Autoblog

REPORT: More details on BMW's rumored M1(s)

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:22:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Europe, BMW

BMW 1 Series Tii Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has the mid-engined R8 (now available with a 525-horsepower V10). Mercedes-Benz now has the AMG SLS (with more power than the R8 - 563 horses). BMW has... a 500-horsepower V10 in a 4,000 pounds M6. Not exactly competitive in the supercar department these days. Well, according to everyone's favorite British Buff Book (EVO), BMW will be releasing a new supercar. Probably something resembling a mashup between the M1 Homage Concept and the Vision EfficientDynamics Hybrid Concept. However, it might not be called M1. Or, it might be.

Here's the thing - BMW is also believed to be working on a buffed out, super version of the 135i (based on the Tii Concept) that semi-logically could be called the M1. Check out the supposed stats on this little puppy: a reworked twin-turbo 3.0-liter motor good for 400 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque, a 150 pound weight reduction, seven-speed dual-clutch tranny, the M3's suspension and torque-vectoring rear end. Where do we sign up?

The issue is that some people within BMW feel the semi-sacred M1 moniker should be reserved only for a car that replaces the 1978 M1, the first car BMW's Motorsports Division ever made (even if Lamborghini played a roll). They do have a point, as among us gearhead types the M1 is a pretty reverential piece of machinery. However, what would you call an M-caliber 1 Series?

Autoblog's advice is this: nothing's sacred. Call the hopped-up 135i the M1. No one cares except for a few old timers within BMW and a few fanatics on the outside. Besides, the aforementioned old timers have sat idly by as the fabled M Division has arguably diluted its once lofty rep by releasing the X5 M and X6 M. It's all water (and money) under the bridge anyhow. And by freeing themselves from this false dilemma (because really, who cares?), BMW is free to name the new supercar the M8.

Failing that, just name the mighty 1 Series the Tii (confusing almost everyone) and reserve M1 for a proper supercar. We don't really mind, as long as both cars go on sale. And no matter the name, it sounds like the range-topping 1 Series should see the light of day in 2011 and the new supercar - which will pair BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with two electric motors - should come online around 2012. Color us excited.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

Gallery: BMW M1 Hommage

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

[Source: EVO]

REPORT: More details on BMW's rumored M1(s) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW approves tii versions of 1- and 3-Series

John Neff — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW

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.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: CAR Online]

BMW approves tii versions of 1- and 3-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW considering tii version of the next 3-series?

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: BMW

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

Of all the BMW 2002s still on the road, the tii models have remained the most highly prized. The combination of lightweight parts, Kugelfisher mechanical fuel injection and upgraded braking and suspension components made it the milestone of BMW performance offerings during the '60s and '70s. BMW recognizes the cachet that the tii badge carries among afficionados, and may be looking to officially bring back the badge to slot in below its M-line of products.

What began with the 1-series tii concept has evolved into the automaker's BMW Performance accessories range that now includes aero bits, uprated wheels and brakes, plus a range of interior components covering everything from heavily bolstered buckets to LED instrument clusters. BMW might be planning to offer similar parts for the next generation 3-series, due out sometime in early 2012. Aside from more traditional bolt-on accessories, this could included a tweaked version of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six currently found in the 335i producing 355 hp and sending power to BMW's new dual-clutch transmission on its way down the driveline to an M3-spec limited-slip differential.

Naturally, any news coming from Autobild has to be treated with a few grains of salt, but if BMW offers a tii version of the 1-series - rumored to be a possibility - it wouldn't be a tough sell for a similar version of BMW's best-selling 3-series.

Update: Gabe over at BimmerFile tipped us off that the electronic differential and DSC system found in the current 135i will find its way into the 335i in the next few years. The extra kit will likely be part of a performance package to keep the 335i relevant before the next iteration comes to market.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: AutoBild via Motor Authority]

BMW considering tii version of the next 3-series? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: Live shots of the BMW 1 series tii concept

Siddharth Raja — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:10:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Tokyo Motor Show, BMW

Click above image to view live pics of the BMW tii concept

BMW's 1-Series tii concept was just revealed and we can now bring you live shots of this stunning coupe from the floor of the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. The tii is based on the recently launched 1-Series coupe, but is a leaner, meaner, more hardcore version of the entry level Beemer. The enhanced bodykit and carbon fiber parts give it a purposeful stance that just exudes motorsport, as well as lowering the car's weight and making it aerodynamically sliippier. On the inside, we especially dig the white steering wheel and Alcantara trimmed interior. Click here for the original post on the tii, or check out the gallery below for pics of the car shot live.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

Tokyo Motor Show: Live shots of the BMW 1 series tii concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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