As a design concept it reaches back to the BMW e30 becuse this car has a really good reputation even today, and many are still in use not only on roads but in different racing championships. Also the original debut of the e30 dates back to 1982, so it is celelbrating its 30th birthday this year. For the design the major task was to keep the original character of the e30 but make it an up-to-date car. Besides it is a study also on how BMW design could have evolved if they hadn't changed to 'flame surfacing' and the following evolution of the concave-convex styling of the cars. In fact, the TM concept30 follows the traditional 'german' school, where the lines are more logical and clearer. This can be seen all over the body, which has kept the three main character lines of the original e30: the shoulder line which runs from the headlamps along the sides to the taillamps. The line on the lower side of the body which connects the front intakes with the exhaust outlets, and the body wideline inbetween, which shapes the front and the rear bumpers, and runs along the sides as a fine edge. Beside the main lines the TM concept30 features some classical elements which have been gone from modern cars, but which were commonly used in the '80s for their useful function: on the side of the car the rubber stripes were very strong stylistical elements of the design, and also protected the doors from damage. Also the rear mudguards were common and useful. The concept uses the same elements in a modern interpretation, where they still have the useful function and with the refreshed look these parts add classical touches to the concept. The TM concept30 features some clearly modern elements such as the front bumper intake with the satin coloured black dividing inserts, or the restyled headlamps, where the classical two rounded DRL lights have been reshaped to two intersecting trapeziod LED stripes. As mentioned before, the whole design is aimed to create a modern version of the e30 and to create a 'modern classic' with out-of-todays trends styling.

At 550 Horse Power however, the performance potential of the Biturbo drive engine has by far, not been exhausted as shown in the joint project vehicle of the company mcchip-dkr – specialist in electronic power boosting – from Mechernich/Obergartzem and the wrapping specialists of CoverEFX from Erftstadt. This develops a whopping 596 Horse Power and a maximum torque of 751 Newton meters – on the basis of the “small” 485 Horse Power GT-R – and based on a power-optimized software adaptation as well as the installation of a sports exhaust system. Another potential boosting level to the high-performance capacity that should then easily beat the magic mark of 600 Horse Power is currently undergoing development. The engine power can be reduced with a push of the button on the steering wheel for routine operation as well as for reduction to the level of serially produced standard vehicles, which should be more than sufficient for the routine drive to the supermarket.

It’s not every day that a team gets to create something unique in a project that would take the supercar, even by McLaren standards, to a different level. The challenge began with a special brief. Inspirational cars included a 1961 Facel Vega, a 1953 Chrysler D’Elegance Ghia, a 1959 Buick Electra, a 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K and a 1971 Citroën SM. There were various examples of architecture – including the Guggenheim museums in New York and Bilbao – plus a Jaeger LeCoultre art deco clock, an Airstream trailer, a Thomas Mann Montblanc pen, a grand piano – and an eggplant. ‘The client liked the shiny texture of the finish,’ notes Stephenson. There was also a black-and-white photo of Audrey Hepburn.

The 12C Can-Am Edition is finished in striking shade of McLaren Orange, in tribute to cars of Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme which were extremely successful throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The bold hue is in dramatic contrast to the roof, door and bumper sections, finished in satin black, while carbon fibre also features on the side radiator vanes, wing mirrors and engine cover. The McLaren badges on the front and rear are also finished in carbon fibre. Beneath the surface, the 12C Can-Am Edition shares the same carbon fibre MonoCell chassis as the 12C road car. Being purely a concept at this stage, and designed as the ‘ultimate track car’, the 12C Can-Am Edition is not subject to the regular racing regulations, despite being based on the 12C GT3 race car. The revised version of the familiar 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine features a unique engine calibration and optimised cooling system, which allows a power output of up to 630hp, making it the most powerful 12C derivative ever shown. The overall dry weight is just 1,200kg (2645.5lbs).

With its introduction of the concepts for the BMW i3 and i8 this morning, BMW has launched in earnest its attempts to define a new brand, centered around themes that sound a bit like double-speak, but which really boil down to efficient driving with a bit of style.

Doubtlessly, the "small" Audi R8 with its 4.2 litre V8 has great potential for becoming the new tuner favourite over the next few years. The Ingolstadt sports car has now turned into one of the most sought-after alternatives to Porsche 911 & Co. Its price-performance ratio is, after all, unparalleled.