Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW M1 Hommage
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.
[Source: BMW]
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.There appears to be no interior, and BMW doesn't even bother mentioning specific powertrain possibilities. The M1 Hommage is strictly a design exercise meant to celebrate an icon, but it also reminds us that Munich can do the supercar thing, too. Maybe one day it will again.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
yes yes yes @ Apr 27th 2008 8:49AM
Make it production or I won't stop crying!
Bryant @ Apr 27th 2008 2:19PM
I just want the engine hooked up to a single wheel. The rims look like awesome cheese graters.
Chase @ Apr 27th 2008 8:50AM
I was waiting for a picture of the rear. I'm glad I waited, because the rear is definitely the best part. I love the two badges, and all of the lines are wonderful.
.... @ Apr 29th 2008 10:57AM
I agree
Mike @ Apr 27th 2008 9:06AM
Looks like a buck-toothed hillbilly.
I can't get past that in the front, but I love the rest of it.
tom @ Apr 29th 2008 7:13AM
damn you, now that you've said it, I can't stop seeing it as well
Torrent @ Apr 27th 2008 6:08PM
Is it possible to re-un-dislike a car brand? because this BMW looks like a crackhead Bugs Bunny. Someone go hide the carrots.
Glen @ Apr 27th 2008 6:36PM
I just threw up in my mouth a little.
r0c5t4r @ Apr 28th 2008 5:29PM
Agreed 127423 percent. The front is a little hard to get past but the rear is awesome!
User @ Apr 28th 2008 11:26PM
This car is like Tron cool... Too bad Tron isn't cool.
The back is alright but the dual logos are a little corny.
easyrider425 @ Apr 27th 2008 9:16AM
Well it certainly looks like the original.
Wonder what would be in it M3 V8? M5 V10? turbo six? turbo 8?
Ignacio @ Apr 27th 2008 9:23AM
Looks like a 1980's concept car....nasty....
John R @ Apr 27th 2008 9:31AM
Wheels could use some work. Otherwise the front looks okay (it looks like they put it together in 15min), the back looks 3x better.
fred hegel @ Apr 27th 2008 9:45AM
Where are the real photos? All I see are renders.
Alex Nunez @ Apr 27th 2008 10:01AM
These are the real photos, taken at Villa d'Este.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Apr 27th 2008 10:45AM
They're clearly renders, even if they are official.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Apr 27th 2008 10:50AM
Hmm. Despite the all-wrong lighting, it seems from the pics in the article below that it is a real concept, not just a render. I guess the ridiculous lighting that lights the inside of the right rear rim for example was done with spotlights and such instead of a computer.
George @ Apr 27th 2008 11:08AM
It looks like CG to me. The lighting and textures are what give it away. Glad to see others noticed it too.
Alex Nunez @ Apr 27th 2008 11:10AM
Guys, this isn't CG. These were taken yesterday at Villa d'Este. You can see all the lighting setups in the pics captured by other websites that were at the event. They've obviously been post-processed, but these are CG renders. This is the actual study.
Sean @ Apr 27th 2008 11:11AM
if they're renders you gotta explain the photos on the other post too.