The BMW 2002 Hommage Concept is a Whole Lotta Hell Yeah

BMW 2002 Hommage (Credit: © BMW)

BMW fans often separate into two main segments with the line being between those who are fans of the uber-luxurious and heavy modern-day Bimmers and those who love the lightweight classics, like the 2002. Of course, there are also those who straddle that line and love both sides of BMW. I consider myself a member of the latter group, making the 2002 Hommage concept that the German automaker revealed at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este sheer perfection in my eyes.

Clearly based on the 2 Series, the 2002 Hommage takes all that made the BMW 2002 turbo—the first ever European car imported with a turbocharger—and brings it into the modern era. Up front, the classic 2002’s inspiration is evident in the center ridge on the hood, the single round headlights, the “turbo” script in the grille, the massive front apron with a splitter, and the reversed “turbo” decal on the base of the apron. What’s more, the vertical air vents on the outside edges of the front end are in a pattern that mimics the iconic front end of the 2002.

BMW 2002 Hommage (Credit: © BMW)

Down the sides, a carbon-fiber insert takes the place of the chrome strip on the classic 2002 while the flared wheel arches of the concept mimic the extensions on the 2002’s wheel wells. At the corners are two-tone 20-inch light-alloy wheels that draw inspiration from early racing eras with gold-painted, M-stamped calipers peeking through.

The rear end is far less inspired by the classic turbo coupe, as it features more modern performance goodies like dual-exit exhaust tips, LED taillights, and a rear diffuser. Where the 2002 Hommage does hark back to its source material is its large trunk-lid spoiler.

There is no mention of what powers this Homage concept, but I would expect nothing less than the M235i’s 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 320 horsepower.

While I am excited by this awesome classic-turned-modern rig, it is sad to note that this will never be a production model.