BMW hasn't relied on Italian design studios as much as some of its competitors have, but that doesn't mean there haven't been some notable exceptions. BMW considers itself something of a trend-setter when it comes to automotive design. But that doesn’t mean BMW doesn’t care for Italian design, or that Italian design doesn’t look good on a Bimmer
The most recent, of course, is the Gran Lusso Coupe concept designed by Pininfarina and unveiled just days ago at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Envisioned as something of a 7 Series coupe (or 8 Series revival), the imposing form is powered by a V12 engine - presumably (but unconfirmed as) the 6.0-liter twin-turbo unit from the 760i. r
Last year at the same show, BMW revealed the outcome of its first collaboration with Zagato. Based on a Z4 roadster, the BMW Zagato Coupe incorporated a twin-kidney grille up front (typical of BMWs), a double-bubble roof (a Zagato signature) and a Kamm tail out back.
When BMW dreamed up a mid-engined sportscar, it turned to Lamborghini and Giorgetto Guigiaro to make it a reality. So it was only fitting that it should bring the same inimitable designer back on board to create the M1 Hommage concept. Unveiled at Villa d’Este in 2008, the M1 Hommage incorporated modern elements and a retro design.
In between the emergence of the original M1 and the modern M1 Hommage Giugiaro’s ItalDesign studio created the BMW Nazca C2 concept. More extreme than either version of the M1, the Nazca C2 packed a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 tuned by Alpina to produce 680 horsepower, packed into a radical hypercar form that was said to be capable of reaching 227 mph. Following the super-coupe’s debut in 1991, ItalDesign showcased a C2 Spider as well. Unfortunately neither ever made it to producti