The BMW 2002 Turbo is a legendary vehicle and a classic that was built from 1973 to 1974. The BMW 2002 Turbo (E20), which belongs to BMW's New Class, is a milestone in the automaker's history and automotive history in general. Based on the successful BMW 2002 model, the Turbo was BMW's first turbocharged production series and one of the first globally. Developed by Paul Bracq and Alex von Falkenhausen, it was among the most advanced cars of its time. With a 2-liter engine and a KKK-K26 turbocharger, the engine produced 170 hp at 5800 rpm, making it a true powerhouse on the road. In fact, the 1973 introduced BMW 2002 Turbo was capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds, making it one of the fastest vehicles of its time.
The BMW 2002 Turbo is known for its distinctive design elements, including the "Turbo" lettering on the front spoiler, the wide wheel arch extensions, and the iconic side decals in the colors of the BMW Motorsport division. These details are also faithfully represented in the AUTOart 1/18 scale model. The special wheels and sporty elements are also prominently displayed. The AUTOart 1/18 scale model, belonging to the collection of Modelly member "neophyte1410", showcases these iconic features in meticulous detail. Additionally, the historical context of the BMW 2002 Turbo in the year 1973, when significant events like the first Skylab moon landing and the Yom Kippur War took place, helps to underscore the environment in which this automotive classic was developed.
The technical specifications of the BMW 2002 Turbo speak for themselves: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with a turbocharger that generates immense power at a compression ratio of 6.9:1. The transmission was a 4-speed manual gearbox tuned for racing performance. The aerodynamics of the vehicle, with its front spoiler and widened fenders, were unique and contributed to the stability and high speed of the vehicle. The BMW 2002 Turbo was not only a technical marvel of its time but also a trailblazer for future high-performance vehicles. It was also one of the first vehicles to popularize the idea of a turbocharged engine in general street traffic, further emphasizing its significance in automotive history.
The appeal of this 1/18 scale model from AUTOart lies in its attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship. In the photos of the miniaturized BMW 2002 Turbo, the meticulously recreated details are clearly visible. From the accurately replicated wheels based on the originals to the lovingly crafted "Turbo" lettering and air intakes – it's all there. The white color scheme with the characteristic blue and red stripes of the BMW Motorsport division is also faithfully reproduced. The scale model showcases the vehicle in all its glory, offering collectors and enthusiasts a perfect way to own a piece of automotive history in smaller scale. The meticulous reproduction of the interior and everything one would expect when familiar with the original model makes any collector's heart skip a beat, even though informal and factual descriptions can't replace that feeling. Overall, the model represents the beauty and technical finesse of the original and is a valuable addition to any collection.