BMW Turbo (1972)
The BMW Turbo or E25 Turbo was a concept sports car that the automaker made to celebrate the Munich Summer Olympics in 1972. This was the first concept car put out by BMW. It is thought this was in response to the slump BMW went through in the 60s. Wanting to show the world how well the company was doing, they came out with the uniquely designed Turbo, using advanced technology and a stylish exterior.
Paul Bracq designed it to include gullwing doors. It sat on a modified version of the 2002 chassis and had a mid-mounted engine. The engine was a turbocharged variation from the BMW 2002 with 276 horsepower. The vehicle needed 6.6 seconds to reach 62 miles per hour and could hit a top speed of 155 mph. There were side impact beams, foam-filled sections for absorbing impact, and a braking distance monitor that used radar. The cockpit was also futuristic inside. Just two of these concept vehicles were built. Although the turbo never saw production, we can see some of the design used in other series. Later, the theme of the turbo would be used in the 8 series, the M1, and the 2008 M1 Homage Concept.
