Caught in the Wild: BMW's Secret Supercar Prototype Revealed
The automotive world has been buzzing with whispers and rumors about BMW's ambitions to create a supercar. Over the past fifteen years, we’ve seen at least a dozen supercar designs from BMW, but frustratingly, none have made it past the drawing board due to impractical business cases. A notable casualty was the BMW i16, a project that nearly came to fruition but was ultimately scrapped by a cautious board of directors. However, a shift in focus toward the hypercar market signals a new era, abandoning the plug-in hybrid concept of the i16. Now, insider sources whisper about a new supercar design awaiting approval, though it remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Spotting the Neue Klasse Supercar Prototype
Enter the Neue Klasse prototype, a top-secret model recently caught on camera in public. Though heavily camouflaged, several eye-catching features have been identified. The prototype sports a classic two-door layout, a sharp shark nose, short overhangs, and a sleek roofline that slopes down to a tailgate perched above the beltline. The front end is distinctly Neue Klasse, featuring a 'phygital' aesthetic—a blend of physical and digital design elements—and minimalistic components. In a bold move, the traditional kidney grille has been swapped out for two vertical lights, yet still maintaining the iconic dual-headlamp appearance.
The rear view of this prototype continues the modern design language with slim taillights that bisect the trunk. A prominent rocker panel along the side visually lowers the car's height, giving it an aggressive stance. Interestingly, the car deviates from traditional supercar norms with its slightly higher ground clearance. This design choice harks back to legendary models like the M1, M Vision Next, and X Coupe Concept. BMW designers have long hinted that a new supercar should break away from traditional hypercar aesthetics, and this prototype seems to align perfectly with that philosophy. However, many details remain concealed under camouflage, especially at the rear, leaving room for speculation on the final production model.
A Powerhouse Under the Hood
The Neue Klasse architecture promises to deliver earth-shattering power, with potential outputs exceeding 1,000 horsepower. BMW's R&D head previously confirmed that the new platform could support power output up to 1 megawatt—equivalent to a blistering 1,341 horsepower. While specific details are tightly under wraps, this prototype hints at BMW's serious commitment to electric drivetrains. For now, BMW’s attention is set on launching the upcoming iX3 and the new i3 models before revealing more about this enigmatic supercar.
Though BMW enthusiasts have had their hopes dashed before, this project showcases more promise than any previous supercar endeavor. BMW aficionados remember all too well projects that looked destined for glory but were ultimately canceled for a host of reasons. This new prototype, however, emanates a sense of determination and innovation that could very well see BMW finally stepping into the supercar limelight.