2008 Chicago Auto Show: BMW

BMW displayed several previously shown concept and production vehicles at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. The Concept 1 Series tii and Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, along with diesel-powered variants of the 3-Series sedan and X5 SUV, were featured. The production version of the new-for-2009 X6 was also on the stand.

BMW Concept 1 Series tii

Concept BMW 1 Series tii

First shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, BMW's Concept 1 Series tii made its North American debut at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. Concept 1 tii is a motorsport-flavored design study based on BMW's 1-Series coupe. The "tii" in the concept model's name pays homage to the legendary BMW 2002tii coupe of the early 1970s.

The BMW Concept 1 Series tii utilizes a black and white color scheme with blue highlights inside and out--the same colors found in the BMW emblem. The Alpine white body features many unique components including the front air dam, body side sills, and rear bumper. A special gurney-flap rear spoiler is said to increase rear downforce. Several body pieces are made of unpainted carbon fiber including the hood, side mirror caps, and rear spoiler. Blue appears on the brake calipers and on one of each wheel's lug nuts.

The interior makes extensive use of dark colors, including the black Alcantara found on the dashboard, door panels, seat inserts, steering wheel, and shifter. White and blue are used as accents primarily on items only the driver interacts with like the tachometer face, steering wheel, and shifter.

BMW announced the Concept 1 Series tii will not enter production but is meant to demonstrate to customers that the 1 Series is an ideal platform for modifications and personalization. Elements unique to the concept car may be available individually.

Concept X6 ActiveHybrid

The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid made its North American debut at Detroit, and was also on display at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. Based on the new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, the Concept X6 ActiveHybrid mates a combustion engine with two electric motors. BMW claims fuel consumption is reduced by 20 percent compared to a similar X6 using only a combustion engine.

The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid uses the 2-Mode active transmission that was developed in cooperation with General Motors, Daimler, and Chrysler. The transmission integrates two electric motors and allows the vehicle to be driven by the combustion engine alone, solely on electric power, or any combination of the two for optimal fuel economy. This transmission is similar to the unit used in the hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

BMW did not release detailed specifications or production plans for the Concept X6 ActiveHybrid.

2008 Chicago Auto Show