BMW's M-Series Concept Car Saga From 1972 to Date

Unique ONES - In 1972, BMW unveiled a groundbreaking automotive creation, the BMW E25 Turbo Concept. This innovative vehicle was designed to celebrate the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich and was the brainchild of the talented French designer Paul Bracq. The E25 Turbo Concept featured distinctive gullwing doors and was constructed on a modified 2002 chassis, boasting a mid-mounted engine.

Legends meeting at Lake Como in 2008: BMW M1 Hommage, BMW M1 und BMW Turbo. (Picture from: BMW)

Little did the world know that this concept car would eventually pave the way for the iconic BMW M1, which was introduced six years later in 1978. The BMW M1, with its body code E26, holds a special place in the heart of automotive enthusiasts as it remains the only car dedicated solely to the BMW ///M (Motorsport) division, renowned for its high-performance vehicles.

1972 BMW E25 Turbo Concept is built on a BMW 2002 modified chassis also powered by a 2,000 cc 4-cylinder engine. (Picture from: Motor1)

Interestingly, the BMW M1 wasn't a product solely crafted by BMW. Instead, it was the result of a collaborative effort between BMW, Italdesign, and Lamborghini. This unique partnership birthed a sports car that left an indelible mark on the world of high-performance automobiles in limited numbers of only 453 units.

The BMW M1 featured with E26 body code, holds a special place in the heart of enthusiasts as it remains the only car dedicated solely to the BMW ///M (Motorsport) division, renowned for its high-performance vehicles. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Fast forward to 2008, and BMW enthusiasts were treated to another spectacular creation – the BMW M1 Hommage. This supercar concept was conceived by the BMW Group Design division to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the BMW M1's existence. The BMW M1 Hommage served as a testament to the exceptional competence, creativity, and potential of the BMW Group Design team.

The BMW M1 Hommage was conceived by the BMW Group Design division to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the BMW M1's existence. (Picture from: BMW)

This concept car seamlessly blended emotional design with cutting-edge technological innovation, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing masterpiece. Its futuristic design, characterized by bold contours on the sleek body, instantly appealed to speed enthusiasts worldwide. The elongated engine compartment, the well-defined transition into the A pillar, and the gracefully extending window line terminating in a "Hofmeister" arch all contributed to its unmistakable BMW identity. The horizontal lines running through the car gave the impression of a lower center of gravity, ensuring maximum control for the driver.

BMW’s M performance car division is developed the BMW Vision M NEXT, a two-seater plug-in hybrid coupe known as long sought-after successor to the 41-year-old M1 supercar. (Picture from: Autocar)

Several iconic elements from the original BMW M1 design were retained, including the distinctive air vents on the hood, the rear window grille, and the black cutting line that elegantly separated the roof from the rear. Unfortunately, the M1 Hommage never made it to mass production; it remained a tantalizing concept, a glimpse into what could have been. Around four years ago, in 2019, BMW teased its dedicated fan base with the BMW Vision M Next. Regrettably, this exciting project never materialized due to constrained development costs.

With the introduction of electric car models like the BMW Vision Neue Klasse into their production lineup, BMW has definitively concluded the era of conventional internal combustion engined vehicles. (Picture from: TopGear)

Beside that the dreams of equipping the supercar concept with a powerful V8, V10, or V12 petrol engine seem distant, given BMW's official decision to discontinue conventional internal combustion engines in 2022. Moreover, petrol-powered vehicles are facing extinction as automotive manufacturers, not limited to BMW, invest heavily in the development of electric vehicles to meet sustainability goals, especially considering BMW's recent unveiling of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, a symbol of futuristic aesthetics defining the electric vehicles of tomorrow.

With its striking appearance, BMW has taken a bold step toward shaping the future of sustainable and visually captivating transportation. The automotive world eagerly awaits to witness the evolution of BMW's design philosophy and the electrifying innovations that will redefine our driving experience. What are your thoughts on this exciting journey into the BMW future? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMW | WIKIPEDIA | ]

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