The original BMW 2002 came out in the 1970s to immediately become an icon. Misleadingly cute on the outside, it packed plenty of performance and could even hold its own on a racetrack. As it now turns out, Gruppe5 Motorsport has plans to revive the series using the original chassis and modern tech, with production start planned for this summer.
This is how it works. You source your own BMW 2002. The tuner takes it apart completely and then puts it together anew, replacing parts where necessary and ditching numerous components for their modern counterparts made of high-tensile steel or carbon fiber. As a result, the car loses weight and becomes safer overall (the company claims full FIA safety protocol compliance).
Proceeding with the modernization, the team cuts out the wheel wells to make space for larger, grippier wheels that would ensure reliable steering and cornering performance at high speeds.
Finally, the stock 2.0-liter four-banger gets ditched in favor of a humongous V10 engine sourced from the E60 BMW M5. Gruppe5 Motorsport increases the displacement volume to 5.8 liters and claims up to 744 hp (555 kW) at the crank. If that is not ludicrous enough for you, the tuner also offers a 5.9-liter option rated at 803 hp (599 kW). Consider that the retro ride itself weighs in at barely a metric ton (2,200 lbs), and the very idea of giving it that kind of power suddenly strikes the mind as blasphemous. Or friggin’ awesome, if you’re that type.
The company says it will produce 300 copies of the Gruppe5 2002. Prices aren’t being revealed to the general public, but pre-orders are already open, and you should probably make one right now if you are interested.
Photos: Gruppe 5 Motorsport