A week ago, we had the privilege to visit the new BMW Museum in Munich. While our first articles focused on two of the most loved concepts every designed by BMW, M1 Hommage and GINA, today, we’re returning with more photos of the other BMW concepts displayed at the museum.
On the first floor, we had the hydrogen-powered H2R vehicle, one of the first of a new breed of racecars specially adapted to run on liquid hydrogen fuel. Conceived and developed in just 10 months, it has already set nine international speed records at the Miramas Proving Grounds in France.
The H2R’s mighty 6.0-liter V-12 engine, which draws on BMW’s advanced Valvetronic and Double-VANOS technology, is based on the 760i’s gasoline-fueled powerplant. This H2-powered high performer generates 232 horsepower, helping it to achieve a top speed of over 187 mph.
A level up, we have the BMW Z22 Concept, introduced at the 1987 Frankfurt Auto Show and coonsidered to be the lightest and most advanced mechatronic car ever been presented to the public.
The BMW Z22 featured a mechanical system which is electronically controlled, and it’s the future of car design. Today, the ‘drive-by-wire’ throttle technology is quite familiar, but the Z22 featured ‘steer-by-wire’ and ‘brake-by-wire’ as well, deleting the necessity for mechanical steering and hydraulic brakes.
The Z22 also features the wheelbase of a 7-Series, the overall length of a 3-Series, and the interior room and turning circle of a 5-Series. BMW planned on putting the Z22 into production by 2005, and also using it as a testing ground for new production techniques. The BWM Z22 reached a top speed of 112 MPH with it’s 2.0-liter, 136 bhp, four-cylinder all-aluminum engine.
Almost at the top of the concepts area, we have three exciting concepts: BMW X Coupe, BMW Concept Mille Miglia Coupé and BMW CS1.
BMW X Coupe has been designed by a team led by the controversial BMW designer chief, Chris Bangle. The BMW X-Coupe was the first of his “Flame Surfacing” concepts. The X coupe is not just a show sculpture; it is driveable, and based on the X5 chassis.
Under the coupe’s long, one-piece hood is an advanced BMW turbodiesel engine: the 3.0-liter, six-cylinder unit of the European 530d model, with state-of-the-art common-rail direct fuel injection, developing 184 horsepower. Beyond the production engine, the X coupe’s powerplant has been modified to produce 332 lb-ft. of torque.
BMW Concept Mille Miglia is a concept car inspired by the BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupé, but uses Z4 M Coupe’s drive components. The concept car is 23 cm longer, 14 cm wider, and 4 cm flatter than Z4 M Coupé. Other features of the concept car include 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/40R20 tires, permanently integrated sidewalls, swing-up cockpit, LED headlight panel, silver-colored carbon-fiber reinforced plastic body, 3-material (stainless steel, untreated cowhides and Lycra fabric interior
The vehicle was designed by Anders Warming, current Head of BMW Automobiles Exterior Design.
Last but not least, we have the BMW CS1, the base of the current 1 Series Convertible. The four-seat CS1 convertible features a twin kidney grille, short overhangs, broad shoulder lines, and flowing side sills. The CS1 is powered by a 1.8-liter 115-horsepower four-cylinder engine, mated to a Sequential Manual Gearbox.
We hope you’ll enjoy these photos and remember, if you’re passing through Munich, the BMW Museum is a must, lots of history in there and most important, tons of BMW cars. Stay tuned tomorrow for more photos from the BMW Museum!
