BMW have always been a big fan and supporter of concept cars. They love the damn things, and these last few years have been no different. With the recent demand for economical and ‘green’ motoring, BMW have been forced to go down the route of miles per gallon, but does that mean they won’t be giving us cars that still fondle down below? Of course they won’t!
The German’s have thankfully kept their priorities in order – just with a few amendments like turbo engines instead of naturally-aspirated ones – and with a whole host of new concepts, we thought it would be a good idea to look at some of the best that BMW never put into production.
The original, beautiful, over-priced M1 was the blueprint for all modern M-cars. Without that first flop – sales wise – the new BMW M5 would not be the car it is today. The M1 was a lovely looking car, technically brilliant and as quick as Gandhi in slippers, but it was ridiculously expensive compared to its rivals, and as a result, nobody bought one.
BMW learned their lesson, and since then we’ve had incredible M-cars – much like this 2011 M1 re-make. Unfortunately, BMW won’t be putting this new M1 into production, which makes us sad, because, well, look at it. Have you ever seen such an aggressive piece of styling? It’s like a hybrid between an MMA fighter and Bronson.
The GINA was designed by then chief of design Chris Bangle, and it was produced to stand as a visual cue for BMW’s designers to draw and take inspiration from for future BMW designs. Interestingly, the GINA isn’t made from plastic, steel or fibreglass; it’s made entirely from fabric – apart from the engine, obviously.
So, the chances are fabric won’t become the next carbon fibre, but it’s different; that’s for sure. The GINA sits on the same platform as the old Z8 Roadster – which was never any good – and features a two-seat layout. Bangle claimed that the GINA’s fabric shell could be seen on production models in a decade – just make sure you don’t live in an area where youths have car keys on them, because we all know what would happen.
Have you ever seen such a beautiful BMW? The 328 Hommage is very unlikely to ever hit production, which is not only a shame, but a damn disgrace. Look at the thing; it’s absolute stunning from every angle, and proof that car manufacturers need to get some dangly bits and put some concepts through to production.
The ethos behind the 328 is lightweight construction, and it represents a homage – hence the name – to the old Mille Miglia racer of the olden days. Build it, BMW; do it for the world!
BMW loves engineering, but they also love technology; so what do you do in 2011 when the world expects you to be innovative? You build a car that bring the latest geeky innovations into the car. This lovely concept may never see the light of day, but certain elements will – like the technology which provides the driver will the gimmicks needed inside the car.
BMW, build this car! You released this concept in 2007, and yet we still haven’t seen it on our roads – why? Why!!! It’s automotive heaven. Any money-owning human with eyes would buy this car, it’s that good looking.
OK, so BMW probably won’t listen to the aforementioned paragraph, but you can’t deny the CS’s style and aggression. This should have been the car that the new 6-Series was designed from.
Yep, that’s right; BMW did build this car. It’s not a joke. It’s not some type of sick practical joke that the Bavarians pulled on the world – unfortunately. It’s hard to imagine what type of person would want a 414 bhp BMW M3 Pickup on their drive, but there must be someone, because BMW didn’t just build this concept for the crack.
We’re praying this doesn’t make it into production – perhaps only in Australia, eh, BMW?
BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe
Based on the 7 Series platform, BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe showcases the collaboration between BMW and Pininfarina bring to the Gran Lusso Coupe. The concept features an imposing stance and elegant design lines and has the typical long wheelbase, stretched bonnet and set-back greenhouse. This has been one of the most exclusive and luxurious concepts BMW has ever built and while there is hope that some of the design elements will make it into the next 7 Series, the odds of this Gran Lusso Coupe to get into production are pretty slim. A shame, nonetheless!
