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The Mille Miglia Approaches

Named for a famous race, this BMW evokes the feel of its circa-1940 ancestor but has modern design elements such as carbon fiber bodywork

The Mille Miglia Approaches

By Stuart Schwartzapfel

BMW has pulled the silk tarp off its Mille Miglia concept car, named in honor of one of the most celebrated and widely recognized classic road races. The unveiling coincides with the 2006 edition of the Mille Miglia event, held annually between 1927 and 1957, and then resurrected in 1977. All vehicle models that competed in the original races may enter, and an astonishing 22 vintage BMWs have signed up for the event this year.

As a design exercise, the Mille Miglia Concept Coupé draws on BMW history and today's advanced technology. The new car borrows the chassis and drive train of the modern BMW Z4 M Coupé, though the concept is 23 centimeters longer. In its lines and face, the concept evokes the BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupé (a handsome little two-seater that won the race in 1940), and its carbon fiber bodywork reinterprets that classic's aluminum form. Its 328 other design cues include the long engine hood and sweeping front wheel housings, the strongly recessed greenhouse, and the wings that arch over the rear wheels. The overall effect is unique -- part Frank Lloyd Wright, part DC Comic's, part BMW.

DOORS OF PERCEPTION. The body designers concentrated on the side and rear sections of the vehicle to route the airflow in perfect harmony. Driving dynamics such as drag coefficient, enhanced road connectivity, and reduced turbulence derive from the symmetry in body shape and line flow. Five air intakes near the A-pillars also control the flow in the front end. The trim over the rear wheels and the exceptionally gently coasting tail add to the car's aerodynamic efficiency.

Instead of doors, the concept car uses permanently integrated sidewalls, which reduce vehicle weight and increase rigidity. As so with Saab's recent Aero X concept, the entire cockpit swings up to access the interior.

Both the exterior and the interior use a combination of Old World building techniques and New Age materials and construction methods. The headlights and taillights are LEDs. The body consists of a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The letterings, logos, and symbols are laser-embossed.

The Verdict: The Mille Miglia proves BMW's prowess as a maker of fine luxury and sports cars. As a styling exercise, it demonstrates the creative value of mining the past.

Schwartzapfel, a certified car freak, writes BusinessWeek.com's Concept of the Week column. He has studied the automotive marketplace and worked as an advertising/marketing strategist for major manufacturers. He does not write about any car brands for which he currently works.