BMW tii models are go

By Georg Kacher

02 April 2008 17:06

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.'

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics X5 and M3 Convertible

By James Foxall

Motor shows & events

05 March 2008 14:20

What’s new on BMW’s Geneva Motor Show stand?

It’s significant that of two debuts on BMW’s stand one is an X5 derivative. The other is the M3 Convertible.

For the first time this model features a folding hard top but it also pioneers BMW’s seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission that will come on all M3s from now on.

The show also marks the debut of BMW Performance, the firm’s in-house accessory line. Shown off on a white 123d with carbon fibre bonnet, mirrors and rear spoiler it’s a lot more tasteful than it sounds as BMW tries to muscle in on Schnitzer and Alpina territory.

But BMW’s main emphasis is on its EfficientDynamics fuel saving technology. And that’s where the Vision EfficientDynamics X5 comes in.

Fitted with a two-litre oil burner BMW claims it’s the world’s first diesel to have more than 100bhp per litre. Performance is further boosted by a 15kW electric motor. And it’s got solar panels on its roof to generate energy used to pre-heat the transmission fluid before starting.

CAR highlight

Hidden at the back of the stand is the beautiful CS Concept from last year’s Shanghai Motor Show. A design to rival the Mercedes CLS a production model will appear once BMW has figured out how to make it visually true to the concept while ensuring it’s an involving drive.

What were they thinking?

With its awkward roof line proving a real challenge to the eye the X6 could be a case of a niche too far.

In a nutshell

Purveyor of the Ultimate Driving Machine is trying to convince people it’s selling the Ultimate Green Machine.

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics

By Tim Pollard

First official pictures

22 February 2008 00:01

BMW has already scooped CAR’s green award for its Efficient Dynamics eco package being rolled out onto its current range. But at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the Bavarians will unveil their vision for the next generation.

Dubbed Vision Efficient Dynamics, it’s an X5 equipped with the latest gizmos to reduce the amount of fuel you put into the tank and the gases pumped out of the exhaust. It’s powered by a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel with a mild hybrid pack and sporting an array of fuel-saving technology.

BMW X5 Vision Efficient Dynamics: an eco angel

The X5 concept showcases BMW’s new eight-speed gearbox and even has roof-mounted solar panels to top up the battery. The company claims it’s enough to make the X5 (only a show idea at this stage, remember) the cleanest large 4x4 in the world, averaging 43.5mpg combined and emitting 172g/km of CO2

It’s not all dull, however. Thanks to the twin-turbo diesel, the X5 develops more than 100bhp per litre and sprints to 62mph in a scant 8.9 seconds. Quoting such performance figures on an eco car does make you wonder how much longer we’ll all trot out acceleration sprint times, though…

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics: the tech

The familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel is a classic illustration of downsizing. Usually, full-size SUVs like the X5 use six or eight-cylinder power, but twin-turbocharging allows the engineers to use a much smaller capacity engine without losing the performance expected of a sporty 4x4.

It delivers 201bhp and 295lb ft of twist from just 2000rpm. Here’s where it gets interesting. Under acceleration, the mild hybrid system chips in with a further 155lb ft of torque; the Vision Efficient Dynamcis uses a compact generator mounted directly onto the gearbox.

Don’t waste the brakes!

As on today’s Efficient Dynamics models, the alternator only charges when coasting, meaning it’s not drawing power from the engine under load. Lithium-ion batteries in the boot store the power for the electric motor, and they’re trickle charged by 1.0sq m of solar panels built into the roof. This power is also used to pre-heat the diesel fuel, helping to warm the engine from start-up when it produces the most noxious emissions.

ZF’s new eight-speed gearbox is a production cert for BMW, and is designed to deliver more economical gearchanges, while the new 19-inch wheels on this concept car are designed to be aero friendly. BMW claims the spokes are so efficient at carving the air, it’s said to be worth one horsepower at 100mph. A baffling claim, but one that Munich reckons will do its own small bit to cut emissions.