BMW 1 Series Coupe tii Concept: Inspired By Motor Sport

Motoring Channel Staff - 24/October/2007

Tokyo, Japan — BMW has taken the wraps off its new compact sports car, the 1 Series Coupe tii Concept.

Based on the 1 Series Coupe, the tii concept is named after the classic BMW 2002 tii from 1972 and is being shown for the first time at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

One purpose of the concept car is show off a motor sports inspired performance model of the 1 Series Coupe. The BMW 1 Series Coupe tii Concept has been more effectively balanced with lighter weight materials, features improved chassis dynamics and will basically tear it upon the race track.

There is a chance that this model could be precursor to the M1, an upcoming BMW 1 Series Coupe tuned by the M division. If so, there's a lot of reason to get excited. If not, it's merely a pretty BMW.

Despite talking extensively about the cars design, the use of light weight carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, improved weight distribution, and driving pleasure, BMW has released zero information on the vehicle's engine.

Judging by the twin exhaust system it's likely to be based on a 130i Coupe, which outputs about 195kW of power.

We're still a bit confused as to this concept car's aim. BMW has issued a huge press release but the car appears to be little more than a 130i Coupe with a carbon fibre body kit. It will be competing for attention against some amazing concept cars at the biennial Tokyo Motor Show, and one wonders what the lure will be?

Here's some of the highlights of the BMW 1 Series Coupe tii Concept:

 Design study based on the BMW 1 Series Coupé with an uncompromising focus on motor sport.

  BMW Concept 1 Series tii as a young interpretation of classic BMW brand values.

  Optimised aerodynamics on the body with individual, distinctive design of the front air dam, side-sills and rear air dam. Special gurney flaps generating additional downforce on the rear axle.

  Further enhancement of agility and efficiency through consistent lightweight engineering using carbon components on the engine compartment lid, the mirror caps, and the inlays for the front air intakes at the side. Significant reduction of weight versus series production cars.

  Sporting, accentuated, contrasting and, at the same time, typical BMW colour scheme on the exterior and interior. The body colour Alpine White is combined with the very dark carbon structure of the CFP elements, with further highlights added in Blue.

  BMW Concept 1 Series tii takes up striking features of former motor sport models in many of its details: fins along the engine compartment lid to optimise the flow of air, contrasting colour scheme on the engine compartment lid, decal strips on the roof of the car and the rear lid in contrasting colour, visible, open towing fixture.

The BMW 1 Series Coupe tii Concept could be a precursor to something amazing, a possible M1 compact super car, or it could be designed to improve awareness of the new 1 Series Coupe range in Japan.

BMW's press release reads, "This fascinating design study is the consistent evolution of BMW’s compact 2-door with a clear focus on uncompromising sportiness. With its aerodynamically optimised body, a wide range of lightweight features serving to minimise the weight of the car and its axle load distribution, as well as an interior tailored specifically to the ambitious driver, this concept study clearly offers a high level of driving dynamics right from the start."

Related Links:
- BMW 1 Series Convertible (2007)
- BMW 1 Series Coupe (2007)
- BMW X1 (2010)
- BMW Concept X6 (2007)
- BMW M3 in Australia (2008)
- BMW M3 (2008)
- BMW 6 Series Update (2007)
- BMW 130i M Sport (Road Test)
- BMW 3 Series Coupe (2007)
- BMW Hydrogen 7 (2007)
- BMW 120i (Road Test)
- BMW 3 Series Convertible (2007)
- BMW Concept CS (Concept)