German car maker BMW presented the BMW M1
at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa D'Este, a modern concept car version of the
super sports car, to mark its 30th anniversary, dpa
reported.
Instantly recognisable as an MI, the BMW M1 Homage Car has the same
aggressive front design. The headlamp-design is a new interpretation of the
retractable headlights of the BMW M1. Like the lamps on the historic model,
those on the BMW M1 Homage are only visible when switched on. When not in use
they are discreetly integrated into the front-end design and
"disappear" into the recessed black cutline, almost like pop-up
headlights.
The original M1 was designed by Giorgio Giugiaro as a car of the superlative
with distinctive racing car features and technological features years ahead of
its time.
"For BMW, heritage is always also a living heritage. Drawing inspiration
from your own past and thereby reinventing yourself - that is exactly what the
BMW M1 Homage demonstrates in impressive style," said Dr Klaus Draeger,
BMW Group Board Member, Development.
The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este was described by BMW as the ideal
backdrop for the BMW M1 Homage with unique classics from the past meeting the
concept cars and design studies of the future.
The mid-engine concept is carried through to the concept but BMW is
keeping quiet about the power unit. The original M1 was powered by a 3.5-litre
six cylinder 277 horsepower engine.
Also taking cues from the original are the black and orange colours, the
concept paintwork is in "Liquid Orange" exclusively developed for the
BMW M1 Homage, highlighting the interplay of convex and concave surfaces.
Ludwig Willisch, head of BMW's "M" division is cautious about the possibility
of producing the concept. "We have to earn money and producing just 436
units like in the past would not be sufficient," he says.