Skip to main content

BMW gets nostalgic with its 2002 Hommage concept

Most concept cars look forward, predicting new designs and technology. But BMW is in the habit of building concepts that look back, channeling nostalgia for its classics. That tradition continues at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, with the unveiling of the BMW 2002 Hommage concept.

The 2002 Hommage is the latest in a series of concepts based on classic BMW models. In this case, homage is paid to the 2002, the boxy sedan that helped cement BMW’s reputation as a maker of sporty but practical cars. The 2002 was also one of the first production cars to be offered with a turbocharged engine, something you’ll find on nearly every BMW today.

Read more: BMW’s 3.0 CSL Hommage R concept gets a race-inspire paint job

The original 2002 was defined by its compact proportions, upright greenhouse, and forward-tilted “sharknose” front fascia. All of those elements are present in modernized form on the 2002 Hommage concept, making for a design that looks like a cross between the original 2002 and a modern 2 Series. Designers tried to soften up the boxiness, and added flared fenders and front and rear spoilers that recall the 2002 Turbo performance model.

Designers also paid attention to the details. A horizontal strip of carbon fiber separates the upper and lower halves of the body, in reference to the original 2002’s chrome trim. The Space Race Metal paint is gloss on most of the body, but matte on the hood, trunk lid, and roof to cut glare. The headlights have gold reflectors, since the Hommage was created to celebrate the 2002’s 50th anniversary.

The Hommage certainly looks good, but is it more than just a pretty face? BMW would not discuss the powertrain, but it doesn’t take too much imagination to picture something turbocharged under the hood. There also aren’t any details on the interior, either. Those are some crucial omissions, but then again the 2002 Hommage is just a styling exercise, not a preview of a future production model.

A reborn 2002 would be pretty neat, but BMW already cast the 2 Series in that role. Like the previous Hommage concepts, the 2002 Hommage recalls a legendary model and lets BMW designers cut loose, but that’s the extent of its mission.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
BMW makes Apple CarPlay free across its entire range of models
bmw will make apple carplay free instead of charging an annual fee p90230491 highres 06 201

Many criticized BMW's unusual decision to charge its customers an annual subscription fee to use Apple CarPlay. While some feared this would become the norm across the industry, it's turning out to be a short-lived exception to the rule. Digital Trends has learned that the German company is making the feature free across its range of models starting immediately.

"BMW is always looking to satisfy our customers’ needs, and this policy change is intended to provide them with a better ownership experience," a company spokesperson told Digital Trends.

Read more
The BMW Group has some stunners in its 2020 lineup, and we drove them all
2020 BMW M8 Competition Wheel

Each year, BMW invites journalists to a test facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to put the latest and greatest machines through their paces on the street and around the automaker’s purpose-built test track. The roster of the annual “Test Fest East” event includes not only BMW’s newest hardware, but Mini Cooper and Rolls Royce as well, as those brands are also part of the larger BMW Group.

This year’s program showcased a particularly wide array of vehicles, several of which made their U.S. debut at the event. Here’s a look at the most notable hardware that we spent some time with.
2020 BMW M8 Competition Coupe and Convertible

Read more
BMW’s electric i4 will make its debut in 2021 with 530 hp, 300 miles of range
bmw i4 electric car launching in 2021 with over 300 mile range report camo 1118 2

 

BMW beat its rivals to the electric car segment when it released the i3 in 2013, but the city car was far too quirky to gain mass appeal. As i3 production continues, the Munich-based company is developing a battery-powered sedan named i4 it hopes will locks horns with Tesla, among other competitors. BMW released the model's preliminary specifications.

Read more