1968 BMW 2002 Ti Group 2
Brand
BMW
Year
1968
Country
Germany
Generation
02 Series
1968 BMW 2002 Ti Group 2
Brand
BMW
Year
1968
Country
Germany
Generation
02 Series
About this car
Discover the history
The 1968 BMW 2002 Ti Group 2 is a motorsport-focused version of BMW’s iconic 2002, developed for Group 2 touring car racing. This model is a key part of BMW’s motorsport history and helped establish the brand’s reputation for building high-performance compact sedans. The 2002 Ti Group 2 was engineered to compete in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) and various other racing series, where it became a formidable competitor thanks to its lightweight design, agile handling, and potent engine.
The BMW 2002 series was initially introduced as a sporty, compact sedan in the late 1960s, and the Ti (Turismo Internazionale) version featured a more powerful engine, making it popular among enthusiasts. The 2002 Ti Group 2 version, built to meet the Group 2 touring car regulations, took this performance to the next level. Group 2 regulations allowed for extensive modifications to production cars for racing, including improvements to the engine, suspension, and aerodynamics, while retaining the car’s basic structure.
Under the hood, the 2002 Ti Group 2 was equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine. In race trim, this engine was highly tuned to produce up to 200 horsepower, a significant increase from the road-going 2002 Ti’s output of around 120 hp. The engine used twin Weber carburetors for improved fueling, a higher compression ratio, and upgraded internals to withstand the rigors of racing. This level of power in such a lightweight chassis made the 2002 Ti Group 2 incredibly quick, particularly on tight and twisty circuits.
The chassis of the 2002 Ti Group 2 was also extensively modified for racing. The suspension was stiffened with upgraded springs and shock absorbers, allowing for precise handling and improved cornering stability. The car was lowered, and wider wheels and tires were fitted to increase grip. The braking system was upgraded with larger disc brakes to handle the increased speeds and stresses of racing.
A key part of the 2002 Ti Group 2’s appeal was its lightweight construction. Many of the car’s body panels were replaced with lighter materials such as aluminum or fiberglass, and non-essential interior components were removed to reduce weight. These modifications, combined with the powerful engine, gave the car an excellent power-to-weight ratio, making it highly competitive in its class.
Visually, the 2002 Ti Group 2 retained the boxy, functional design of the production 2002 but was often fitted with flared wheel arches, a front spoiler, and other aerodynamic modifications to improve stability at high speeds. Racing liveries and sponsor decals added to its aggressive look on the track.
The BMW 2002 Ti Group 2 enjoyed considerable success in touring car racing during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It competed in the ETCC and various national touring car championships, often going up against rivals such as the Alfa Romeo GTA and Ford Escort. Its combination of nimble handling, strong power delivery, and lightweight construction made it a favorite among drivers and fans alike.