Celebrating the Turbocharger with the BMW 2002 Hommage

The BMW 2002

The BMW 2002 revolutionised was one of the most memorable classics that they ever produced. The 02 Series was very popular, as the cars’ lightweight bodies and shorter wheelbases meant that the cars were both fast and handled well. BMW have announced the release of the BMW 2002 Hommage, to celebrate and remember the success of the first production car in Europe to feature a turbocharger.

History

The 02 Series had its original birth in 1966, with the release of the 2000 CS in the UK. Another model, the 1600-2, was officially launched on the 17^th March 1966. The “-2” represented the fact that it had two doors, and showed it was different from its four-door saloon brother. The 1600-2 models received praise from the media in the USA, which led to sales increasing dramatically. An importer encouraged the Germans to sell him similar cars, with even greater performance if possible. There was such a car – the 1600ti – but the twin-carburettor engine could not be kept under control enough to meet the exhaust emissions laws in America, so it was not allowed in.

Despite this, the engine in the 2000 coupe had been made to fit the regulations set by the government. Knowing the American market was too good an opportunity to miss, BMW created a 2-litre version of the two-door 1600-2. And thus the 2002 was born.

The 2002 is not just remembered because of its popularity. In 1966, a turbocharged 02 was entered into the Touring Car Challenge Series and won the European Touring Car Cup. This paved the way for 1973. The year that the 2002 Turbo, Europe’s first production turbo car, was released.

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The Hommage

So, now we come to consider the Hommage. The celebration of this breakthrough in the history of cars. The Hommage is being presented at Pebble Beach.

There is a lot of information out there about the looks, the aesthetics, of the car. I like it. It is similar enough to the original 2002 models, but with very obvious modern takes and improved aerodynamics. The 20” wheels complement the body perfectly.

With so much history to live up to, BMW have had to do this right. I think they have done.

We don’t know much about the performance. But the 3 litre single turbo straight-six should produce 370bhp. That’s 3.7 times greater than the original 100bhp engine in the first 02s. They were quick. So the Hommage should be breathtaking.