BMW plans big Motorclassica presence

BMW is continuing its 100th year anniversary celebrations alongside sister brand Mini with a significant presence planned for the annual Motorclassica auto bonanza, which opens in Melbourne on October 21.

Headlining the BMW stand will be the one-off ‘i Vision Future Interaction’ prototype that was unveiled at the CES in Las Vegas earlier this year and will give Australian show-goers a chance to get a glimpse of what the forthcoming production i8 Spyder may look like in the flesh.

The celebrity i8 also showcases some of the company’s future technologies including autonomous driving, the next generation of BMW’s gesture control and environmental information sharing.

It will share floor space with a production i8 coupe dressed up in the recently announced Protonic Red special paint tone.

Alongside the sportscar pair, BMW will wheel out an example of just 25 M4 GTS super-coupes that sold out to the company’s most loyal M-car fanatics before the model had even been officially confirmed for Australia.

Officially, the 4 Series-based M GTS sold for $259,000 plus on-road costs, but it is likely the very rare model has already appreciated in value – if you could find one up for grabs. BMW will not be open to offers at the show.

The German prestige car-maker will be keeping its motor racing heritage front and centre with two examples of the 6 Series coupe from opposite ends of the model’s history. The first-generation E24 M635i that won the 1985 Australian Touring Car Championship will meet its modern-day equivalent and the M6 GT3 that currently competes in the Australian GT Championship.

Mini’s role at the show will focus on a more interactive presence offering test drives of the new Clubman, Convertible and exclusive 5-Door Carbon Edition, while its historical story will be represented by three Bathurst racers.

Attendees will also be able to view the modern-day equivalent with the 2016 Mini John Cooper Works hatch on display.

Traditionally a classic car show, Motorclassica has increasingly drawn the attention of the major car brands that are now using the Melbourne event as the platform to show off both modern and classic metal.

BMW Group Australia chief executive Marc Werner said the show line-up was an insightful cross-section of the company’s past, present and future, and forms a critical part of its ‘Next 100 Years’ celebrations.

“Motorclassica has quickly become one of Australia’s must-do motoring events,” he said.

“Its unique concept has allowed us to celebrate our 100-year history, while also showing the public where the BMW Group is right now and where we are heading in the next 100 years of motoring.”

The trend was initiated by Mercedes-Benz in 2013, when it used the show as the stage for the new S-Class’ Australian debut, but since then more brands, including the propeller badge, have hopped onto the Motorclassica bandwagon.

Mercedes will also have a significant presence at the show. BMW’s arch-rival is yet to confirm full details, although Motorclassica organisers have announced that the three-pointed star brand will commemorate 130 years since the creation of the first automobile with a special display.

It will also host its ‘Drive Experience’ outside the main exhibition building, giving visitors the chance to test drive a range of models on a short course adjacent to the show – “including some of the latest AMG models”.

Other brands that have confirmed their attendance include Jaguar, Porsche Centre Melbourne and Alpina Automobiles Australia, as well as a Zagame presence in the form of its Maserati and Lamborghini brands.

Motorclassica kicks off for one weekend from October 21-23 at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building.