The BMW Turbo is one of the most thrilling concept automobiles ever created by the Munich design team. In terms of design, aerodynamics, and safety features, the oddly shaped prototype was well ahead of its time. And the BMW Turbo Concept still steals the show 50 years later. This past weekend, one of only two versions ever manufactured was on exhibit at the 2022 Concorso d’Eleganza, which commemorated the M Division’s semicentennial birthday.
The E25 Turbo was created for the 1972 Munich Olympics and served as a test bed for 1970s innovations, including a radar system to alert drivers of curbs and other hazards. It was created by BMW’s lead designer, Paul Bracq, who was also in charge of the M1 supercar project.
The One and Only BMW with Gull-Wings
The BMW Turbo was designed by Paul Bracq to have clean lines and smooth surfaces while sitting low to the ground. It was and still is the only BMW with big gull-wing doors and wide windows. The front end had a backward-slanted kidney grille, which became known as the shark nose.
Bracq’s team also aimed to offer the BMW Turbo concept excellent aerodynamic features. As a result, the pop-up headlights and indicators were integrated into the front apron. The addition of rear wheel coverings further simplified the vehicle. The narrow line that goes around the whole car is another distinguishing characteristic of the BMW Turbo. It alters the perspective of the waistline, making the automobile seem even lower.
between 200 and 280 horsepower
The Turbo was equipped with a 200 horsepower turbocharged version of the BMW 2002 engine, foam-filled front and rear portions to absorb impact, side impact beams, a braking distance monitor that used radar, and a futuristic cockpit. The automobile produced 280 horsepower at 7100 rpm and achieved 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.6 seconds from a standstill. The maximum speed was 250 km/h (155 mph).
BMW’s First ABS Model
The BMW Turbo also included ABS, which was a first for a BMW at the time. In addition to ABS and a lateral accelerometer, the BMW Turbo included a radar distance warning system and a full passive safety package. This included seat belts, which had to be secured before the vehicle could start. A collapsible safety steering column with three cardan joints, door posts that extended into the roof, and redesigned crash structures with hydraulic shock absorbers front and rear were also added as safety measures.
BMW debuted the Turbo Concept at the Paris Autosalon in 1972, followed by the IAA in Frankfurt in 1973. Soon after, a second model with slight changes was produced. Clearly, many of the design aspects made their way to the BMW M1 supercar. Consider the BMW Turbo Concept with the BMW M1 Hommage and M1 production vehicle.
