Tii Reborn
 RebornIt’s ironic that just as we were
compiling a buying guide to the
classic 2002 up popped a piece of
retro marketing in the shape of the
Concept 1 Series tii show car.
When BMW previewed the concept to
us the day before the show, a couple of
journalists skulking at the back were
heard to make cracks about mechanical
fuel injection but the rebirth of the famous
tii badge – officially denoting ‘Touring
International Injection’ back in the ’70s –
is more about developing a sporting range
outside the expensive M cars.
BMW wouldn’t be drawn on the engine
used in the concept but it’s likely to be a
highly tuned four-pot in the vein of the
original M3’s S14 motor, rather than
a mammoth V8. One of the most likely
candidates is in fact the four-cylinder
found in the short-lived 320si.
The lightweight carbon fibre bonnet
features fins reminiscent of the classic
CSL, while retro striping and meshed
grilles complete the motorsport theme.
The Series tii rides on 18-inch wheels,
with the two-tone interior reflecting
the outside graphics. BMW wouldn’t be
drawn on whether the tii is slated for
production, but just remember that most
of their recent concepts have appeared in
showrooms before too long. |
