The BMW Group has created something very special for this year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este to honour one of the most important models in its history. First and foremost, the BMW 2002 Hommage honours the outstanding engineering achievements on which the BMW 2002 turbo was based - and brings them back to the fore in the form of a contemporary design study.
"Exactly 50 years ago, the 02 series marked the beginning of an era of success for BMW. The compact coupe was an iconic vehicle in the brand's successful history," explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. "The 2002 established itself at the top of the range and was the first mass-produced car in Europe with turbo technology, epitomising the authentic, sporty character of the coupe. At the same time, the 2002 turbo led the way in the technological development of BMW engines. With the BMW 2002 Hommage we celebrate all these achievements."
A promise of pure driving pleasure.
"The BMW 2002 Hommage uses dynamic design forms, interpreting in its own way one of the most iconic vehicles in BMW's history," comments Karim Habib, Head of Design at BMW Automobiles. "At the same time, it captures important BMW triumphs in motorsport due to turbo technology. Hommage thus dynamically combines BMW's past and future as it promises a genuine driving pleasure."
The BMW 2002 Hommage's low-slung sporty silhouette and compact dimensions, combined with its long wheelbase, short headlights and prominent 'shark nose', promise an exciting driving experience with irresistible dynamism and agility. Aerodynamic details such as large front and rear spoilers are combined with an abundance of air vents to optimise airflow around the car and maximise aerodynamic pressure in all conditions.
Historical details in a modern version.
Inspired by the distinctive chrome stripe that framed the 02 in its day, a horizontal strip of carbon fibre 'hugs' the shoulders of the BMW 2002 Hommage and visually divides the body into independent sections. The upper part of the roof, bonnet and boot are matted to prevent the sun's rays from reflecting - reminiscent of the racing cars of a bygone era. The body lines are minimalist, 'clean' and flowing. The lower section creates a stark contrast with a high-gloss paint finish, very bold, embossed surfaces and distinctive lines that give the ribs a contemporary feel and draw the eye to the rear, driving wheels. Space Race Metal paint wraps the BMW 2002 Hommage like liquid metal. In matte and glossy textures, light metallic blue sometimes creates a shimmering iridescent blue appearance, while at other times grey tones predominate, depending on the incidence of light. This play of paint with light gives the surface a dynamic sense of depth. The entire bodywork oozes power and energy.
A particularly impressive feature on the sides of the car is the massive wheel arches that hug the body like four sturdy 'arms'. Somewhere, they are reminiscent of the BMW 2002 turbo version, which needed wide extensions bolted to the bodywork for the specifications of a much wider metatrack. The Hommage nicely incorporates this detail into the specially designed panels. Aerodynamic surfaces and precisely sculpted lines embrace the dynamic wheel arches giving them a prominent role. Two-tone 20-inch alloy wheels complete the car's style at the touch of the road. The modern look of these machined polycarbonate wheels is reminiscent of racing wheels of a different era, while gold calipers with the M emblem add a stamp of prestige.
Against a 50 year old BMW tradition.
The front end of the BMW 2002 Hommage exudes dynamism and confidence. Stylistically, it bridges 50 years of history by combining the characteristic, horizontal elements of the 02 series with contemporary BMW design. The front section is visually framed by protruding wheel arches. The wide track and lowered bodywork make up a large canvas on which to draw large surfaces. The lines and shape of the bonnet recall the characteristic 'lance' formed in the centre of the 02 models and framing the BMW emblem on the grille. Additional characteristic lines precisely separate the matt surfaces.
The central element of the front end is the familiar BMW grille. Here, it takes the form of a low, integrated unit that reinforces the design consistency with the historic model. Embossed, black double bars add refinement to the details of the wide grille. Like the BMW 2002, the BMW 2002 Hommage also features two single headlamps that define the striking front section. The headlamps are flanked by mirrors with a golden tint that deliberately alludes to the 'golden' 50th anniversary of the BMW 2002's launch. The mirrors also allude to the yellow tint of many race car headlights of that era. A continuous black stripe creates a suitable visual platform for the grilles and headlamps, brings together the styling elements of the front end and emphasises the car's wide and sporty stance. The more observant will also notice the turn signals, which - like the car's ancestor - are positioned independently of the headlamps and integrated into a wide strip (in carbon on the Hommage version) above them.
The large, front apron, a stylistic link to 1970s models, reduces the visual distance between the BMW 2002 Hommage and the road and highlights the driver-centric approach. Together with the car's wide, sporty stance, this technically innovative design bodes well for top-notch grip and reliable handling in fast corners. Now, as in the days when the BMW 2002 was in its glory, design excellence and turbo technology offer unparalleled enjoyment on race tracks, country roads and mountain passes. The turbo badges on the front apron and the "turbo" logo hark back to the early 2002 turbo stickers as does the exterior mirror cover on the driver's side. Carbon surfaces feature on the front apron and sills, while creating a technical, charming contrast with the body-coloured surfaces.
Aiming for the sporty style.
The rear design of the BMW 2002 Hommage brings to mind elements of the 2002 turbo. For example, the horizontal subdivision of the car's rich surfaces and clean lines emphasise the width and therefore suggest dynamism, combined with a modern feel. The shape of the rear lights is inspired by the same historical model. The almost rectangular headlamps define the rear section in terms of design. The crystal covers have a contemporary black-panel appearance and when the lights are on they reveal a view of the interior. When they are off, only a uniform black surface is visible. As at the front, this reinforces the impression of a strip wrapped around the car.
The BMW logo to the right of the license plate between the two tail lights is another feature of the 02. Muscular wheel arches define the rear section and highlight the wide track, while elaborate spoilers add a modern touch. A carbon fibre diffuser incorporates the now familiar twin exhaust outlets and gives the rear end a sporty dimension.
The new version of the BMW 2002 takes the form of a compact sports coupe in the classic BMW Hommage tradition. But beyond that, the BMW 2002 Hommage embodies the concept of genuine driving pleasure as defined in 2016.
