BMW 2002 hommage at 2016 concorso d'eleganza

BMW raises a glass to the 2002 turbo with an hommage at 2016 concorso d’eleganza
image courtesy of BMW

for the 2016 concorso d’eleganza villa d’este, BMW celebrated 50 years of the extraordinary feats of engineering behind the ‘2002 turbo’ with a re-imagined ‘2002 hommage’. ‘the eye-catching design of the BMW 2002 hommage employs a very dynamic, striking use of forms for its own take on what is, for me, one of the most iconic vehicles in BMW history,’ explains karim habib, head of design BMW to designboom. ‘at the same time, it encapsulates BMW’s major motor sport triumphs, which were made possible by turbo technology. as such, the hommage car brings together the past and future of BMW into a confident statement of unadulterated driving joy.’

the BMW ‘2002 hommage’ the villa d’este
image © designboom

the sporting silhouette of the BMW ‘2002 hommage’ lies low against the road. its compact proportions, complete with long wheelbase, short overhands and prominent sharp nose, promise a driving experience that thrills with irresistible dynamics and agility. aerodynamic details like the large spoilers at the front and rear team up with the profusion of air intakes to optimize airflow around the car and maximize downforce.

the prominent sharp nose

‘exactly 50 years ago, the 2002 range kick-started an era of success for BMW. this compact coupe is one of the vehicles which made the brand what it is today,’ explains adrian van hooydonk, senior vice president BMW design. ‘the 2002 sat at the top of the range and was the first series-produced car anywhere in europe to come with turbo technology. that set the seal on the coupe as a genuine sports car. at the same time, the 2002 turbo was at the technological vanguard of engine development at BMW. the BMW 2002 hommage is our way of raising a glass to all these achievements.’

the large spoilers at the front and rear team up with the profusion of air intakes

influenced by the signature chrome strip that rings the ‘2002’ in its day, a horizontal carbon band wraps itself around the shoulder line of the latest ‘hommage’ and splits the body visually into separate sections. the upper tranche of the roof, bonnet and boot lid have matt paintwork to prevent reflection of the sun’s rays – in a reference to racing cars before.

compact proportions, complete with a long wheelbase

the body’s lines here are minimalist, clearly drawn and flowing in nature. the lower section creates a definite contrast, with its high-gloss paintwork, very bold, sculptural surfaces and distinctive lines that infuse the flanks with a contemporary flavor and draw the eye to the driven rear wheels.

the upper tranche of the roof, bonnet and boot lid have matt paintwork

a particularly striking feature of the car’s flanks are the voluminously moulded wheel arches, which frame the body like four brackets and add stature. in the process, they recall the homologated verison of the BMW ‘2002 turbo’, which needed broad extensions bolted onto its body to accommodate a significantly wider track. BMW’s fresh interpretation of the BMW ‘2002’ adopts the form of a compact sports coupe in the classical tradition of BMW hommage cars and represents a clear statement of how pure driving pleasure is defined in 2016.