First look: BMW goes concept crazy at Mille Miglia

IS this the next-generation Z4 Coupe - or simply a flight of BMW’s fantasy as the German maker indulges in a nostalgic look back at its past?Either way, BMW’s uncharacteristic move to reveal an all-new concept at the 2006 Mille Miglia – an annual rally resurrected in 1977 to celebrate one of the world’s great motor races – in Brescia, Italy on May 10 has certainly got tongues wagging.

Built on a modified version of the forthcoming Z4 M Coupe’s drivetrain and suspension, the ingeniously named BMW Concept Coupe Mille Miglia 2006 appears primarily to pay tribute to BMW’s legendary 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupe, which became the first car to win both an original Mille Miglia race (in 1940) and a modern-day revival version (in 2004).

BMW’s latest concept was revealed ahead of scrutineering prior to this year’s race, which is open to all vehicles that competed in the original races between 1927 and 1957.

The original 328 racer’s average speed of 166.7km/h over the 1940 event’s 1000km remains a record today and the Concept Coupe pays homage to BMW’s Mille heroes, 22 of which have entered for the 2006 event.

It also takes styling cues from the Z4 Coupe – despite the fact it’s a whole 230mm longer, 40mm lower, rides on huge 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/40-section tyres and features a hinged hard-top roof.

The carbon-fibre reinforced plastic-wrapped concept features 328-echoing large circular LED headlights and BMW says the uninterrupted side and rear panels allow a turbulence-free flow of air up to the tail, where the airflow is separated.

Carbon-fibre underbody fins and front/rear bumper diffusers contribute to aerodynamics, while Z-shaped A-pillar air-intakes are said to extract hot air from the engine as well as produce downforce and reduce wheel housing turbulence.

While exhaust and inlet modifications aim to give the 252kW 3.2-litre inline six-cylinder M engine even more of a "racing sound at both idle and full throttle", the concept’s interior features thin stainless steel, untreated cowhides and Lycra fabric.