The BMW 2002 That Roars Like A Beast: Unleashing Formula 2 Fury on Asphalt
When BMW first introduced the 02 Series back in 1966, it was a humble beginning for what would become an automotive legend. The original models, equipped with a modest 1.6-liter engine, offered 84 horsepower - a respectful figure for the era. Yet, as the series evolved, so did its ambition, eventually giving rise to the 2002 Turbo with a commendable 168 horsepower. But there's a particular BMW 2002 that defies all norms, a machine so fierce, it could be the poster child for power itself.
This isn't just any BMW 2002. It's a titan reimagined with a heart transplant from a Formula 2 race car. The engine, known as the M12/7, has been fine-tuned to unleash a staggering 321 horsepower, nearly quadrupling the output of the base model. Imagine the sheer force of such power in a car that originally catered to a more moderate performance spectrum.
The tale of this extraordinary 2002 was captured at the Hill Climb Rechberg 2024 event in Austria, where Mario Minichberger took the helm of this rev-hungry monster. The car's Formula 2-spec, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine pairs with a six-speed sequential gearbox, propelling it beyond the 10,000 rpm mark. Encased in a carbon fiber shell, the modified racer has a fighting weight of just 810 kilograms (1,785 pounds), making it a featherweight with the punch of a heavyweight boxer.
Beneath its surface, this BMW 2002 has undergone a radical transformation. Its appearance, marked by a nearly nonexistent ground clearance, is the result of a custom KW suspension setup tailored for optimum road-hugging capability. Stripped down to its essential form, the car boasts a full roll cage and an imposing rear wing, ensuring it remains firmly planted. The aggressive front spoiler and the dual center-exit exhaust don't just add to its menacing look; they're statement pieces of a machine ready to dominate.
Watching this BMW 2002 in action, one can't help but be reminded of its humble beginnings. Yet, as it zips around, appearing almost like a slot car in parts of the footage, its echoing engine note serves as a vivid reminder of the raw, unadulterated power of naturally aspirated engines from a bygone era. Before the world turned to forced induction and electrification, there were machines like this — pure, fierce, and exhilarating.
Despite the 02 Series being officially retired in 1977, the spirit of innovation and performance it embodied continues to inspire. BMW's homage with the 2015 2002 Hommage and 2016 2002 Hommage Turbomeister are testament to its enduring legacy, even if they remained at the concept stage. With over 837,038 units produced, the BMW 02 Series has firmly etched its name into the annals of automotive history.
The journey of the BMW 2002, from its modest start to becoming the chassis of choice for extreme custom builds like this Formula 2-powered behemoth, underscores the lasting appeal and adaptive nature of classic cars. As this machine roars down the track, revving to astronomical limits, it doesn't just race against competitors; it races through time, carrying the legacy of the BMW 2002 into the future.