BMW Touring Coupé Concept Unveiled: A Modern Take on a Classic Silhouette
BMW presented a world premiere of its BMW Concept Touring Coupé at the opening of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2023, effectively showcasing a striking marriage of classical elegance and cutting-edge design. This exclusive two-seater model brings together a legacy of BMW classics with a modern approach, offering an intriguing glimpse into the company's design philosophy.
A Reinterpretation of the Sports Car Body
BMW's design team has elegantly reinvented the traditional sports car body shape with this unique shooting brake concept. The interior, dressed in meticulously crafted leather from Italian manufacturer Poltrona Frau, exudes a sense of luxury, while also providing practical storage space behind the seats. This feature seems to encourage spontaneous adventures, further highlighted by the custom-made luggage from the Schedoni leather workshop in Modena.
Historical Context and Future Potential
Revealed amid an array of classic motors, the BMW Concept Touring Coupé embeds itself into a rich historical context while also signifying the timeless allure of the automobile. The design director at BMW, Domagoj Dukec, asserts that the concept car embodies the "Sheer Driving Pleasure" synonymous with the BMW brand, suggesting the manufacturer's enduring commitment to driving enjoyment and passion.
Classic Design Elements and Modern Technology
The BMW Concept Touring Coupé fuses elements of tradition with modern sports car technology. Echoing proportions and the name of the iconic BMW 328 Touring Coupé, it also gives a nod to the BMW 02 Series variants from the early 1970s. Powered by BMW's signature six-cylinder in-line engine, the Concept Touring Coupé upholds its commitment to pure driving pleasure.
Exterior Design: Graceful Proportions and Unique Details
The exterior of the BMW Concept Touring Coupé showcases striking proportions, with a sculpted rear end that accentuates the car's muscular stance. The flowing roof contours merge seamlessly with the rear side panels, suggesting speed and dynamism. The grey-brown hues of the exclusive Sparkling Lario paintwork, interspersed with flakes of blue glass, give a unique impression of depth. The effect is further complemented by silver-bronze accents and bespoke light-alloy wheels, measuring 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear axle (approximately 50.8 and 53.34 cm respectively), all contributing to the vehicle's sporty elegance.
Interior Design: Exceptional Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail
The interior of the BMW Concept Touring Coupé blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles. The color scheme and material selection reflect BMW's typical driver-orientated approach, with a unique bi-color option from Italian leather workshop Poltrona Frau dividing the interior into two distinct sections. High-quality workmanship extends to the custom-made luggage set designed exclusively for the vehicle by the Schedoni leather workshop in Modena.
Overall, the BMW Concept Touring Coupé represents a thoughtful reinterpretation of a classic form, combining BMW's design heritage with innovative contemporary elements. While this concept car may never make it to production, it signifies the enduring spirit of BMW – one that merges timeless allure with the joy of driving.
-Ed
2023 BMW Touring Coupé Concept
