BMW 2002 Hommage racecar revealed

BMW has taken its 2002 Hommage concept revealed early this year and gone to racecar town – or the pits – with it for this weekend’s Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, California.

Painted in iconic orange/black livery – which the brand says is “synonymous in the minds of many motor sport fans with the triumphs of the 1970s” – the 2002 Hommage is toughened with gold multi-spoke wheels matching its headlight surrounds with yellow tinting.

BMW says the gold hue gives a nod to the 2002’s 50th anniversary this year, while Munich is also using the latest 2002 Hommage to celebrate the 1973 2002 Turbo being the first turbocharged production car to debut in Europe.

If that wasn’t obvious, note that the matte black bonnet wraps around to the ducktail spoiler with 1970s/80s ‘turbo’ graphics featuring at both ends (including in reverse letters at the front, so drivers ahead can read it properly in their rear-view mirror).

The latest 2002 Hommage is a far contrast from the restrained, petite pale blue example unveiled in May at Italy’s comparable event, the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.

Compared with that road-based example, a rollcage clearly exists in the new compact racer, although full cabin detailing along with any engine specs are still left for the imagination.

The brand does, however, add: “As in the heyday of the BMW 2002, design excellence and turbo technology bring unsurpassed levels of fun to twisty race tracks, country roads and mountain passes alike.”

“But more than that, the BMW 2002 Hommage represents a clear statement of how pure driving pleasure is defined in 2016.”

With two concepts and counting, will a production version ever emerge? And could this be a pointer to a next-generation 2 Series and M2?