BMW Vehicles

BMW celebrated 30 years of their beloved M1 at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este. And what better way to celebrate than to create a new concept car that is based off of and pays tribute to the M1. The M1 Hommage was created with a mixture of an aggresive and wide stance with a few modern design techniques.

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.