Carbon Fiber Echoes in BMW 328 Hommage, Evoking the DNA of 1930s Racing Cars
The BMW 328 Hommage, unveiled in 2011, is a stunning concept car that pays homage to the iconic 1930s BMW 328 roadster while embracing modern engineering and design. Crafted by BMW, this concept car celebrates the 75th anniversary of the original 328 with a blend of vintage aesthetics and contemporary innovation.
Design History
The concept originated in 2008 with Karl Baumer, president of BMW's classic car division, who initially intended to create a tribute to the BMW M1. However, the idea later evolved, with BMW's design chief Adrian van Hooydonk developing the 328 Hommage around 2011. The car was unveiled at prestigious events like the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Italy, emphasizing its homage to BMW's heritage.
Features and Construction
The Hommage features carbon fiber body panels, fiberglass trims crafted to resemble carbon fiber, and bespoke alloy wheels inspired by the original BMW 328's signature holed design. This fusion of classic styling and modern materials gives the concept a unique look. The vehicle’s gross weight is extremely light at approximately 780 kg (1720 pounds), aided by a carbon fiber tub underneath the bodywork and lightweight components.
The interior uses saddle leather upholstery selected for its natural aged look, enhancing the vintage feel. Underneath the concept lies a modified chassis of the contemporary BMW Z4, stripped and lengthened to fit the Hommage’s dimensions and reinforcements. The assembly included custom elements rarely seen on concepts, such as bespoke glass, highlighting the high cost and exclusive craftsmanship involved.
Innovative Aspects
The integration of modern carbon fiber technology with design cues from BMW's classic 328 roadster was innovative in blending past and present in both aesthetics and engineering. Utilizing an existing Z4 chassis allowed BMW to showcase advanced structural reinforcement and lightweight construction without creating a completely new platform. The project involved collaboration with California-based Metalworks for coachbuilding, underlining the bespoke nature and craftsmanship of the concept.
Key Features
The interior of the Hommage follows a minimalist philosophy, featuring a driver-focused cabin layout with analog gauges and exposed structural elements. Orange leather appears throughout the cabin, providing visual and tactile relief from the high-tech atmosphere. The dashboard layout centers around the driver with laser-like focus, positioning controls and displays exactly where they need to be for maximum effectiveness.
The steering wheel features a thick rim reminiscent of 1930s racing wheels, incorporating modern safety and control elements. The wheel design reinterprets the original's wire-spoke wheels with modern wire-spoke patterns that hide contemporary brake systems and suspension components.
The seats position occupants low in the chassis, enhancing the sense of connection with the road. The center console houses essential controls within easy reach of the driver, following racing car principles. Analog gauges have been custom-designed to reference the original car's instrumentation while incorporating modern functionality. Orange rim accents reference racing heritage and provide visual weight.
The exterior design resembles its 1930s ancestor, but with modern materials and manufacturing. The kidney grille features contemporary LED lighting that flows seamlessly into the carbon fiber bodywork. The side profile maintains the essential character of the original while adapting to contemporary requirements.
In summary, the BMW 328 Hommage is an expertly crafted homage that combines the spirit and design heritage of the 1936 BMW 328 roadster with cutting-edge materials and modern engineering, creating a unique concept car blending nostalgia and innovation. The Hommage weighs 1,720 pounds, lighter than most motorcycles, and the gear shifter sits exactly where your hand expects to find it, promising a precise, mechanical connection.
- The BMW 328 Hommage, unveiled in 2011, was designed as a tribute to the iconic 1930s BMW 328 roadster, merging contemporary innovation with vintage aesthetics.
- Karl Baumer, president of BMW's classic car division, initially intended to create a tribute to the BMW M1 in 2008, but Adrian van Hooydonk eventually developed the 328 Hommage around 2011.
- The Hommage car was presented at prestigious events like the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Italy, underscoring its nod to BMW's storied heritage.
- The Hommage's lightweight construction stems from its carbon fiber tub and lightweight components, reducing its gross weight to approximately 780 kg (1720 pounds).
- The interior of the Hommage embodies a minimalist approach, with a driver-focused design and a blend of saddle leather, modern materials, and racing-inspired elements.
- The premium sports analysis tools and European leagues could gain insights by analyzing the innovative features and technology in BMW's 328 Hommage, as it showcases both advanced engineering and design elements from the 1930s.
- The Hommage also serves as an inspiration for the lifestyle of avid car enthusiasts, with its unique combination of nostalgia for classic cars and the allure of cutting-edge gadgets and electric vehicles in modern-day sports, such as Formula E or European football leagues like the Premier League.
