Dubbed the 328 Hommage, this new vehicle is an evolution of the Mille Miglia concept shown a few years back and carries on the principles used in the design of the original, especially where weight savings are concerned. Tipping the scales at a scant 1700 pounds, the Hommage’s major components are comprised largely of carbon fiber reinforced plastics, or CFRP, that BMW considers to “offer the best ratio between weight and stability”.
The overall design of the exterior is futuristic, yet it manages to maintain retro cues reminiscent of the original 328; namely the vertical kidney grills, though the protruding units on the concept are decidedly more aggressive than the originals. Four leather straps run horizontally across the hood and continue down the fenders harkening back to a sporty option available on the original vehicle. The wide-bodied convertible is wrapped in a muscular, sculpted body with no doors that flows into the low-slung asymmetrical windshield. The rear is athletic, highlighted by protruding circular exhaust pipes and angular air diffusers behind the rear wheels.
The split cockpit of the Hommage provides separate workplaces for both the driver and co-driver. The interior is swathed in high quality leather accented by matte and polished aluminum. A showcase for technology to come, the user interface of the concept features a unique display dominated by an oversized rev counter with a cluster of various small temperature gauges and a shift indicator. Mounted on the co-driver’s side dash are two iPhones that make up BMW’s “Tripmaster” system. The phones allow driver and passenger to operate a stopwatch function for lap times as well as GPS navigation functions.
As for the power train, BMW has announced that the 328 Hommage is outfitted with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. No other details on performance or transmission have been released, as the concept seems to be more of an exercise in design technology than a preparation for a road-going vehicle.
