Cernobbio, Italy - BMW's highlight at the 2016 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este was to pay tribute to one of the most significant models in its history: the 2002 turbo.
Shown for the first time, the BMW 2002 Hommage, according to the BMW celebrates the extraordinary feats of engineering behind the company's first 2002 turbo – and re-imagines them as a design study for our times.
Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice-president BMW Group Design said: "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.
'Unmistakable shark nose'
"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 2002 Hommage has compact proportions, a long wheelbase, short overhangs and the firm's unmistakable “shark nose”. BMW says aerodynamic details like the large spoilers at the front and rear team up with the profusion of air intakes to optimise airflow around the car and maximise downforce in every driving situation.
It's clear to see from the window lines that the Hommage is concept uses the current 2-Series as a base, however the rest of the vehicle is a throwback to the original 2002. It's evident from the rear-styling, wrap-around shoulderline and different colour wheels that it does indeed pay Hommage.
BMW claims the 2002 turbo was the first series-produced turbocharged car in Europe when it was launched in the late seventies.
BMW was mum on which engine powers the Hommage concept, but reports said it's based on the recently-launched M2. Nice!