BMW used the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on Italy’s Lake Como to reveal its eighth and latest tribute vehicle, the BMW 2002 Hommage. Based on the current M2 model, this striking one-off celebrates the 50th anniversary of the original BMW 2002, a hot coupe that Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, notes played a pivotal role in establishing the brand’s presence.
“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.”
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To emphasize its links to the past, the boldly sculpted exterior of the BMW 2002 Hommage incorporates modern interpretations of numerous styling cues found on the original 2002. Finished in matte and gloss Space Race Metal that shifts from light metallic blue to gray, the 2002 Hommage flanks its twin kidney grille with single headlamps found on the original, although here they’re surrounded by gold reflectors to symbolize the car’s 50th anniversary status. Oversized wheel arches reprise the extended flares on the wide-track 2002 turbo competition model, although this time around they house even-larger 20-inch rolling stock wrapped around light alloy rims. At the rear, a classic BMW Roundel logo sits to the right of the license plate as it did in the original. However, the bolt-on decklid spoiler has been supplanted by an integrated alternative on the 2002 Hommage, which also features a more aggressive rear diffuser set off by dual paired exhaust outlets.
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“The eye-catching design of the BMW 2002 Hommage employs a very dynamic, striking use of forms for its own take on what is, for me, one of the most iconic vehicles in BMW history,” says Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles. “At the same time, it encapsulates BMW’s major motor sport triumphs, which were made possible by turbo technology. As such, the Hommage car brings together the past and future of BMW into a confident statement of unadulterated driving joy.”
In addition to unveiling the new 2002 Hommage, BMW used the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2016 to showcase its entire collection of Hommage vehicles – both cars and motorcycles – for the first time at a single event. Last year, the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage made its world debut here.
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