BMW M1 Concept

A particular forte of BMW Group Design is to draw on its own powerful history and actively feed this into the design of the future. The BMW M1 Homage is a design study in the tradition of a BMW Turbo that represents a contemporary take on the BMW M1 and the mid-engine concept. The BMW M1 was an utterly uncompromising super sports car oozing passion. Its fore-runner, the BMW Turbo by Paul Bracq, displayed innovative technical solutions and attractive design. It is precisely this blend - of technology and design, rationality and passion - that the BMW M1 Homage embodies. It presents an exciting and authentic interpretation of the BMW M1 and the mid-engine concept from a present day perspective. Unquestioningly it takes up the graphic play of the hallmark BMW M1 colours black and orange and interprets them anew.

The liquid orange paintwork exclusively developed for the BMW M1 Homage cites the classic BMW M1 colour, yet surprises with its powerfully iridescent colour and brilliant depth. Mention the BMW M1, and another feature that immediately springs to mind are the characteristic twin logos at the rear, on the right and left edge above the tail lights. For BMW, this particular arrangement of its emblems has always signalled a mid-engined model. In the development stage of the BMW M1 this dual emblem was the first styling element to be approved even before the initial sketches were drawn. Likewise, it was confirmed from the outset that the BMW M1 Homage would feature the same twin badges. Other specific styling cues taken from the BMW M1 are the air vents in the bonnet and the louvres on the rear windscreen, as well as the black cutline dividing the roofline from the rear section of the body.

Overall, the exterior dimensions of the BMW M1 Homage are in keeping with those of the BMW M1; only the extended wheelbase indicates a larger passenger cell. The BMW M1 Homage consciously opts for BMW's characteristic proportions - a relatively long engine compartment, clearly defined transition into the A-pillar, and a stretched window line featuring the "Hofmeister" kink. The horizontal flow of lines lowers the car's visual centre of gravity and lends it an air of sovereignty. The front-end styling of the BMW M1 Homage adopts many of the graphic design themes of the BMW M1: the contrast between the black, recessed surfaces and the car colour, the small, squat kidney grille and the "invisible" headlamps.