May 27, 2016 – The BMW Group has created a very special car for this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este to pay tribute to one of the most significant models in its history. First and foremost, the BMW 2002 Hommage celebrates the extraordinary feats of engineering behind the BMW 2002 turbo – and re-imagines them as a design study for our times.
“Exactly 50 years ago, the 02 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 Group 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 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,” says Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles. “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 sporting silhouette of the BMW 2002 Hommage lies low against the road. Its compact proportions, long wheelbase, short overhangs and prominent “shark nose”, promise a thrifully dynamic and agile driving experience. Aerodynamic details like the large spoilers at the front and rear team up with the profusion of air intakes to optimise airflow and maximise downforce.
The upper tranche of roof, bonnet and boot lid has matt paintwork to prevent reflection of the sun’s rays – in a reference to racing cars of the past. 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 flavour and draw the eye to the driven rear wheels. The Space Race Metal paintwork drapes itself over the BMW 2002 Hommage like liquid metal.
A particularly striking feature of the car’s flanks are the moulded wheel arches, which frame the body like four brackets and add stature, reminiscent of the BMW 2002 turbo. 20-inch light-alloy wheels in bi-colour design round off the styling as the car meets the road.
The large front apron, a stylistic nod to those models of the 1970s, shortens the visual distance between the BMW 2002 Hommage and the road. Together with the car’s wide, sporting stance, this technically innovative, forward-thinking design sends out a message of top-class handling flair through fast corners.
The rear-end design of the BMW 2002 Hommage also calls on elements of the 2002 turbo. The horizontal sub-division of the car’s generous surfaces and its clear lines make a width-emphasising and dynamic statement, laced with modern feel. The form of the rear lights is inspired by the same historical blueprint. The BMW logo to the right of the license plate between the two rear lights is likewise a characteristic element of 02 rear styling. A carbon diffuser integrates the now familiar two sets of twin exhaust tailpipes and wraps up the rear styling with a sporting flourish.
BMW’s fresh interpretation of the BMW 2002 adopts the form of a compact sports coupe in the classical tradition of BMW Hommage cars. But more than that, the BMW 2002 Hommage represents a clear statement of how pure driving pleasure is defined in 2016.
