| Make
|
BMW |
| Model |
Mille
Miglia coupe |
| Concept
year |
2006 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
3.2
litre straight 6 cyl |
The Mille Miglia concept coupe from BMW was created to
commemorate the BMW 328 touring coupe which won the 1,000
mile Mille Miglia race in 1940. In the process setting
an as-yet unbroken record for the highest average speed,
166.7 km/h (103.5 mph).
The Mille Miglia is an annual historic race which was
first run in 1927, but after a horrific crash in 1957
the race was suspended. In 1977 it was resurrected as
a race for classic sportscars. Only models which competed
in the original event are allowed to enter the Brecia
to Rome and back again marathon race.
The 2006 Mille Miglia concept coupe was never intended
to race, but it did feature at the 2006 race where it
was unveiled. Built to pay respect to the winning BMW
328 Touring coupe, its drivers, and the engineers who
created it, the Mille Miglia concept coupe shares similar
lines to the original car but translated into BMW's contemporary
style.
Powered by the same drivetrain as the BMW
Z4 M coupe, the Mille Miglia concept has thoroughly
modern underpinnings. However the design process that
created the concept were based on traditional methods.
Using clay and plaster 3d models instead of computer generated
images.
The bodywork of the Mille Miglia concept coupe is made
from carbon
fibre reinforced plastic, and its classic flowing
lines hide some of the interesting shapes found on the
BMW
Z4.
The asymmetrical LED taillight cuts down from the top
of the rear window and curls under the rear of the coupe.
BMW say that this unusual layout increases visibility
for following vehicles, but in reality it would probably
confuse many drivers. Interesting feature nonetheless.
The 2006 BMW Mille Miglia concept coupe is longer, wider
and slightly lower than the Z4 it is based on, but the
20 inch old-fashioned wheels are still quite prominent.
Entry to the Mille Miglia is via the rear-hinged canopy.
The entire structure, windows and all, lifts up and allows
the driver and passenger to climb in, where they are protected
by an overhead X-frame roll cage.
Inside the concept three main materials are used. Stainless
steel, un-dyed natural leather, and Lycra fabric. BMW's
designers have used simple stitching to connect the fabrics
and kept out any unnecessary decoration to maintain a
functional race-inspired interior.
Similar and related vehicles:
BMW Concept CS
BMW H2R
BMW Z4 Coupe
BMW Z9 Gran Turismo
BMW X-Coupe
BMW Mille Miglia
- BMW
Z4 M Coupe (production)
- BMW
Z4 M Coupe (motorsport kit)
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