This is the BMW M1 Homage, a concept created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the M1 and designed as a tribute to the classic Giugiaro-designed BMW supercar. The M1’s predecessor, the BMW Turbo concept designed by Paul Bracq, has also been used as inspiration for the M1 Homage concept. Chris Bangle, director of design for BMW, said, “For a company as for a product, it is important to be aware of one’s roots. In the spirit of Giugiaro and Bracq, the M1 Homage unites the BMW values of design and technology in a highly emotive and exciting interpretation.”You can see more pictures of the Homage and original M1 here, but the similarities with the mid-engined BMW supercar are obvious. The colour cites the classic orange, though it’s received a vivid metallic finish for 2008; the twin logos at the rear, air vents in the bonnet and the louvres on the rear windscreen are also clearly inspired by the M1.Even the exterior dimensions of the Homage are the same as the original, as is the overall shape of the car, though it has a longer wheelbase. BMW is stressing that the M1 Homage is purely a design exercise and a tribute to the company’s heritage, and does not point towards any future models. It made its debut last weekend at the Concorso Villa d’Eleganza.
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Re: BMW pays homage to the M1
Couldn't disagree more guys. I'm the first to criticise Chris Bangle - what he did to the 7-series is unforgivable - but I love this beast. With broad shoulders, mean lights and awesome colour interpretation, I think it's a terrific fusion of past and present.
Re: BMW pays homage to the M1
I presume this will form the basis of an R8 rival. Amazingly it's already beaten the R8 in one area that I thought it could never be beaten, it's vile looks. Audi and BMW seem to be competing at just how vulgar they have to make their cars look before people will stop buying them.
Re: BMW pays homage to the M1
Spot on. I can see where they're coming from with the wheels, but the end result is pure pie-dish.