2008 BMW M1 Homage Concept

By David Gluckman

BMW has created the M1 Homage in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the M1. The design study was unveiled at the 2008 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este held in Cernobbio, Italy.

Produced from 1978 to 1981, the M1 was BMW's first and only mid-engined street car. The project was originally contracted to Lamborghini for chassis development and assembly, but when the Italian firm hit a financial rough patch BMW took over. A total of 456 M1s were built.

The original car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and was itself based on the 1972 BMW Turbo concept penned by Paul Bracq. BMW has kept the overall proportions and many design cues of the M1 alive on the Homage, including the small kidney grille, hood vents, and rear window louvers. Also present are the original's hidden headlights, but instead of pop-up units the lights on the M1 Homage are tucked under the hood overhang and are only visible when illuminated.

The M1 was powered by a 3.5-liter six-cylinder that was later modified and used in the M5 and M6. No powertrain details were shared for the M1 Homage as the car was built as a design showpiece.