What's all this about?
Back before M Division became the watchword for BMW performance car addicts, there were two models that encapsulated the Munich company's successful shift away from big, old-fashioned V8 cruisers and towards sporty, compact saloons and coupés. One was the 3.0 CSL 'Batmobile', and the other was the 2002 Turbo.
A lovely history lesson. But why should I care?
Because, following on from the glorious CSL Hommage of last year, BMW has now decided to pay tribute to the 2002 Turbo with another stunning Hommage car. And it's based on the M2.
Really?
Indeed. BMW has created this jaw-dropping machine purely as a styling celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 2002 Turbo, showing the Hommage at the Villa D'Este concours on the shores of Italy's Lake Como. However, BMW isn't going into great detail about the 2002 Hommage's dynamic make-up, instead preferring to focus on the look of the thing.
It's rather fantastic, isn't it?
Almost as wonderful as that CSL Hommage. Single headlights each side are recessed into a carbon fibre grille, while the traditional BMW 'sharknose' prow makes a comeback on the Hommage. There's a strip of carbon fibre running laterally around the 2002 Hommage's midriff, deliberately mimicking the chrome bar that was a feature of the old 2002s, and above the line is matte-finish paint while below is high-gloss. The whole lot sits on a set of 20-inch alloy wheels with gold brake callipers peeping through from behind.
What does BMW say about all this?
Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW's head of design, said: "Exactly 50 years ago, the '02 range kick-started an era of success for BMW. This compact coupe is one of the vehicles which made the brand what it is today. The 2002 sat at the top of the range and was the first series-produced car anywhere in Europe to come with turbo technology. That set the seal on the coupé as a genuine sports car. At the same time, the 2002 Turbo was at the technological vanguard of engine development at BMW. The BMW 2002 Hommage is our way of raising a glass to all these achievements."
Matt Robinson - 23 May 2016