BMW Concept Coup Mille Miglia 2006

[FaLeX]

BMW Concept Coup Mille Miglia 2006<p><IMG SRC="http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/7/2549bb4b34ba57b60c5af0ef28f77467.jpg" BORDER="0"> <p>Press Release:<br><TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote &raquo;</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"><br>New BMW concept car unveiled at the Mille Miglia 2006<p>Modern technologies and dramatic historical styling combine in the new BMW Concept Coupe Mille Miglia. <p><br>BMW has unveiled a brand new concept car prior to the 2006 Mille Miglia. With hints of todays BMW Z4 Coupe and one of BMWs most famous racing cars, the BMW 328, the BMW Concept Coupe Mille Miglia 2006 took pride of place in Brescia, Italy yesterday (May 10) as this years entrants were scrutineered ahead of the event.<p>The Mille Miglia was resurrected in 1977 as an annual rally to celebrate one of the worlds great motor races. All vehicle models that competed in the original races between 1927 and 1957 are permitted an entry. Highlighting the 22 BMWs that have entered this years event, BMWs latest concept looks back to these great racing cars. In particular the BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupe that was driven into the record books and past the chequered flag in the 1940 race.<p>It also looks ahead to future motor sport achievements, with a modified drivetrain and suspension from the new Z4 M Coupe providing the cars power and control. A body 23 centimetres longer, and four centimetres lower, than BMWs latest production sports car is set off by bespoke 20-inch alloy wheels on 245/40 R 20 tyres that complement the cars powerful presence.<p>The concept car looks to both the past and the future in its styling and construction; it pays homage to the outstanding achievements of the engineers who contributed to BMWs successful motor sport heritage, whilst confirming the passion to construct dynamic cars from the most modern materials and processes available. This remains a fundamental concept for todays BMW road and race cars.<p>In the drive to win races and manufacture the ultimate driving machine, the techniques and materials may have changed beyond all recognition, but the drive and ambition remains the same.<p>Steeped in History<p>In the 1940 Mille Miglia, the winning BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupe recorded an incredible, and thoroughly modern, 166.7 kmh average speed over the courses 1,000 miles. This remains the fastest average speed for any Mille Miglia.<p>The BMW 328 was one of the most successful competitive vehicles in BMWs long motor sport history. Introduced in 1936 the racing specification 328 won its class in almost every race in which it competed between 1936 and 1940, and continued winning races in the 1940s and 1950s.<p>In 2004, the BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupe became the first car to win both the Mille Miglia (1940) and the modern-day classical version of the race.<p>The design team responsible for the original 328 succeeded without the benefit of computers. Building models was the only option. But despite the digital revolution, modelling remains a fundamental part of the design process for todays BMWs. The companys designers remain loyal to this process as it connects them emotionally to the form of a new product. During the design of the BMW Concept Coupe Mille Miglia 2006, the designers took a step back in time and formed the car from plaster models rather than clay. Quite literally a more hands-on, labour intensive process. The result is a greater appreciation within the design team of why classic racing cars are perceived as more emotional and artistic objects than todays computer-generated racing cars.<p>The concept cars hinged hard-top roof is a reference to the relaxation of the rules at Le Mans when racing cars moved from soft-top to hard-top construction as closed vehicles became eligible to race. This precipitated the development of the 328 Touring Coupe from its roadster origins, allowing the model to develop further as a lightweight, aerodynamic bespoke racing car. Similarly, the new Z4 Coupe has been derived from the Z4 Roadster soft-top as a behind-the-scenes project driven by the designers enthusiasm. This coupe development leading to the production of the new Z4 M Coupe Racing car.<p>Thoroughly Modern Mille<p>While the hinged roof structure recalls past events, the principle function of the hinged system, that also raises the cockpit, negates the requirement for doors (reducing weight) and increases torsional stiffness.<p>The car benefits from an extremely lightweight chassis. The most modern design processes were used to stretch an aluminium shell over a lattice frame. The body is also constructed from lightweight materials, with carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) clothing the entire vehicle. As a nod to the past this is painted in fine silver, a full-gloss paint colour with extremely fine pigments that hints to classic silver race colours.<p>The large circular headlamps inspired by the shape of the 328 units are not integrated into the body of the car, but attached as flat elements. Modern LED technology facilitates this design function that frees up the designers to develop more flowing and unbroken body forms. This manifests itself on the Concept Coupe by uninterrupted bonnet and side panels.<p>Inspired by BMWs glorious motor racing heritage, the science of aerodynamics was addressed with thoroughly modern techniques and design resolutions. Side panels and the rear section of the car were designed to allow turbulence-free flow of air up to the tail where the airflow is separated. Carbon-fibre underbody fins and diffusers on the front and rear aprons also contribute to the cars aerodynamics. Meanwhile air intakes in the A-pillars, arranged in a slim Z-line, direct cooling air from the six-cylinder in-line engine and contribute to developing downforce and reducing turbulence at the wheel housings.<p>The Concept Coupe is powered by the multi-award winning BMW six-cylinder inline petrol engine that powers the new BMW Z4 M Coupe. Modifications have been made to the inlet and exhaust systems of the 343 hp unit to give the concept car more of a racing sound at both idle and full throttle.<p>The interior retains the functional simplicity prevalent in both 328 racing cars and Z4 production cars, but in a modern presentation. Only three materials are used; thin stainless steel, untreated cowhides, Lycra fabric. This purist form even extends to letterings, logos and symbols embossed into surfaces using laser technology. <br></TD></TR></TABLE><p><IMG SRC="http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/9/7bf891b051ed1beaea1d7c0539d52e39.jpg" BORDER="0"> <p><IMG SRC="http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/4/48ddf9bfd3f2ae6e728b44d38c6ae7e4.jpg" BORDER="0"> <p><IMG SRC="http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/9/0dfa1aaf485fa785e6625df46910a7b9.jpg" BORDER="0"> <p><IMG SRC="http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/6/1adb169a35f6dce9dcf1ec23fb776f96.jpg" BORDER="0"> <p><IMG SRC="http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/2/95422a29c79a42d1b3d44afb44511d82.jpg" BORDER="0"> <p><IMG SRC="http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/7/e2825a812a880deee76919de12e38ef7.jpg" BORDER="0"> <p><IMG SRC="http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/0/5af07dd0e592befeed072c284f3fb040.jpg" BORDER="0"> <p><IMG SRC="http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/f/f852d71bb32f5f4448d1bf301c8555ff.jpg" BORDER="0"> <p><IMG SRC="http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/1/f597257068c545121f944d74585a14c1.jpg" BORDER="0"> <p><IMG SRC="http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/b/ad5728470dee4987fd89bc7281784f2b.jpg" BORDER="0"> <p><IMG SRC="http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/6/13c3eed3161c62f52ab67c8403bd0936.jpg" BORDER="0">

[VexedandGlorious]

now that is flame surfacing, i just love those sharp crease, the interior even resmembles flame surfacing,<br>theres alot of X-coupe in the asym rear,<br>i can still see z4 but wow, what a retro bimmer

[taskbearer]

Wow flame surfacing going retro. The concept looks shocking, but not beautiful just as many recent bimmers. i like the tilting roof entry idea and the assymetric tail light.

[Alain.]

Damn, Its beautiful <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://www.germancarfans.com/images/forums/bowdown.gif" BORDER="0">

[Blob]

wow, love the retroness

[knihc2008]

Yeah, I really, really love this car. Really, a lot.

[scott26]

Look at the surface work on this concept and you will see (especially if you look at the birds-eye view shot) and you will see the elements that will take shape in the forthcoming X6 SAC. In which the production car will share a sloping glasshouse similar to the Z4 coupe placed on broad shoulders widening for the wheel arches in the rear . Even the front lights although similar snake eye-like slits that sit on the top edge of the bonnet although the X6's will be larger . <p>The X6 will be brutally beautiful - People like to be shocked by design it's like architechture or furniture design people like individuality and quirkiness and are turned off by something which is all one shape or form. (ie Computers eg Applemac to normal PC - people prefer the design to the normal box)<p>Although the BMW grille will not make a comeback like this.

[enit]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>scott26</b> &raquo;</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Look at the surface work on this concept and you will see (especially if you look at the birds-eye view shot) and you will see the elements that will take shape in the forthcoming X6 SAC. In which the production car will share a sloping glasshouse similar to the Z4 coupe placed on broad shoulders widening for the wheel arches in the rear . Even the front lights although similar snake eye-like slits that sit on the top edge of the bonnet although the X6's will be larger . <br></TD></TR></TABLE><p><br>Something like this (very similar to MM 2006 Concept & your description)?<p><IMG SRC="http://www.bmw2002.co.uk/X4.jpg" BORDER="0"><p><IMG SRC="http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/6/1adb169a35f6dce9dcf1ec23fb776f96.jpg" BORDER="0">

[scott26]

Similar yes but with a proper rear deck and it will have four doors - The lights have changed as has the bonnet which is similar to the concept car as said before the lights sit on the edge of the bonnet .<br>

[mzoltarp]

ick

[Redline]

I was about to think that I was the only one who didn't like this until I got to mzoltarp's post. I want to like it, but I just can't. I love the retro idea, but the whole thing looks like they took aluminum sheets and bent them into something resembling a car, and when the sheets wouldn't bend quite right, they left them the way they were and called it flame surfacing. The interior also looks like it could be good, but they left so many gaps in it though. I don't think any car has had that poorly constructed of an interior before. Plus the exhaust is far too large and seems to just have been stuck where ever it was convenient. Seriously BMW, hire some designers, then show me their retro concept.

[tosil]

hmmmmm.... this looks familiar.... <A HREF="http://carspyshots.net/zerothread?id=19438" TARGET="_blank">http://carspyshots.net/zerothread?id=19438</A><p><br>Of course, the BMW looks better.

[-Peter-]

Talbot Lago... oh, how original

[scorpio14]

i agree... that things crazy lookin

[knihc2008]

Very interesting, having a concept like this feature traits of the next X6. Very sneaky... I don't think anyone would have guessed this was the preview for that car.<p>God, I really love this car. I really really do.

[Gromit]

I seriously dislike this concept, but I haven't fully worked out why yet.<p>I think it lacks a degree of subtlety and has a rather crude and unfinished look. And I'm really getting sick of the retro thing when it's done as badly as this.<p>Concept cars should look forward, not backward. There's not much to get excited about here.

[TitanSteel]

I love it! Go BMW!

[DoMiNo]

Interesting... great flame surfacing but other than that it's too weird for its own good.<p>Those wheels, though...wow. if they offered those on the 7-series it would instantly look 100 times hotter.

[Gromit]

I'd rather see a BMW concept that's as startlingly modern and forward-looking (and as elegant) as this one was when it was first shown - 34 years ago!<p><IMG SRC="http://www.e-24.ru/files/488/turbo_10.jpg" BORDER="0"><p>I can't see the point of rolling out a plastic folly that pretends to look like a pre-war sportsracer.

[AXLE]

Ack <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://www.germancarfans.com/images/forums/pukeface.gif" BORDER="0"> <p>Horrible exterior and interior that looks like it was simply slapped together.

[DoMiNo]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>AXLE</b> &raquo;</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ack <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://www.germancarfans.com/images/forums/pukeface.gif" BORDER="0"> <p>Horrible exterior and interior that looks like it was simply slapped together.</TD></TR></TABLE><p>Well in all fairness, I think that's the look they were going for, inside. Purposeful... like a 50s Mille Miglia racer...

[Gromit]

The interior is certainly a design-free zone.<p>A serious question - is there any point to this concept, either at a design, styling or technical level? I'd be staggered if any future model looks remotely like this, despite the views expressed in some earlier posts.<p>I don't have a problem with carmakers displaying concepts that are follies - provided they're <I>jawdropping</I> follies. If someone wants to show off a 500km/h turbine-powered 6-wheeled wagon that's fine by me. Or a biodegradable shopping car that runs on orange peel and folds up to briefcase size. The more the merrier!<p>But this concept's no more than a dour Teutonic regurgitation of times past, without the fun factor and whimsy of something like the Holden Efigy.<p>They can and should do better.

[against the wall]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>Gromit</b> &raquo;</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The interior is certainly a design-free zone.<p>A serious question - is there any point to this concept, either at a design, styling or technical level? I'd be staggered if any future model looks remotely like this, despite the views expressed in some earlier posts.<p>I don't have a problem with carmakers displaying concepts that are follies - provided they're <I>jawdropping</I> follies. If someone wants to show off a 500km/h turbine-powered 6-wheeled wagon that's fine by me. Or a biodegradable shopping car that runs on orange peel and folds up to briefcase size. The more the merrier!<p>But this concept's no more than a dour Teutonic regurgitation of times past, without the fun factor and whimsy of something like the Holden Efigy.<p>They can and should do better.</TD></TR></TABLE><p>yes it will...the x6

[Gian86]

Looks heaps retro but the front end looks classic with original style BMW grille. <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://www.germancarfans.com/images/forums/biggrin.gif" BORDER="0">

[Nurburgring]

This looks like Bangle didnt design this. I like it. Really looks lke the one from the 50's yet it truely defines modern design.

[Gromit]

So...if this concept is meant to preview the X6, where will the X6 sit in BMW's range?<p>I'm assuming it's not going to be a larger X5...<p>Is it a sports coupe? Well, they certainly need another one of those (not!). What's the point of another BMW coupe? They already have the Z4 and the 6-series, both in hardtop and convertible form.<br>

[vanhal]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>MAZDA5GT</b> &raquo;</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">This looks like Bangle didnt design this. I like it. Really looks lke the one from the 50's yet it truely defines modern design.</TD></TR></TABLE><p>Anders Warming did this design. He also designed de Z4.

[Comrade]

Aaaaa! I wish hadn't opened this thread.<p> <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://www.germancarfans.com/images/forums/scared.gif" BORDER="0">

[enit]

Videos:<p>(in the action):<p><A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Qsut9Ny2PY" TARGET="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/8Qsut9Ny2PY</A><p><br>(Bangle explaining it):<p><A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/v/kBOsbNHiKIc" TARGET="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/kBOsbNHiKIc</A>

[TitanSteel]

This thing sounds amazing! The more I look at it, the more I love it.

[Top Secret]

What on earth is that horrible grinding noise whenever he changes gear?

[TitanSteel]

Good old concept car mechanics. The car's only downfall.

[CosworthKid]

i definately cannot call this car beautiful. Im a person that likes "weirdness" as long as its done in a proper way. This car just looks like something made just to provoke or appear fashionable. <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://www.germancarfans.com/images/forums/nixweiss.gif" BORDER="0"> <p>ps: i LOVE the X6 render though and putting together what Scott said, im loving that car more and more

[mzoltarp]

The rear window treatment is scarily ugly.

[TitanSteel]

I think they were going after it to be a reminder of the X-coupe's design philosophy centered around the lack of symmetry, which is an interesting idea.

[Mil]

Yeah, intersting, and very retro, the non-symetrical look.

[thedesigner]

Remember everybody, cans and metal recyclables go out on Fri.<br>Rubbish.

[CosworthKid]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>thedesigner</b> &raquo;</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Remember everybody, cans and metal recyclables go out on Fri.<br>Rubbish.</TD></TR></TABLE><br> <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://www.germancarfans.com/images/forums/beerchug.gif" BORDER="0">

[mzoltarp]

If the new X5 is any indication, BMW may be returning to tasteful style.