BMW 1-Series Concept tii

In the 1960s, BMW introduced the 2002 tii which made a mark on the motoring world, especially among motoring enthusiasts, with its supreme agility and thrilling, highly dynamic driving characteristics. The success formula for the model, which inspired many to take it racing, was its compact dimensions, low weight with perfect balance front-to-rear, as well as powerful engines conveying their superior muscle to the rear wheels.

That model remains in the memory of many BMW designers and inspired them to come up with a concept which takes up the traditional features and characteristics of successful BMW sportscars like the 2002 tii. Based on the new 1-Series Coupe, it is called the  Concept 1-Series tii and this design study adheres to the consistent evolution of BMW’s compact two-door with a clear focus on uncompromising sportiness. With its aerodynamically optimised body, a wide range of lightweight features serving to minimise the weight of the car and its axle load distribution, as well as an interior tailored specifically to the ambitious driver, this study clearly offers a high level of driving dynamics right from the start.

The Concept 1 Series tii brings out all the strengths of the 2002 tii and clearly demonstrates how much the development principles applied more than four decades ago are still most appropriate today in creating sports models truly fascinating in every respect.

The concept model combines visual features carried over from the past with the most advanced technology in development and production. Particularly the basic principle of the car rests on traditional values, while high-tech materials and applications are used in the implementation process. To save weight and ensure a harmonious balance of axle load, selected components  are made of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFP). Apart from the engine compartment lid and the mirror caps, the inlays on the side air intakes in the front air dam, the gurney flap on the rear lid, and the inlay in the rear bumper are all made of this extremely light and exceptionally strong material.

From a distance the components made of CFP would appear to be black but at closer sight, the fine carbonfibre structure of the surface covered by transparent, matt paintwork becomes visible. The dark surface of the CFP engine compartment lid reduces the reflection of sunlight and promotes driver concentration in the process. The wide, white sunglare strip at the top end of the windscreen serves the same purpose, preventing any dazzle effect when the sun is low on the horizon.

2002 tii (left) and 1-Series Coupe

The contrasting effect resulting from the Alpine White paintwork and the dark CFP components results from fundamental functional requirements but at the same time, this contrasting colour scheme is also a major styling feature characterising the look and appearance of the Concept 1 Series tii. Indeed, to really accentuate the appearance of the car, there are stripes extending from the front headlight units all the way to the airflow lip on the rear lid, the gurney made of CFP and particularly large in size covering the entire body of the car. On the engine compartment the stripes come in white, on the roof and the rear lid they continue in black.

A third colour is used at less exposed points to provide yet another optical highlight: This is the colour blue proudly displayed on the brake calipers, on one of the five wheel bolts on each rim, and on the towing fixture in the front air dam which – as is generally the case with cars in motorsport – is not covered by a cap or seal.

The contrast of black and white and the discreet use of features finished in blue creates a trinity of colours also taken up by the exterior and generating an extroverted but well-balanced effect also because the choice of colours is the same as on BMW’s logo, thus bearing clear testimony to a great heritage.

Of note is the well known BMW kidney grille which has a special design on Concept 1 Series tii, omitting the kidney grille bars otherwise found on the 1-Series Coupé and other production models. Instead, the cooling air flowing into the car goes through a wide honeycomb grid. Yet a further sign of distinction is the dark trim bars on the headlights additionally highlighting the striking dual round headlights behind clear glass so typical of BMW.

The 1-Series Coupé comes with all the proportions so characteristic of BMW Coupés for many decades. The defining feature is the so-called  three-box architecture, the clearly chiselled distinction between the engine compartment, the passenger cell, and the luggage compartment. Together with the greenhouse moved far to the back and the gently tapered roofline extending to the rear end at a striking angle, the long engine compartment lid gives the car a truly unmistakable silhouette. The combination of the muscular car body and the light-looking roof structure, finally, gives this compact two-door a particularly dynamic and sporting look from the side.

The interior of the Concept 1 Series tii is designed and laid out for the driver to experience pure driving pleasure, with the emphasis consistently on sporting qualities and performance. This is borne out, first, by the colour scheme carried over from the exterior and, second, by a wide range of features derived directly from motorsport and thus offering supreme function in perfect control and management of the car.

While the interior takes up the black-and-white contrast of the car’s exterior finish, the balance of colours is precisely the other way round. Like the dark CFP elements on the exterior, white-painted surfaces inside the car add highlights at a few carefully selected points – the grab handles on the doors and the spokes on the sports steering wheel. Even so, the visual effect created in this way is striking and powerful, since these features are not only important eye-catchers, but are actually used relatively often in practice.

The colour blue provides a clear focus on the driver within the interior, blue seat seams and a blue decal ring at the bottom of the gearshift lever knob providing visual highlights most befitting the BMW brand.

The interior design of is tailored specifically to the driver, applying principles known to offer an intense and successful driving experience also in motorsport.  Dominant use of dark colours within the interior, for example, makes it easier for the driver to concentrate fully on the road and the traffic around him. Finished in black alcantara, the instrument panel – like the dark engine compartment lid outside – helps efficiently to avoid any reflection of light which might impair the driver’s concentration.

The seats are yet another new development for sports motoring. Finished in a combination of alcantara and leather, the sports bucket seats offer perfect stability at the side. Further highlights are the integrated headrests and side airbags. And last but not least in this context, the rear passengers also enjoy a sporting and low seating position.