Jumping on the coattails of the latest electric “M” sedan (Which you can read about HERE), we’ve been thinking about some of the cars that BMW have dreamt up in the past. These unique homage models and out-of-this-world concepts have left us wondering, what if they were real?

BMW GINA

BMW calls this the Geometry and Functions In "N" Adaptions, GINA for short. BMW says that the GINA’s body….. covering is made up of a flexible expansion-resistant fabric that stretches across a moveable metal substructure. What this means is, the car’s outer ‘skin’ is malleable and can adapt to different surroundings or driving conditions. More downforce or more aerodynamic efficiency. Everything, even the “bonnet”, the butterfly doors and the headlights are sheathed in this textile material. When not in use, the fabric structure closes over recesses, opening only where necessary. Take the headlights for instance, which close shut during the day, and open at night. (This car can WINK. Cheeky.)

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

Now here’s a car that should look familiar to most of us, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. More commonly referred to as the BMW i8 these days. As a concept, it looked bonkers and fantastic at the same time. The Vision EfficientDynamics was intended to have a diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain that was designed to deliver the performance of a BMW M car while being fuel-efficient. Thankfully, this car made it into production.

BMW 328 Hommage

This concept was built as a homage to the original BMW 328 roadster, which won the Mille Miglia endurance race back in its heyday. The new car is a rather different animal. It retains the original open-top roadster charm of the original and has several visual cues that hark back to the 1930s roadster. Leather bonnet straps, the massive rims with centre locking nuts and a pair of slim silver kidney grilles like the original. Inspired by the past but made for the future, this is a car that would look absolutely perfect cruising around the streets of a utopian city.

BMW 2002 Hommage

Remember the BMW 2002 from the sixties and seventies? Well, this is BMW’s tribute to the original, and it's a good recipe under the retro-inspired bodywork. It shares the same chassis as an M2, all tucked neatly beneath a more angular retro-inspired body shell. Low-slung, square-jawed, and handsome as ever, this is the kind of design work that makes us appreciate the brand even more.