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50 years is nothing, the 1972 BMW Turbo

Although it may not seem like it thanks to its excellent volumes designed by Paul Bracq, the BMW Turbo celebrates half a century of existence this year. In addition, at the time it was the letter of introduction of turbo technology in BMW, being at the same time an excellent testimony on how the Bavarian house did not want to miss the train of innovation and modernity.

For motorsports, the seventies started as a promising scenario until the Oil Crisis managed to turn everything upside down. Thus, by 1970 the wedge design revolution was already fully consolidated. The stylistic movement led by Marcello Gandini, Paolo Martin or Giorgetto Giugiaro. All of them responsible for redefining the concept of supercar thanks to prototypes such as the Alfa Romeo Carabo, the Porsche tapiro or the Ferrari Module. Possessors of futuristic aesthetics conceived to cut the wind, but also suitable for mounting the engine in a central position as the Lamborghini Miura had enthroned.

In addition, regarding the mechanics, the use of new technologies began to be glimpsed on the horizon. In fact, coinciding with the 1972 Munich Olympics, BMW released an electric prototype capable of accompanying marathon runners. The proof that, still in a truly experimental phase, electrical technology was already seen among the main manufacturers as a future as distant as it is irremediable. In addition, within the innovations leading to improving the efficiency of the engines was turbocharging.

Born in the world of aeronautics, this technique was to be one of the most revolutionary elements for motorsports in the 1978s and XNUMXs. In fact, when in XNUMX the Alpine A442 won at Le Mans many knew that all the effort made by Renault was not going to stop there. Thus, the turbo jumped to F1 and from there to series cars. Achieving a great improvement in potency to bring sportiness even to the most popular segments. However, some brands had already put compact turbocharged models on the road some ten years earlier. Just the case of BMW with its iconic Turbo 2002 of 1973.

BEFORE 2002, BMW'S FIRST STEPS INTO TURBOCHARGING

As seen from its very emblem, BMW is a brand that had its origins in thin air. In fact, in 1919 one of his aeronautical creations fell just a few meters short of reaching an altitude of ten kilometres. A good example of the quality of its mechanics, confirmed with the numerous military orders received by the brand. In fact, although the BMW engineer Max Friz is known for being the creator of the R32 motorcycle, the truth is that his best creation was the development of a high-compression aircraft engine in 1917.

In this way it managed to reduce the loss of benefits as it achieved height. Product of the resentment of the engine to have less oxygen and, therefore, achieve a carburation of poorer quality. Just the problem for which the turbocharger was born as an answer. Trying to get as much air into the mix as possible so as not to lose power when flying above the clouds. An idea on which the aeronautical division of BMW worked, leaving that knowledge marked in one way or another in the brand's heritage.

Thus, after the Second World War, BMW already had enough to survive. With one of its two factories in territory occupied by the Soviets and the plans for its 328 in the hands of the British, the brand had to reinvent itself with concise models like the Isetta. Yes indeed, combined with other luxury ones like the 501. Fortunately, in the fifties the 700 twin-cylinder arrived. A utility designed by Michelotti with which the accounts could be squared, thus saving the danger of an absorption by Mercedes.

However, BMW needed to generate a successful and differentiated brand image. In this sense, the option of equipping its ranges with sports versions was taken. Offering models at the height of those of its competitor Mercedes together with more compact series quite suitable for forging sports versions. With this in mind, the 1968 was launched in 2002. A compact size model that quickly reached an excellent level thanks to victories such as the one achieved in its class during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The perfect base for an incredible Turbo version to be released in 1973.

BMW TURBO 1972, A FULLY CURRENT AESTHETIC

For lovers of engine genealogies, perhaps the most interesting thing about the BMW Turbo is that it is the brand's first turbocharged model. In fact, it was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1972. Just one year before the appearance of the 2002 Turbo, which is mistakenly taken as the first. Of course, to tell the truth, if we were talking about strictly serial models, it is. And it is that of the BMW Turbo only two units were built. Destined to generate an important media effect that would help three different but complementary issues. Let's see.

First of all, BMW did not want to lose the thread of its nascent and successful sports image. That's why I needed this prototype. Fully imbued with the previously mentioned wedge design, projecting a futuristic and exotic halo over the BMW range. Something that he certainly achieved. monopolizing a good number of media spotlights to thus benefit the sales index in series models. Second, the BMW Turbo was the introduction of this technology. Which would come to series the following year, establishing one of the few precedents prior to the dominance exercised by Renault in the generalization of turbocharging.

Something that he also achieved. Well, the engine with four cylinders and 1.990 cubic centimeters installed in a central position -something unprecedented for BMW- was capable of yielding 276CV depending on the blowing pressure. All this from the same block of 2002. Highlighting the promising opportunities offered by turbocharging when creating sports cars with popular models as a base. Also, in third place was safety. Or rather, security reconciled with aesthetics with the American market in mind.

And it is that there the new regulations for the event of a crash conditioned some huge bumpers. For this reason, Paul Bracq -one of the most versatile designers of the moment- took care to integrate them into the overall set of the BMW Turbo. And by the way, in a quite successful way. Not in vain, it is obvious that, despite being just now half a century old, the BMW Turbo keeps a strikingly current line. Without a doubt, an exceptional car.

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Written by Miguel Sánchez

Through the news from La Escudería, we will travel the winding roads of Maranello listening to the roar of the Italian V12; We will travel Route66 in search of the power of the great American engines; we will get lost in the narrow English lanes tracking the elegance of their sports cars; We will speed up the braking in the curves of the Monte Carlo Rally and we will even get dusty in a garage while rescuing lost jewels.

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