BMW Turbo (E25) concept (1972)
Concept car · 1972 · Combustion
The gullwing wedge that seeded the M1
BMW's first-ever concept car, styled by design director Paul Bracq and built to celebrate the 1972 Munich Olympics. The mid-engined, wedge-shaped coupe featured gullwing doors, pop-up headlights, partly covered rear wheels and safety innovations including foam-filled crush structures and a radar braking-distance monitor. Its bright orange-to-red gradient paint and proportions directly previewed the 1978 M1 supercar, and its design themes later informed the Z1 and 8 Series. Two were built.
Key facts
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cyl (from BMW 2002), mid-mounted
- Power: 280 PS (276 hp) at 7,100 rpm
- 0-100 km/h: 6.6 seconds
- Designer: Paul Bracq
- Signature feature: Gullwing doors; radar braking-distance monitor
- Legacy: Direct forerunner of the BMW M1
Production
- Status: Concept only
- E25 concept only, though it inspired the later M1.
- Revealed at 1972 Summer Olympics, Munich (Olympic Games showcase)
Source: Wikipedia - BMW Turbo