BMW has unveiled a new concept car that pays homage to its iconic coupes of the past while also showcasing its vision for the future of luxury and performance. The BMW Touring Coupe Concept was revealed at the opening of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2023, a prestigious event that celebrates classic and modern cars on the shores of Lake Como in Italy.
The concept car is a sleek two-door coupe with a long hood, a low roofline, and a short rear deck. It has a striking front end with a large kidney-shaped grille, slim LED headlights, and large air intakes. The rear end features a distinctive L-shaped taillight design and a diffuser that integrates the exhaust pipes.
A nod to history
The BMW Touring Coupe Concept is inspired by some of the most celebrated models in BMW's history, such as the 328 Touring Coupe from the 1930s, the 507 Roadster from the 1950s, and the BMW 3.0 CSL from the 1970s. These cars were known for their elegant proportions, sporty character, and innovative engineering.
The concept car also pays tribute to the BMW Z3 Coupe from the late 1990s, which had a distinctive shooting-brake body style that earned it the nickname "clown shoe." The Z3 Coupe was a controversial design at the time, but it has since become a cult classic among enthusiasts.
The BMW Touring Coupe Concept shares its platform and powertrain with the BMW Z4 roadster, which was recently updated for 2023. However, it has a completely different look and feels thanks to its hardtop roof and hatchback trunk.
A Glimpse of the Future
The concept car also incorporates some of the latest technologies that BMW is developing for its future vehicles. It has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 400 horsepower. The BMW Touring Coupe can run on electric power alone for up to 50 miles or use both sources of energy for maximum performance.
The BMW Touring Coupe Concept also features a digital cockpit that uses augmented reality to project information onto the windshield and the driver's line of sight. The car can communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure using 5G connectivity, enhancing safety and efficiency. The car also has an advanced driver assistance system that can take over some driving tasks in certain situations.
A limited edition?
The concept car is not intended for production but could become a reality if there is enough customer demand. Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group's head of design, told Autoblog that he is open to making a small batch of coupes if there is enough interest.
"It is a one-off at the moment, and there are no concrete plans to put it in production, but we agreed before we set sail for Lake Como that if there's enough interest, we will take a look at it. It could be a very low-volume version, like 50 cars or so," he said.
He added that it would not take too long to turn the concept into a production model, as it shares most of its components with the Z4 roadster.
The BMW Touring Coupe Concept is a stunning example of how BMW can combine its rich heritage with its forward-looking vision. It is a car that celebrates the past but also embraces the future. It is a car that appeals to both the heart and the mind.
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