BMW approves tii versions of 1- and 3-Series

[ChItalian1027]

Click above for high-res gallery of the Concept 1-Series tii

We've known that BMW has plans to revive the tii series name ever since the automaker unveiled the Concept 1-Series tii at the Tokyo Motor Show. While we don't have anything as official as a press release from the Munich-based automaker, CAR online got BMW chief Norbert Reithofer to fess up that tii models are on their way. What we don't know, however, is whether they will be equipment packages that include upgraded mechanicals, perhaps that can be ordered a la carte, or full fledged models that have been fleshed out by BMW engineers. Reithofer did indicate that the 1-Series and 3-Series will be first in line for the tii treatment, and that subsequently an M model of the 1-Series is not being planned.

Over the past 20 years, BMW has managed to back up its claim of building Ultimate Driving Machines despite each of its cars growing in size and gaining weight with each new generation. It's done this largely by adding bigger, more powerful engines to its cars. With new CAFE standards demanding more fuel efficient vehicles in the U.S., and BMW already indicating that cutting cylinders to help meet those standards is a distinct possibility, the tii ethos of subtracting weight and focusing on handling more than passing power seems like the most probable path down which BMW will run.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/b...-and-3-series/

[mickd]

Beautiful car, so much nicer than the standard model with all the aero effects. Really nice tire/wheel package too. Even if there aren't any mechanical upgrades engine wise, I think the normally aspirated 3.0L in the 130i and turbo 3.0L motor in the 135i are plenty potent. Hopefully BMW would keep this tii model below the 3 series price-wise.

[1996 328ti]

But at what price?

[Kohote]

I hope this actually happens. I would love to see BMW return to their roots and offer lightweight cars with 4 cylinders with a focus on feel and fun to drive. The new cars are comfortable and have lots of power and everything, but for me I feel too distanced from the road. They have lost the feel of the older bmws and are nowhere near as fun to drive. It just feels like the new cars have no character. The only problem is they will probably make it available as some sort of option that takes off equipment for performance and lightweight but will then charge more because it will be some sort of bmw performance package or exclusive name.

[thesk8nmidget]

i wants! i'll trade a club sport for one


lol

but i agree completely with kohote!

[StealthBimmer]

Hope BMW won't charge the buyer an arm and a leg for the tii. I like the the look and the performance parts on the 1 series. Let's see how much it will hurt the wallet.

[ChItalian1027]

Originally Posted by thesk8nmidget

i wants! i'll trade a club sport for one


lol

but i agree completely with kohote!

Originally Posted by Kohote

I hope this actually happens. I would love to see BMW return to their roots and offer lightweight cars with 4 cylinders with a focus on feel and fun to drive. The new cars are comfortable and have lots of power and everything, but for me I feel too distanced from the road. They have lost the feel of the older bmws and are nowhere near as fun to drive. It just feels like the new cars have no character. The only problem is they will probably make it available as some sort of option that takes off equipment for performance and lightweight but will then charge more because it will be some sort of bmw performance package or exclusive name.

+4

[crysinlove]

This is very nice.. I saw this last night in my husband's EGM Magazine for the Gran Turismo Game... depending on the cost.. I would defitnately get one...

[nyle]

sweet deal, can't wait to hear more about it. not that i can afford one...

my only complaint: i don't like that fin type thing in the back.

[blndweasel]

crap... I guess I'll start saving up now... and be able to afford one sometime in 2012? haha

[mohaughn]

I love that paint scheme. If I ever get my car completely repainted I would do stripes like that over alpine white.

[angel318ti]

GAWD!!! I WANTS!!!!

[naustin]

BMW already said the are not bringing the Concept tii into production. But you can get most of the parts individually through BMW Performance.

[crysinlove]

That sucks.. !!! .. I kept wondering when BMW was finally going to come out with a new Ti.. or something similar to it.. and when they do.. they're not even going to produce it.. BOOOO!

[Massive Lee]

I hope they will drop the "Tii" monicker as "Tii" and "M1" are sacred and belong to BMW's golden days. No, the 1 serie is not a 2002, and even in ///M version will not be an M1.