The BMW 328 is considered the most successful and best-looking sports car of the 1930s. The BMW 328's success was the issue of its blueprint parameters – through the utilize of systematic lightweight construction, aerodynamic lines, optimum engine types and outstanding suspension technology, it laid the foundation stone for a new vehicle concept, by which performance merely leads to success if combined with perfect harmonisation of all parameters and maximum efficiency. With these characteristics, the BMW 328 was even then the embodiment of what the BMW brand still stands for today – dynamics, aesthetics and a high level of innovation.

This year, the dream sports car is celebrating its 75th birthday. The festivities volition begin most Lake Como at the Mille Miglia. There, the master focus will be on the fascination of the BMW 328 racing motorcar. To this day, the award-winning vehicle BMW 328 Touring Coupé still holds the record for the highest boilerplate speed on the Mille Miglia excursion and, in 2010, was again able to win the historic revival of the race. A week later at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, the 2-seater's functional aesthetics will be the focus of attention. In this area of disharmonize between tradition and modernity, the BMW Group is paying tribute to the BMW 328 on the occasion of its anniversary with a special model – the BMW 328 Hommage.

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"With the BMW 328 Hommage, we wish to pay homage to the passion and inventiveness of the fathers of the BMW 328", explains Karl Bäumer, CEO of BMW Group Classic. "They created an icon, which is considered a milestone in the history of the automobile." The BMW 328 Hommage translates the principles and the character of the vehicle of that time into present times and offers a possible estimation of how the designers of that time, Fritz Fiedler and Rudolf Schleicher, might have built the BMW 328 in the nowadays day using current technology.

The BMW 328 – lightweight structure as a principle.

The BMW 328 was likewise a special BMW insofar equally the lightweight construction principle was systematically implemented on a BMW automobile for the very first time. Wherever possible, the lightest and at the same time most robust materials were used, thereby keeping the gross vehicle weight down to but 780 kilograms. In order to interpret the thought of lightweight structure into this day and age, major parts of the exterior and interior of the BMW 328 Hommage are fabricated of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Whilst in the old days they favoured the materials aluminium and magnesium, CFRP is now considered to offer the best ratio between weight and stability. The loftier-strength fibre fabric is lighter than aluminium, but also more stable. Wherever the material has been used on the BMW 328 Hommage, it is also visible. In this manner, the BMW 328 Hommage non only reflects the lightweight construction principle functionally, but as well visually. The BMW Group leads the way in the product and use of CFRP in automotive construction and already possesses many years of feel in the series production of CFRP roofs and structural components for the BMW M6 as well as CFRP roofs for the BMW M3.

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Not just practice the exterior and interior CFRP elements of the BMW 328 brand an infrequent statement. The up-to-appointment implementation of the original vehicle character is as well expressed in the pick of other materials used on the within and outside of the vehicle. Fine leather, matt and loftier-gloss black polished aluminium as well equally the CFRP interior visualise in the BMW 328 Hommage the pure and functional roadster character of the sports car of that day. Inside the vehicle there are also numerous details derived from motor racing, offering a hint of the BMW 328's most successful motor sports career. For instance, the premiere of the vehicle in 1936 did not take place at a motor testify, merely on the racetrack. In its first race, the BMW 328 declassified the entire higher-powered competition and dominated the racetracks of Europe during the years that followed.

Dynamics and lightness in the interior.

The expressive exterior design of the BMW 328 Hommage depicts the modernistic estimation of a highly emotional and dynamic 2-seater Roadster – just like the BMW 328 75 years ago. "Hommage cars take a long tradition in the BMW Group. Based on our blueprint philosophy "Rooted in history, moving forrad in design", they demonstrate the significance of history for the present. Fifty-fifty 75 years ago, the BMW 328 stood for sportiness and agility through lightweight structure. The BMW 328 Hommage Car pays tribute to this by and shows how BMW lightweight construction will develop. Carbon is the cloth of the futurity." (Adrian van Hooydonk) In keeping with its role model, the BMW 328 Hommage has a streamlined design and is clearly recognisable as a sports car. Precise lines run across all of the car body'south taut surfaces. As a result, a subtle dissimilarity between the tense surfaces and the precipitous edges is created inside the flat, dynamic silhouette.

The strong wedge shape accelerates the vehicle even when it is at a standstill, the scoops behind the seats take up the lines coming from the bonnet, guiding them dynamically into the rear stop. The structure of the CFRP mats gives the vehicle an advent of depth, the diagonal lines of the woven CFRP additionally underscoring the dynamic design vocabulary of the roadster. Thanks to concise weaving, the carbon construction is clearly visible, optically emphasising the lightweight structure principle. Similar the first BMW 328 test vehicles, with which the model celebrated its triumphant debut on the racetrack in 1938, then going on to proceeds a number of further successes, the BMW 328 Hommage has no doors. Then as now, deep recesses allow access to the inside of the machine. The extremely wide and flat forepart end is strongly three-dimensional, generous surfaces and concise lines requite the front end a powerful appearance. Viewed from the forepart, the CFRP bonnet appears to encompass the vehicle from to a higher place. It embraces the vehicle, framing the slightly set back forepart in a very distinctive downward sweep. Due to the almost vertical, low-reaching sidewalls, it simultaneously emphasises the BMW 328 Hommage'due south excellent stability on the road. As a issue, the vehicle appears to be even flatter and more dynamic as a whole. Nether the bonnet, farther surfaces rise to embed the top and lesser of the distinctive kidney grille, whilst folding themselves around it to shape the adjacent air intakes. Openings and big air intakes create visual lightness at the front, simultaneously demonstrating the high air requirement of the powerful three-litre, six-cylinder engine. Three-dimensionally designed lattices within the front end vents form a connectedness between the headlamps and the kidney grille, with the three-dimensional lattice structure acting equally an accentuating characteristic.

Characteristic kidney shape.

The vertically positioned double kidney grille imitates the slim, vertical kidney design of the early BMW models. In those days, the BMW 328 was 1 of the first BMWs to feature it, after which information technology became farther established with later BMW models. On the BMW 328 Hommage, the vertically mounted kidney grille is dynamically incorporated into the flat silhouette. It slants back roughly in the middle, thus blending in with the bonnet and the dynamic silhouette when viewed from the side. On the other hand, from the front it appears to be standing upright. The kidney grille bars are more than prominently curved than the kidney grille environment itself. The vehicle displays the extremely circular and appealing design of the original BMW 328 kidney grille when viewed from the side. The kidney grille surround is besides distinctively three-dimensional, appearing to continue inside the vehicle. Its forepart surface is finished in polished loftier-gloss, whilst the side surfaces take a matt stop. This item gives the kidney grille a very high-class and upwardly-to-engagement appearance. Behind the kidney grille bars, blackness horizontal fins obstruct the view into the engine compartment – just similar on the 328 of 75 years agone.

Athletic rear stop.

The rear end takes on the pattern vocabulary featured on the front of the vehicle. Similar to the forepart finish, sections of the sidewall form the framework for the design elements that appear to beetle from the rear stop. Between them, located far to the outside, are 2 clearly and concisely designed taillights sporting the characteristic BMW L shape. Two filigree luminous elements reflect a strongly curved estimation of the typical BMW 50 shape, whilst a concisely constructed bar fitted to the outside of the lamp is directed vertically downward, separating the lamps towards the exterior. The modern functional design of the taillights underlines the technical appeal of the vehicle.

The powerful sculpturing of the rear stop also visually conveys the BMW 328 Hommage's lightness. Large vents and openings characterise the rear end, giving it a light appearance. The distinctively horizontal section below the taillights forms a counterpoint to the intense sculpturing, emphasising the width of the vehicle. Below that, the rear of the auto is strongly arched, a concise line partitions the surface, thereby providing an air of lightness. This large sculptural chemical element adopts the form language of the front-end design surrounding the kidney grille. The wing-shaped element tapers both upward and downward, thus revealing two large latticed air outlets. The circular tailpipes are located inside these two openings. They beetle prominently out of the lattice and, combined with the distinctively designed wing shape of the lower air intake edges, underscore the ability of the direct vi-cylinder engine.

Details derived from motor racing.

The interior design of the BMW 328 Hommage comprises a number of details that are reminiscent of the successful motor racing history of the BMW 328. For example, the slightly asymmetrically designed windscreen has a recess in the centre, similar to the windscreen design of before racing cars. Simultaneously, it marks the areas in which the driver and co-commuter sit. Moreover, four wide leather straps run beyond the bonnet, which announced to swoop under the side shoulder surfaces to be connected on the side. This detail, which used to be considered an extremely sporty attribute, is as well featured on the BMW 328 Hommage. Combined with the loftier-gloss aluminium safety buckles, the leather straps provide a affect of grade in contrast to the very technical-looking carbon fibre. The modern quick-release fasteners for securing the bonnet bring racing of the by into the present. On the driver'due south scoop a large silverish "75" as well as a small logo beneath it signify the reason for the BMW 328 Hommage. Side by side to information technology, the integrated tank filler neck protruding from the correct-manus side is a striking detail. Whilst it pro-trudes prominently from the trunk of the BMW 328, the BMW 328 Hommage features a version that is integrated slightly more into the bodywork.

The big, prominently designed private circular headlights of the BMW 328 Hommage are reminiscent of the headlamps featured on the BMW 328, which were integrated into the wings for the starting time time. The three- dimensional estimation of these round headlights is divided into four trans- parent, cylindrical elements, these being back-lit by LEDs. Between them, set- back blackness concave surfaces symbolise the typical tape cantankerous used on headlights in motor racing. Around the four reflectors an illuminated band emphasises the circular design of each individual headlamp.
The two-office light alloy wheels featured on the BMW 328 Hommage are a very special interpretation of the characteristic hole pattern of the original rims. The extremely concave high-gloss black aluminium rim boasts a contrasting silver- grey cover made of glass fibre. The insides of the angular milled holes have a high-gloss cease and are distinctively accentuated by a matt overlay. A black chrome butterfly nut begetting the BMW emblem completes the contemporary version of the cycle.

Clear and functional – the interior.

The interior of the BMW 328 Hommage visualises the functional passion the BMW 328 exuded already dorsum and then. Thus the design of the interior is also pure and functional today. The unabridged interior structure is fabricated of CFRP, conveying the lightweight structure concept of the BMW 328 into the within of the car both visually and functionally. Due to the special application of materials, open up- ings and freely suspended elements, the surfaces and different levels create an all-embracing feeling of lightness.

Through the use of CFRP within the BMW 328, the "layering" design principle, with which shapes take on clear functions, adopts a completely new course of expression. Due to its exceptional characteristics, CFRP is in itself robust and can exist shaped into cocky-supporting structures. Hence, only 2 large surface areas – so-called layers – ascertain the interior of the BMW 328 Hommage. Both of them start at the bonnet and protrude into the interior. One of the layers extends to- wards the driver, reveals the entire driver'southward workplace comprising steering wheel, control elements and scoop, thereby separating the driver and co-driver areas from each other. This spatial separation is indicated past a farther material: the elegant, brown leather interior extends from the entrance across the driver's area, over the seats to the scoop, thus becoming an integral role of the blueprint vocabulary of the beginning layer. At the same time, the surrounding graphics comprising cloth and geometry create a link with the co-driver. On the commuter's scoop, a silver-coloured logo bearing the number 75 too gives indication within the car of the festive occasion in accolade of the BMW 328 Hommage.

The second layer begins adjacent to the scoop, making a sweep towards the co- driver, and then to float freely in front of him. This gesture creates a sporty but calorie-free sense of spaciousness, opening out a functional expanse in front of the co-driver. Betwixt the driver and co-driver a multitude of recesses in the instrument panel and heart console create an airy and harmonious spatial experience, bringing the driver and the co-commuter slightly closer to each other over again in a sweeping gesture. The lines of the woven carbon fibres complement the interior design vocabulary perfectly.

Viewed from above, a slightly asymmetrical pattern of the bonnet and windscreen underscores the commuter-orientated structure of the BMW 328 Hommage. The windscreen is larger inside the driver's area, so the lines of the powerdome are of dissimilar length. Backside the windscreen they go along in the inside of the car, so that at this bespeak both the interior and the outside appear to be intertwined.

Authentic materials.

Autonomously from CFRP, leather and aluminium, the interior deliberately features very few other materials. But every material that has been used is also visible. This provides the BMW 328 with a special authenticity. The dissimilarity betwixt the cool and technical-looking carbon fibre and the high-quality, warm dark-brown of the leather characterises the interior. The exceptionally soft saddle tan leather has a fine grain and a slightly antique finish. On the seats the high-quality seam blueprint enhances the advent of the leather-covered seats even farther. The seams in the centre of the sitting area of the seats and the argent-greyness double-felled outer seams are a modern estimation of the sports seats featured in before models, giving the seats additional grapheme and depth. Aluminium is only seldom featured and, depending on where it is used, has a high-gloss or a matt satin finish.
Instruments and tripmaster.

The instruments featured in the BMW 328 Hommage are both sporty and func- tional to an equal extent. The sparse instrument panel is dominated by the only round musical instrument – the prominently designed rev counter. Like the cockpit of the BMW 328 and typical of a sports auto, the musical instrument cluster indicates in addition to engine speed only the oil temperature, oil pressure level and h2o temperature. To the right of the rev counter, control lamps and a gearshift bespeak indicator complete the instrument cluster. The instrument surrounds are finished in black chrome and made to the highest standards.

The puristic instrument cluster is complemented past the so-called tripmaster. The instrument console of the BMW 328 Hommage is a fitted with two iPhones located in special holders and which assume additional brandish functions for the driver and co-commuter. They are integrated into the self-supporting structure of the co-driver layer and, like the instrument cluster, are accommodated in a high- grade aluminium housing. The shape of the housing itself imitates the blueprint of classic stopwatches, the two functions of the tripmaster existence accessible through two farther openings. Firstly, the iPhones function as stopwatches for measuring lap times and secondly as GPS roadbooks. Using two iPhones the driver and front end-seat passenger/co-driver respectively can use both functions at the same time. After a journey, the iPhones can as well be taken abroad in their holders.

Apart from the instruments and the tripmaster, the BMW 328 Hommage is likewise fitted with further features taken from motor racing. In addition to being equipped with only the bare essentials in club to salve weight, the BMW 328 Hommage is also fitted with modern 4-point seat belts, ergonomic seats and the "bone", a kind of emergency switch-off for the vehicle electronics, which is located between the 2 seats. The brushed aluminium belt retainers located next to the headrests ensure optimal guidance of the belts. These high- class, functional details are concealed behind the headrests, blending in harmoniously with the overall concept.

[Source: BMW ]