Video: BMW M1 Hommage

BMW took the wraps off its latest concept car at the Concorso d'Eleganza in Villa d'Este this past weekend. Called the M1 Hommage, the concept is exactly what it says on the tin: pay homage to the iconic M1 designed by Giorgio Giugiaro, which celebrates its 30th birthday this year.

The design of the M1 Hommage concept is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the original - compete with a louvered rear window - but it has grown in size over its thirty year old forebear. Though the low-slung coupe has aggressive proportions, the overall design appears as a caricature of its lithe namesake and its wide and low stance is almost cartoon-like.

BMW's double kidney grille dominates the front face, while the pop-up headlamps have been ditched in favor of more conventional ones recessed into the front cutline. As on the original, the hood louvers remain as do the air scoops ahead of the B-pillar to cool the mid-mounted powerplant. True to BMW form language however, the surfacing of the bodyside is exquisitely detailed, with fluid character lines accentuating the dynamism of the rear haunch.

Check out the video to the left for a walkaround of the M1 Hommage with BMW Director of Design, Adrian van Hooydonk, and see more images of the concept in our gallery.

Photo Gallery: BMW M1 Hommage

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