bmw m1

BMW’s supercar icon, the M1, blew out the candles at the Concorso d’Eleganza at
Villa d’Este this weekend. In honor of the car’s thirtieth birthday, BMW rolled
out the new BMW M1 Hommage, a concept/design study that pays tribute to the
original M1 and shows what could be possible if BMW were to produce a new mid-engined
sports car. Follow the jump for the breakdown.The BMW M1 Hommage blends a wide,
aggressive stance with intentionally retro/modern twists on the key visual
elements that defined Paul Bracq’s original BMW Turbo concept and the Giugiaro-designed
M1 homologation special that followed. It is instantly recognizable as an M1,
particularly in profile, where the M1 Hommage’s basic shape clearly mimics that
of its forebear. BMW’s stylists also incorporated similar nods the particulars
of the original, such as the louvered rear window; the badge placement in back;
the line extending aft from the side glass; and even the wheel design, which is
an exaggerated take on the ones you’ll find on the original road car. Poring
over the details of the Homage is akin to going on an Easter Egg hunt.

The greatest departure is seen in front, where BMW has given the M1 Hommage a
sinister, imposing face. Naturally, BMW’s prominent double-kidney grille is
front and center. Its joined by outboard intakes and a trapezoidal lower opening
designed to swallow and direct air for both cooling purposes and aerodynamic
effect. The car’s four round headlights lurk behind thin slits in the front
fascia, remaining essentially invisible until they’re illuminated — a tip of
the cap to the hideaway nature of the classic M1’s flip-up lamps.