BMW M1 Homage Concept Revealed!

inventorspot.com ^ | 04/27/2008 | Staff

[Red Badger]

Back in the mid 1970's, BMW exploded into the Midship Engine realm with a sexy little car called the M1. It has since been laid to rest and been reflected upon with sadness and envy. Jump to 2008, and BMW has released a concept design that they are dubbing the "M1 Homage."

First off, BMW has made it very clear that this is a "concept design" and there are no "official" plans for production. However, keep in mind that there have also been rumors circulating that BMW was going to make a return to the Midship engine genre of supercars. If that turns out to be the truth, then this would be the perfect initiating step in that process.

The Homage is definitely built from design cues borrowed from the original. Sadly, there are no pictures of the interior or powerplant. One could assume however, that it would be either a cleaner diesel or a turbocharged small displacement V-6.

My only real issue with these images is that most of them look slightly computer generated. Not enough to completely write them off though. Anyone have an opinion?

[Slapshot68]

[decimon]

I see the pancake but where’s the rabbit?

[lesser_satan]

Nice, except for the wheels, which are hideous.

[Red Badger]

Here..........

[Red Badger]

They are recycled DirecTV dishes.....

[gridlock]

Definitely CGI, but that represents a little work, as well.

In a few years, they won’t bother with clay anymore. It will be CGI from the git-go.

[lesser_satan]

LOL!

[ecomcon]

First thing that comes to mind is late 60’s Hot Wheels.

[chrisser]

Anyone have an opinion?

Overall, I like it. Agree with lesser_satan on the hideousness of the wheels. IMHO, wheels can make or break an overall design and these have almost broken the concept. Something with some depth - perhaps offset into the rims - would work a lot better, IMHO.

Few more personal negatives: front end is just dorkey. What's with the gills in the hood? - the engine's in back. The louvres in back window look too 70s.

Overall, though, there's a lot of potential that a few refinements could turn into an instant classic. In general, the lines are pretty nice as are the proportions and stance. Be nice to see a side profile shot.

[driftdiver]

Certainly looks cool but over the last couple of years I’ve seen way too many BMW owners with broken cars to ever buy one.

Seems like 1 of every 2 BMWs I see on the highway is blowing smoke out the tail pipe.

[Red Badger]

Certainly looks cool but over the last couple of years I’ve seen way too many BMW owners with broken cars to ever buy one.

I'm shopping for one now......

[driftdiver]

Hey its your money, good luck. Like I said they certainly look impressive.

[antiRepublicrat]

Ugly rims make it look like a Hot Wheels car.

[Charles Martel]

In a few years, they won’t bother with clay anymore. It will be CGI from the git-go.

I think the recent Ford GT was done that way.

[grjr21]

Nice, except for the wheels, which are hideous.

 

They  remind me of a lid from a bicycle inner tube repair kit I had when I was a kid.

[Thermalseeker]

Looks like a Delorean on steriods.....

[Red Badger]

[chrisser]

More pics here:

http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/BMWM1homage/

[Syntyr]

Hey its a Hot Wheels Beemer...