BMW pays tribute to its mid-engine sports car of the 80s, the M1, on its 30th anniversary with a design concept, aptly named the BMW M1 Homage, as part of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2008, for which the BMW Group is a participating partner.

Inspired by the BMW Turbo concept by Paul Bracq, the original M1 was designed by Giorgio Giugiaro, and its stylistic cues have been retained, and given a modern interpretation by the German marque’s design team.

These include the twin logo at the rear above the taillights, the air vents in the bonnet and louvres on the rear windscreen, and the black cutline separating the roofline and rear section of the body.

BMW’s signature twin kidney grilles have been ‘downsized’, and its headlights withdrawn to lend a ferocious feline look. Drenched in Liquid Orange paint, the BMW M1 Homage is definitely a sizzler, even if it’s still only a concept.