| New Preview Concept | Tokyo Motor Show | BMW Concept 1 Series tii |
BMW has denied it will build an M1, but insiders say the Concept 1 Series tii is very close to becoming a production reality. Visitors to the
Tokyo Motor Show play a crucial part in this car's future as BMW is keen to gauge public reaction to the lightweight 1 Series before committing to selling the car.
What's not to like? BMW has made the bonnet, rear bumper and other minor body parts out of carbon fibre, and there are fins running along the bonnet to help direct air flow over the car as efficiently as possible. It's reminiscent of the 1970's CSL 'Batmobile' racers, which BMW's engineers happily admit was one of the main inspirations for the tii.
The tii name comes from another 1970's BMW, the 2002 small saloon. This 1 Series is very much a spiritual successor to that car with its compact dimensions and focus on driver enjoyment. Stiffer suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels help with cornering, while the front and rear spoilers are unique to the tii to help produce more downforce at higher speeds.
BMW has said it wants to build a more track day oriented 1 Series in the tii, which accounts for the lightweight bucket seats trimmed in Alcantara, a material that also covers much of the dash and the steering wheel. Other sporty cues inside are the white-faced rev counter and white trim inserts to reflect the exterior white-and-black paint scheme.
BMW will not be drawn on what engine could possibly power the tii, but insiders say power is much more likely to come from a tuned 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine rather than the 135i's twin turbo 3.0-litre, as BMW does not want to build a 1 Series that would come close to rivalling the performance of the
new M3 at a lower price.
Alisdair Suttie - 25 Oct 2007