Autoblog

REPORT: BMW M division pushing for hardcore version of next 1 Series

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, BMW

BMW Concept 1 Series tii - Click above for high-res image gallery

Successive generations of the BMW M3 have come a long way since the original, with a skyrocketing curb weight and an ever-climbing price tag. The new M3 GTS may have done a lot to counter the former, although sadly it only further escalated the latter. But enthusiasts take heart, because someone's on the case. Fortunately, that someone is Dr. Kay Segler, head of Munich's famous M division.

According to reports, Segler and his team are pushing the beancounters to give them the authorization to make an M-tuned 1 Series. While the twin-turbo 135i is touted by many as a closer successor to the original M3 than the current M3, he feels there's more that can be done.

Unfortunately, Segler is talking about the next-generation 1 Series, so even if approved, it'd be a while before any future M-tuned 1 hits the road. If and when it does, however, it could take aim at the Audi S3 with a 330-horsepower version of the Bavarian automaker's new TwinPower engine. As for naming schemes, they may have to get a little creative to avoid confusion with the original M1 supercar.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: PistonHeads]

REPORT: BMW M division pushing for hardcore version of next 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 135i tii up against V8 supercar, F1 racer at Australian Grand Prix

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, BMW, Australia

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

BMW's little 1 Series has proven itself to be a credible performer that's able to hang with nearly anything else it likely to encounter on the road. But against an Australian V8 Supercar and BMW's own Formula 1 racer? Not a chance. Regardless, these three vehicles will indeed face off at the upcoming F1 season opener Down Under. To help level the playing field, each vehicle will start with a handicap, so the real excitement will begin near the end of the lap when the three cars close in on one another as they sprint to the finish line.

The 1 Series that's taking part in the event will be equipped with the German automaker's potent 3.0L twin-turbo inline six and will wear 18" alloys bolted up to a tuned suspension set up with cross-drilled brakes. A set of tii decals and a full BMW Performance aerodynamic body kit top things off. The race will be repeated 5 times starting on Thursday, March 26th.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW 135i tii up against V8 supercar, F1 racer at Australian Grand Prix

BMW 135i tii up against V8 supercar, F1 racer at Australian Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW 135i "SuperSports" model coming in 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW 1 Series tii concept

According to a report originally posted at Germancarzone and then repeated at BMW Blog, a certain Bavarian automaker is currently working on a new performance version of its 1 Series. Although it wouldn't be called an M1 -- since that moniker is reserved for supercar status -- the so-called 135i SuperSports would get a bunch of improvements, consisting mostly of lightweight body panels, a decontented interior, as well as an upgraded suspension and brake package. Power is said to come from the latest version of BMW's outstanding 3.0L turbocharged inline-six that's rated at 326-horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in the 2009 7 Series.

We wouldn't be surprised to see the upgraded engine migrate down the line from its placement under the hood of the latest flagship, but we're a bit dubious that an upcoming lightweight SuperSports edition will see daylight beyond that. We'd rather see the 1 Series get these light weight mods (in a tii model perhaps?) along with a smaller four cylinder engine option, complete with a price that's a bit easier to swallow than the current model. We're also still holding out hope for the 123d.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: Germancarzone via BMW Blog]

Rumormill: BMW 135i "SuperSports" model coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: BMW Concept 1 Series tii unveiled

Alex Nunez — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:35:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Tokyo Motor Show

UPDATE: New gallery added with 27 high-res photos

Click image for high-res photo gallery of the BMW Concept 1 Series tii

Ahead of its official unveiling in Tokyo, 1Addicts has obtained photos and the official press release detailing the BMW Concept 1 Series tii. Finished in Alpine White with black stripes and accented with black and blue elements, this design study should give us an idea of what BMW holds in store for us with the expected sport version of the new 1 Series coupe arrives. BMW appears to be staying away from the M1 moniker and instead has chosen to press enthusiasts' buttons by resurrecting the tii label used on the 2002.

The 1 Series tii has been lightened (no word on by how much) through the use of carbon fiber on the hood and other trim elements like the rear diffuser insert, mirror covers, gurney flap, and intakes on the front air dam. Both the front and rear bumpers and the side sills are new designs exclusive to the tii. 18" split-spoke wheels take up residence in the corners, and overall, the car has a squat, purposeful look. Inside, BMW covers as many surfaces as possible in black alcantara, with white accents on the seats and steering wheel. Additionally, BMW gives the tachometer top billing in the instrument cluster by making it white-faced. Unfortunately, the concept doesn't come with any details related to its actual performance upgrades. We'll leave it to our guys on the floor to pump Bimmer reps for additional info during the day. Check back for updates, as we'll have plenty of live shots once the car's formally unveiled.

[Source: BMW]

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

Continue reading Tokyo Motor Show: BMW Concept 1 Series tii unveiled

Tokyo Motor Show: BMW Concept 1 Series tii unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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