At the annual Villa d’Este Concours event in Northern Italy last weekend, BMW took the wraps off of its latest Hommage show car – a retro-modern interpretation of its original 328 racing car.
Designed to echo the automaker’s 1930s racing car on its 75th anniversary, the Adrian van Hooydonk-penned 328 Hommage also shows off BMW’s emphasis on lightweight construction. Weighing in at just over 1,700 lbs., the 328 Hommage is positively lithe by modern car standards. To keep the pounds away, BMW made extensive use of carbon fiber – a material it will soon use extensively on production cars, beginning with its i-range of EVs. BMW says that all of the 328's carbon fiber panels have been kept unpainted.
Its wedgy shape undoubtedly recalls the original 328, although the Hommage is noticeably sleeker and lower to the ground. That’s intentional, says designer van Hooydonk, as is the lack of doors – another link to the past. BMW’s distinctive twin kidney look returns, although the Hommage’s grilles are incorporated into the front fascia in an entirely different manner than the original 328's tall openings.
The Hommage’s wheels are, BMW says, a “special interpretation of the characteristic hole pattern of the original rims.” Looking more like Swiss cheese than alloy wheels, these ultra light wheels feature a silver-grey cover made of glass fiber.
Inside, fine leather, high-gloss black polished aluminum and, of course, carbon fiber add a decidedly vintage flair to the modern design.
BMW made no mention of the Hommage’s powertrain in its initial release.
Look for the 328 Hommage to make its auto show debut in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Production isn’t likely, although BMW will undoubtedly use the design study to gauge consumer reaction for certain elements – including the lightweight carbon fiber packaging.
