BMW channels funk and flares with 2002 Hommage
Conceptual nod to awesome 70s 2002 Turbo is low, wide and sharper than a sword in a suit
That’s just a BMW M2 in a fancy body kit, isn’t it?
Ok cynical Simon, you could view it as that, but BMW wouldn’t be particularly happy. The German marque created the 2002 Hommage for this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, which is basically a collection of the world’s swankiest motors, in respect of the much-loved 2002 Turbo from 1973 – one of the most exciting cars of its time.
Alright, so what’s unusual about the concept?
It looks pretty mad, for a start, but it also plays on some of the neat design touches of the original. Granted, the bonkers riveted wheel arches have gone, but there’s a rather cool carbon fibre strip that runs along the shoulder line in appreciation of the signature chrome strip of the 1970s car.
What’s under the bonnet?
BMW don’t want you to think of this as a concept that looks to the future, rather one that ‘celebrates the past’, which means you won’t get any performance figures any time soon. We do know that it’s based on the M2, so it will get the 3.0-litre single-turbo straight-six engine with a few added M3 performance parts. Expect around 370bhp and a 0-62mph time of 4.3 seconds (ish).
So it’s a work of art with an engine, then?
You could say that, as there are loads of retro touches that will have design types frothing at the chops. The front end features BMW’s current ‘kidney grille’ but it is framed in angular bodywork and ludicrously flared wheel arches, both stylish nods to the original car.
The paintwork is also applied in both gloss and matte, to further distinguish the top and bottom half of the car, while the front and rear lights feature gold trim and exposed workings for true 1970s flare (historical trouser pun intended).
What’s the point of it?
There isn’t one really. BMW designers may look towards it for inspiration when conjuring up future models, but even if it’s just the awesome 20-inch alloy wheels that go into production, we’d be happy.
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Leon Poultney
Freelance Automotive and Tech Writer 
