Filed under: Concept Cars, Sports/GTs, Supercars, BMW
Sneak Peek! BMW M1 Concept at Villa d'Este
by Alex Nunez on Apr 26th 2008 at 7:17PM 
Click above to see more photos at Asphalte.ch
UPDATE: The BMW M1 Homage has now been officially unveiled! Click here for full coverage and a high-res gallery.
This year's Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este has its public day tomorrow, which is when the world will presumably get its first look at the new BMW M1 concept, a stunning, modern take on Munich's original supercar that is part of Bimmer's 30th anniversary celebration of the classic machine. The private exhibition took place today, however, and the guys at Asphalte.ch -- they were the first with live shots of the Lamborghini LP560-4 earlier this year -- have once again scored a coup, snapping the new, copper-colored M1 concept in all its glory, both alone and alongside its forebears. We expect to have a lot more on this car tomorrow (assuming a press kit will be released sometime overnight), but for now, head to Asphalte.ch to see more shots of the car under the lights. Hey BMW, just pull the trigger and greenlight a production version already, because this thing is awesome.
[Source & Photo: Asphalte.ch]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
HotRodzNKustoms 7:22PM (4/26/2008)
I like it a lot but it has almost a dated 80's concept car feel to me. But still sexy as all hell
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Zeus.:God 7:40PM (4/26/2008)
Who says thats a bad thing? ;)
Red 8:02PM (4/26/2008)
@ Zeus.:God
The Lamborghini Countach says it's a very bad idea. So does the Ferrari 348...
psarhjinian 8:53PM (4/26/2008)
Well, I've seen leg warmers, hoop earrings and skinny jeans come back, so why not concepts like this?
Heck, if gas gets much more expensive, maybe I'll see something akin to my old 86 Corolla's boxy lines (80hp and lovin' it!) once more in my driveway.
Personally, I'd take the clean sightlines, economy of design and low-mass of the 80s over the overfed, overpowered pillbox sleds pushed today, even if it meant going back to
Derek 10:33PM (4/26/2008)
@ Red, I can't decide if you are being sarcastic or not? The Gallardo (and all current Lambos) were fathered by the Countach while the Ferrari 430 is the current incarnation of the 348.
If BMW had kept on making the M1, I could see it looking like this today. I wan more photos.
Zeus.:God 10:31PM (4/26/2008)
Really? The Countach is one of my favorite cars of all time, and actually looks VERY good in my opinion, and the Ferrari 348- thats far less objective than either of those (this concept and the Countach).
I would have to say you have pretty bad taste in cars, but then again, thats just me.
Red 12:01AM (4/27/2008)
@ Derek and Zeus.:God
Don't get me wrong. I like the Countach. But despite being a Lamborghini, it's also commonly agreed upon as being one of the most tacky supercars ever. And after having sat in one, I have to agree. The rear wing is ridiculous and flimsy and I've always thought the interior paneling, while covered in leather looked very cheaply put together (poor fit and finish, but the seats are nice). There were far nicer Lambo's prior (I've always been partial to the Miura) and after (I have a soft spot for the Gallardo even though everybody seems to flock to the Murci).
Don't get me wrong. Man, were those cars quick. I had a couple Countach posters on my wall as a kid and I still like them for what they are. But I always thought the Diablo was the one to really drool over. It makes me sad to think that the Murcielago is apparently the last true hyper exotic in lieu of the upcoming changes being made around the world.
All I'm saying is, BMW designs better than this (although under Chris Bangle, I'm sure there are plenty of ya'll who'll disagree). If this were 1985, I'd be all over that M1 concept, but having to choose between THAT and an Audi R8, I know where my money would go in a heartbeat. That's all I'm saying.
SPG 2:26AM (4/27/2008)
To everyone commenting on the original M1 and other past supercars I should point somthing out.
Lamborgini did most of the design work for the original M1.
Countach was mentioned many times so pointing that out seemed necessary.
Aprime 7:23PM (4/26/2008)
I could've sworn the title was sarcastic, as it does look like an 80's/early 90's concept. :\
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.... 7:25PM (4/26/2008)
I don't think I'm a fan of BMW styling on a mid engine platform. Either that or this is just not my style...
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BAMF 4:03AM (4/27/2008)
You know, it would actually cool to have Lamborghini design the bodies like on the original.
SilverAero 7:34PM (4/26/2008)
I'm sure you could mod a fiero to look like that. I like it.
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bobfranks 7:39PM (4/26/2008)
It's funky looking, but I will take it!
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Chase 7:43PM (4/26/2008)
The wheels and color make it look like spiderman's car.
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talkingmonkey 7:44PM (4/26/2008)
i better hide my carrots, that thing looks angry
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3seriesisking 7:50PM (4/26/2008)
Really stunning. I was wondering whether or not they were going to unveil a remake concept this year to celebrate the anniversary so I'm glad they did. Any word on who was on the design team? Can't wait to see more about this beauty. Thanks for the coverage Autoblog.
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Alex Nunez 7:53PM (4/26/2008)
Thank the guys at Asphalte.ch. They snagged it today and gave us the heads-up. A huge tip of the cap goes to them.
I presume a full presskit will come out overnight or tomorrow morning, so we should have all the details tomorrow -- hopefully in time for your morning coffee.
Mike 8:23PM (4/26/2008)
Agreed! That looks great. I hope they follow through with this concept. The car that started it all is still living in the form of the ///M cars but BMW is primed and ready to take it back to the super car level...
3seriesisking 8:45PM (4/26/2008)
Thanks Alex.
And my hat most certainly goes off to the folks at Asphalte.ch
The updated info. would certainly be welcome as soon as it becomes available.
Andrew 1:42PM (4/27/2008)
Agreed, this thing is absolutely amazing.