2011 BMW 328 Hommage Concept: Eye Opener

In a recent article I said that it is a good thing the world has both good looking women and great looking cars. Well, here we go again!

And regarding this article’s lead photo, did you just happen to notice the car’s crossed out headlights? I am just checking to see if you were observant!

The original BMW 328 Hommage was one of the most successful and best looking sports cars of the 1930s. It was built from 1936 until 1940 and was considered ahead of its time in design and performance. In 1938 it won the Mille Miglia race as it beat its high-powered rivals. In 1940 the car set a Mille track record with an average speed of 103 mph. And now BMW is celebrating the original car’s 75th birthday with a special model – The BMW 328 Hommage Concept.

Regarding the new BMW, Karl Baumer, CEO of BMW Classics stated, “With the BMW 328 Hommage, we wish to pay homage to the passion and inventiveness of the fathers of the BMW 328. They [Fritz Feidler and Rudolf Schleicher] created an icon, which is considered a milestone in the history of the automobile.” The intent of the concept is to provide an interpretation of how Feidler and Schleicher might have built the 328 of old in the present using today’s technology.

The BMW 328 Hommage won the title of “Best for Show” in the “Concept Cars and Prototype” category at the most recent Concorso d’Elegance Villa d’Este.

The 328 Hommage’s exterior design is a modern interpretation of a highly emotional and dynamic two-seater roadster of 75 years ago. Precise lines are in all of the car’s body surfaces, and its wedge shape provides a sense of acceleration even when the car is standing still.

The woven carbon CFRP body structure is clearly visible and it enables the car to weigh in at only 1,716 lbs. Of note is that the BMW Group leads the way in the production and use of CFRP in automotive construction.

As with the first 328 test cars that hit the track in 1938, and went on to obtain many successes, the 328 Hommage Concept does not have any doors. As with the original car, deep recesses allow the driver and passenger access into the car.

The front end is wide and flat providing generous surfaces. The addition of concise lines give the front end a powerful appearance. Three large air intakes provide high volume air flow to the engine.

The double kidney grille on the car imitates the vertical kidney design of early BMW models. The original 328 was one of the first BMWs to feature the kidney grille after which it was further established as a signature piece on BMWs.

On the 328 Hommage Concept, the kidney grille is incorporated into the flat silhouette. It slants back in the middle and thus blends in with the bonnet (hood) to provide a dynamic silhouette when seen from the side. However, when viewed from the front, the grille appears to be standing upright! As with the original 328 Hommage, the grille is extremely round and appealing when viewed from the side. The surface of the grille is finished in polished high-gloss while the side surfaces have a matt finish. This combination gives the grille a very high-class and up to date look.

The interior of the 328 Hommage Concept has elements that evoke the passion found in yesterday’s car, however, it is pure, functional, as well as modern. Much of the interior is made from CFRP composite combined with brushed aluminum and leather. The driver and passenger areas are separated from each other. All operating controls are positioned towards the driver thus helping to deliver a great driving experience.

The passenger area has two iPhones placed in special holders. The shape of the iPhones are in the design of stop watches which measure lap times and also provide GPS roadbooks. Last, but not least, the iPhones can be removed from their holders and used as needed apart from the car.

The 328 Hommage Concept is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The automaker has not released the engine’s power output or the car’s performance. However, given the car’s light weight, we can estimate a 0-60 time in the mid five-second range and a top speed of at least 150 mph.

Will BMW build a version of the new 328 Hommage Concept? The automaker has stated – no. However, all I can say is it is best to always keep your eyes open and expect the best!

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save money.” He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.


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