3-series and 1-series tii offically approved

[LeMansX5]

BMW chief Norbert Reithofer has confirmed to CAR Online that a range of tii performance options will be launched soon on the company's smaller models. He has finally ruled out a rumoured M1 version of the 1-series and said the tii spec would be the most performance-oriented model, claiming the the twin-turbo 135i was quite fast enough (it does 0-62mph in 5.3sec, after all).

The tii concept shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show points accurately to the approach BMW is developing: performance kits for the 1-series coupe and hatchback, an aero package, carbonfibre details, fatter wheels and tyres, sports seats and instruments. There's even talk of a new M-style steering wheel with integrated LED rev counter.

A tii for the masses

BMW is the past master at offering huge choice in spec and trim; subtle nuance of alloy wheel size here, and Sport spec there is the stuff of workplace car park folklore. The tii spec will slot above today's M sport spec in the multi-faceted pecking order.

However, BMW plans for the tii models to be proper performance cars in the longer run. For instance, the next-gen 1-series, dubbed F20 and due in late 2011, will offer a tii version with a downsized twin-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine and a radically lighter body and chassis, we hear.

The 3-series tii

We'll see the facelifted 3-series this summer - with mild revisions to the lights and bonnet - but there is likely to be a tii model, too. Expect the brakes from the M3, 19in wheels, sports suspension and a new twin-clutch transmission. Again, though, a harder core tii is likely with the next 3-series, codenamed F30 and due in late 2011.

Q&A with Norbert Reithofer

CAR: In Tokyo, BMW showed a vision for a 1-series coupe with tii genes. Fact or fiction?
Reithofer: 'The response was positive. Expect to see tailormade tii packages in the very near future.'

Q: But the original tii was much more than a cosmetic equipment package...
A: 'True. On the other hand, the 135i already plays kind of a tii role within the 1series.'

Q: What about an even stronger M1 as new top-of-the-line version?
A: 'It´s not in the plan.'

Q: The tii approach epitomises core brand values for BMW. Are your smallest models most likely to get the tii treatment first?
A: 'In terms of sportiness and vehicles dynamics, both the 1- and the 3-series are already well positioned.'

Q: Isn't the danger that the tii suffix could be seen as just decorative? CAR thinks there should be substance to back up the badge...
A: 'I don´t disagree. But we need a bit more time - to define the evolution of the tii theme and to physically develop it.'

See 1-series concept tii pics here and proposed 3-series tii here

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.

[FSETH]

[quote=LeMansX5]


the next-gen 1-series, dubbed F20 and due in late 2011, will offer a tii version with a downsized twin-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine and a radically lighter body and chassis, we hear.

Now that could be interesting.

[Pentium]

good news... I loved the 1 Series from the first sight! and sure thing the tii Edition is gorgeous!

[PersonaNonGrata]

Good news but 2011 is too far away.

[Wagner]

Just don't price them like a sky rocket.....

[GUINNESS]

Originally Posted by Wagner

Just don't price them like a sky rocket.....

Hahahahahahahahahahaha.... oh that was funny. Thanks for the good laugh this morning


And of course, the all important question... will the 3tii have 4 doors

[Major04]

Originally Posted by Wagner

Just don't price them like a sky rocket.....

it's hard enough to keep the BMW running...she's making me want to get a 2nd job! Please let us know what the price range will be so, that I can start saving some $$$$