lightened 1-Series production vehicle with several carbon-fiber components, including the hood, mirror caps, rear diffuser, and the inlays for the front air intakes at the side. The exterior of the 1-Series tii concept car features an aggressive bodykit, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, twin exhaust, white and blue decal stripes, and mesh front grille slats. The bodykit consists of a front air dam, side sills and special ‘gurney’ flaps at the rear to generate increased downforce at high speed. There are also hood-mounted windsplits to increase straight-line stability.
The interior of the 1-Series tii features Alcantara racing-type bucket seats with harness holes, integrated headrests, and side airbags, Alcantara-covered dash, shift knob, steering wheel, and door panels, a three spoke steering wheel and a white tachometer.
BMW have yet to revealed the engines or performance figures and have not yet confirmed whether the concept will see production, but it does look production ready. We suspect the engine to be a tuned version of the 3-liter twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine that currently powers the BMW 135i Coupe.
Tags: BMW 1-Series, BMW 135i, BMW 135i Coupe, Chicago Auto Show, concept cars, coupes, new cars