BMW 2002 Hommage Concept Car

BMW is paying tribute to its iconic 2002 coupe with a new concept known as the 2002 Hommage. The BMW 2002 Hommage will debut at this year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Specifically, the 2002 Hommage was created to celebrate the high-performance 2002 Turbo. Launched in 1973, the 2002 Turbo was BMW's first turbocharged model and also had the distinction of being the first regular production car from Europe to use turbo technology. "Exactly 50 years ago, the 02 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," explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. "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." Styling for the 2002 Hommage is essentially a modern take on the original 2002's lines. Up front that means two distinctive round headlights with turn signals located separately just above. Note the the golden light surrounds to mark the 2002's 50th anniversary. An aggressive front spoiler is intended to mimic the unit found on the 2002 Turbo. And, of course, the 2002 Hommage wears BMW's signature kidney grille. In profile the 2002 Hommage isn't quite as boxy as its forefather, but the coupe retains a classic three-box layout. Like the original, the 2002 concept uses flared fender to accommodate a wide rear track. Whereas the 2002 featured chrome strip along its shoulder line, the 2002 Hommage uses a carbon fiber strip to separate the car into two sections. The rear of the concept features rectangular taillights inspired by the units used on the 2002 Turbo. In a nod to modern M cars, the 2002 Hommage has four exhaust pipes exiting the rear of the car. The 2002 concept car is finished off in Space Race Metal, which changes from a blue to grey, depending on the lighting condition. Designers contrasted the concept's body work with both high-gloss and matte paint finishes. Somewhat ironically for a concept vehicle paying tribute to a car that was all about its engine, BMW didn't reveal what lies beneath the 2002 Hommage's hood. (leftlanenews)