Cernobbio, Italy - German car maker BMW presented the BMW M1 at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa D'Este, a modern concept car version of the super sports car, to mark its 30th anniversary.

Instantly recognisable as an MI, the BMW M1 Homage Car has the same aggressive front design. The headlamp-design is a new interpretation of the retractable headlights of the BMW M1. Like the lamps on the historic model, those on the BMW M1 Homage are only visible when switched on. When not in use they are discreetly integrated into the front-end design and "disappear" into the recessed black cutline, almost like pop-up headlights.

The original M1 was designed by Giorgio Giugiaro as a car of the superlative with distinctive racing car features and technological features years ahead of its time.

"For BMW, heritage is always also a living heritage. Drawing inspiration from your own past and thereby reinventing yourself - that is exactly what the BMW M1 Homage demonstrates in impressive style," said Dr Klaus Draeger, BMW Group Board Member, Development.

The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este was described by BMW as the ideal backdrop for the BMW M1 Homage with unique classics from the past meeting the concept cars and design studies of the future.

The mid-engine concept is carried through to the concept but BMW is keeping quiet about the power unit. The original M1 was powered by a 3.5-litre six cylinder 277 horsepower engine.

Also taking cues from the original are the black and orange colours, the concept paintwork is in "Liquid Orange" exclusively developed for the BMW M1 Homage, highlighting the interplay of convex and concave surfaces.

Ludwig Willisch, head of BMW's "M" division is cautious about the possibility of producing the concept. "We have to earn money and producing just 436 units like in the past would not be sufficient," he says. (dpa)