Filed under: Europe, BMW, Motorcycle, Design/Style
The annual
Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como is an opportunity for some of the most beautiful vehicles in the world to descend on one of the poshest places on earth each year. Unsurprisingly, the event is also increasingly the chance for automakers to debut exclusive concepts to some of the wealthiest auto enthusiasts in the world. In the last few years,
BMW has become the masters of this annual unveiling with automotive concepts like the
Gran Lusso Coupé,
BMW Zagato Coupe and motorcycles like the the gorgeous
Concept 90, not to mention the just-revealed
Mini Superleggera Vision. But this year the Bavarian automaker has been somewhat tricky.
What would you first think when you heard of the BMW Concept Roadster? A lithe, two-seat convertible? Nope. This roadster is a cut-down, minimalist motorcycle with an ultra-modern design. As opposed to the retro looks of the Concept 90, this naked bike looks like it could fit in a BMW showroom tomorrow and not seem out of place.
The Concept Roadster packs the brand's classic two-cylinder boxer engine displacing 1,170 cubic centimeters and producing 123 horsepower and 92 pound-feet of torque. That power is routed to the rear wheel via a cardan drive, essentially a driveshaft, with a single-sided swing arm rear suspension. It's all nestled in a tubular spaceframe.
Aesthetically, this is the kind of motorcycle that the latest interpretation of Robocop might ride. Up front there is a thin swath of LEDs for the headlights, but from most angles, the dark engine and lightly painted fuel tank are the most prominent visual features. The Concept Roadster looks almost skeletal with that visual void beneath the seat. BMW says the rear portion is made from a single piece of milled aluminum with visible tool marks to give it an industrial look, but the seat itself is wrapped in Alcantara to provide a modicum of comfort.
Like most Villa d'Este debuts, you probably won't be able to buy the Concept Roadster anytime soon. However, you can
scroll below and read all about it in the official announcement. Also check out the three galleries
to see more of it,
the design process and
sketches.
Continue reading BMW Concept Roadster has two fewer wheels than we were expecting
BMW Concept Roadster has two fewer wheels than we were expecting originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 May 2014 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink |
Email this |
Comments
أكثر...