BMW 135i tii to go up against V8 supercar, F1 racer at Australian Grand Prix

[Jason]

PRESS RELEASE

BMW 135i Coupé Takes on the Big Guns at Australian Grand Prix

The heralded BMW 135i Coupé is set to take on the muscle of Albert Park at this year's 2009 Australian Grand Prix.

A specially equipped 135i Coupé, bearing the famed tii livery and featuring BMW Performance gear, will take part in the Ultimate Speed Comparison.

A race between a V8 Supercar, fully prepared BMW Sauber Formula 1 car and road going BMW 135i Coupé, the Ultimate Speed Comparison is a crowd favourite which pits three high performance forms of motoring against each other in a one lap race to the finish line.

The Ultimate Speed Comparison is held on five separate occasions during the race weekend. The event is run with a timed handicap, giving each car a chance at taking line honours.

The BMW 135i Coupé is fitted with a number of performance and cosmetic upgrades from the BMW Performance stable, which is renowned for a range of exclusive and dynamic sports accessories.

A full BMW Performance aerodynamic package, road holding suspension set up, cross drilled and weight saving brake package and BMW Performance 18" light-alloy wheels are fitted to the car.

Carbon fibre mirror covers and carbon fibre look bonnet with integrated roof and boot sports stripes, further accentuate the sporting character of this unique vehicle.

The 135i Coupé bears 'tii' decals front and rear to highlight the fascination of motorsport and heritage of the BMW brand.

Inspired by the famous BMW 02 model introduced in 1966, which in its time was acknowledged as the epitome of supreme agility and thrilling driving, the BMW 135i is also distinguished by its compact dimensions, low weight and perfect balance front-to-rear.

A powerful 6-cylinder twin turbo engine, generating 225 kW ensures the car can reach 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.

The pilot for the BMW 135i at this year's Ultimate Speed Comparison will be motoring journalist Paul Gover, who took the BMW M Coupé through its paces at last year's event.

Christian Klien will be at the helm of the BMW Sauber F1 race car, while Greg Murphy will take on both BMW's in his V8 Supercar.

BMW has taken part in the Ultimate Speed Comparison since its inception.

"BMW is pleased to support this fantastic spectacle," says Tom Noble, General Manager Marketing, BMW Group Australia.

"The Ultimate Speed Comparison has proven to be a particularly popular segment on the Grand Prix schedule and perfectly embodies 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' claim," he says.

Over its short time in the market, the BMW 135i Coupé has claimed a number of coveted awards, such as the 2008 Drive Car of the Year (Best Sports Car over $60,000) and Australia's Best Cars, Best Sports Car 2008 taking on the likes of many exotic high performance sports vehicles.

Unlike the F1 car or V8 Supercar, Australians can purchase the BMW 135i including the BMW Performance parts fitted.

A comprehensive range of BMW Performance components is available exclusively through the BMW dealer network.

All BMW Performance components reflect the BMW brand in their technology, design, quality and safety.

Ultimate Speed Comparison times:
11.40am Thursday 26 March
4.25pm Thursday 26 March
2.15pm Friday 27 March
1.00pm Saturday 28 March
1.10pm Sunday 29 March

[elciddragon]

Thats sounds pretty sweet. I hope someone posts this up on you tube shortly after it happens. I also can't wait to see the race itself...with all of the rule changes it is set up to be a thrilling season!

[raisemyrent]

I know! but they went a bit crazy lately... that, Brawn GP, McLaren in rough shape, Alonso widl card, return of slicks, KERS, man! Last time I checked, there were 35 days left, and now it's like, next week! Formula 1 is it!

Back to topic, this would be amazing.... WHAT is the V8 supercar, an M3?

[gtaday51]

Originally Posted by raisemyrent

I know! but they went a bit crazy lately... that, Brawn GP, McLaren in rough shape, Alonso widl card, return of slicks, KERS, man! Last time I checked, there were 35 days left, and now it's like, next week! Formula 1 is it!

Back to topic, this would be amazing.... WHAT is the V8 supercar, an M3?

The 3 is a very good sports car, but a supercar it is not. Off the top of my head it is most likely an F430, but it may be an R8, or a ZR1.

[e90ron]

a v8 supercar is a car from the aussie version of NASCAR.

[oldman]

Aussie V8 Supercar

[blklacker]

I hope they have some good Rubber on the Tii

[lib]

Originally Posted by blklacker

I hope they have some good Rubber on the Tii

if you learn that they're using runflats we'll need to have some of our Aussie friends lay out spike strips.

[Alext]

Should sneak in a JB3

[The__J__Factor]

Thats cool they are doing it again, i read last month they held an event and chose the Z4 M again over the 1 series because the z4 M was still the better track car. Looks like they are redoing it now with a properly built up 1 series.
The v8 Supercars are an Australian racing series. Built from our commodores and falcons, they swap out the normal v8 engines and run race based 5ltr engines which make around 650-680hp. And unlike NASCAR these things can actually handle well and race on proper tracks.
Last time the F1 car wins, then the v8 supercar then the road car. F1 just so damn fast.

[OOOSQ]

Can't wait

[blklacker]

Originally Posted by lib

if you learn that they're using runflats we'll need to have some of our Aussie friends lay out spike strips.

comedy

[Bimmer Nerd]

Originally Posted by Alext

Should sneak in a JB3

haha that wouldn't hurt !!!

[soupy]

Originally Posted by Alext

Should sneak in a JB3

It'll probably go into limp mode in that Australian GP weather

[ktdw]

Originally Posted by Jason

[U][B] The event is run with a timed handicap

It was cool until I read that. I'd rather lose on a level playing field than win with a handicap.

[gtaday51]

Originally Posted by oldman

Aussie V8 Supercar

Ohh I get it now. I've seen coverage of these races on Speed here in the States. Didn't realize it was called V8 Supercar. Those guys actually can drive a road course. Unlike when NASCAR goes to Infineon. I'm so happy that its ALMS time here.

[Alext]

The last time it was a BMW z4 M coupe that ran if my memory serves me correctly

[trancenation]

They shouldn't refer to this particular car as a tii because the original tii didn't have twin turbos or in fact any at all.

[UsualSuspect]

Originally Posted by oldman

Aussie V8 Supercar

V8 Supercars themselves are loosely based on either the Ford Falcon or Holden Commodore.

[Tallest]

its gonna be humiliated....

[Cris]

Originally Posted by The__J__Factor

Last time the F1 car wins, then the v8 supercar then the road car. F1 just so damn fast.

There's no way the V8 Supercar and our beloved 135i could keep up with a Formula One race car, but it'd still be an awesome event to see.

[Coach]

It's an awesome display of speed. I attended the Australian GP two years ago and the demo was awesome. The point is to show how fast the V8 SC and F1 car are compared to a fast street car.

The V8 SC's were great and the locals go NUTZ over them. Marcus Ambrose, among others, is one of the reasons I occasionally tune into NASCAR. Don't tell anyone please