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2007 Tokyo Auto Show Video - BMW Concept 1 Series tii


2008 Chicago Auto Show Video - BMW Concept 1 Series tii

Pictures

That hood isn't black just because of the paint; it's one of the many carbon-fiber parts used on the Concept 1 Series tii to shave weight from the production model.
Photo courtesy of BMW North America, Inc.
Dark chrome 18-inch wheels are unique to this concept.
Photo courtesy of BMW North America, Inc.
The 1 Series coupe may be small, but it packs great proportions into a very tight package.
Photo courtesy of BMW North America, Inc.
Keep this in mind: The standard 135i is lighter than the ridiculously fast 335i Coupe. The 1 Series tii concept is even lighter than a 135i. In other words, it's as fast as it looks.
Photo courtesy of BMW North America, Inc.
Revised front fascia gets carbon-fiber inserts at each corner; hood slats are said to help with high-speed stability.
Photo courtesy of BMW North America, Inc.
The Gurney flap is not only wider than the standard spoiler; it's also made of carbon fiber.
Photo courtesy of BMW North America, Inc.
Well, no one will ever accuse BMW of not knowing how to fill the wheelwells of a car.
Photo courtesy of BMW North America, Inc.
Signature twin-kidney grille was filled in to improve aerodynamics.
Photo courtesy of BMW North America, Inc.

BMW Concept 1 Series tii

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2008 Chicago Auto Show Video

What is it?
BMW Concept 1 Series tii

What's special about it?
Consider the BMW Concept 1 Series tii an early look at what a 135i CSL might look like. It's been lightened up and smoothed out on the outside, and then complemented by an interior that's more focused on the driver. There are no mechanical upgrades, but the standard BMW 135i already has 300 horses. More power is not what it needs.

Most of the changes are minor; it's the idea that's important here. Pare down the weight, improve the high-speed aerodynamics and make sure the driver can take it all in. A similar formula was introduced 30 years ago with the BMW 2002 tii coupe, a car that's still revered for its influence on BMW's products.

There was no carbon fiber when the 2002 tii was introduced, but this 1 Series has it all over, from the hood up front to the mirror covers on each side to the Gurney flap in back. There are a few additional pieces on the rear fascia and front air vents, too. BMW doesn't say how much weight has been saved, only that it's a significant amount.

Improving the aerodynamics up front requires a new fascia, and the twin-kidney grille has been covered up so that it no longer acts as the main air intake. Instead, this 1 Series breathes in through the honeycomb grille below the bumper and big intakes at each corner. More massaging has been done to the rocker sills, while the rear fascia gets an aero diffuser that BMW says reduces air turbulence and improves downforce over the rear wheels. It also happens to look cool.

Most of the interior changes are purely cosmetic. There are some body-color trim pieces on the doors, artificial suede on the steering wheel and unique seat stitching. More suede is used around the gauge cluster to reduce glare, and the tachometer gets a white face with red numbers. And just to make sure everybody knows who's in charge, the driver gets special blue stitching on his seat along with a similarly colored seatbelt.

What's Edmunds' take?
BMW didn't say if a production 135tii is in the works just yet. It still has to make sure the introduction of the standard model goes off without a hitch next spring. Judging by the enthusiasm the 1 Series has generated already, BMW's biggest problem could be keeping up with demand. Adding a 135tii to the mix wouldn't help that situation, but it would make us very, very happy. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor