Photo artist mocks up BMW M-Zero concept

Posted Wed Apr 23 2008 2:16 PM by Nelson Ireson

A sort of automotive Frankenstein's monster, except sexy instead of hideous, the M-Zero concept was designed as a BMW despite containing elements of Audi, Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz, among others. Photo artist Mael Oberkampf's creation is little more than a flight of fancy, but as a design study, it's brilliant.

Combining some of the best elements of cars like BMW's 6-series (check out the front third of the car) and Audi's R8 (the midsection) with Aston Martin features (rear haunches) and yet coming out with a final product that seems totally original is a feat that has largely escaped the Chinese stylists that have taken a similar approach to design.

Still, it's nothing more than a rendering, and will not be produced by BMW, although some enterprising individual or coach builder could finance a one-off model. One can only imagine what a beast it would be, powered by the V10 from the M5 - or even better, rebranded as an Audi with a mid-mounted diesel V12.

Gallery: Mael Oberkampf's BMW M-Zero concept

Reader Comments

Wed Apr 23 2008 4:56 PM
cj says

fit!
Wed Apr 23 2008 4:56 PM
Aaron says

Are we looking at the same pics?
Wed Apr 23 2008 5:26 PM
Ink Master says

"beautiful" my ass ;)
Wed Apr 23 2008 5:39 PM
Minizzle says

If this is the way BMW is heading toward the future with their design....then their future looks bright...

P.S.- love the car but a little concerned about the rear end
Wed Apr 23 2008 6:09 PM
blackreeams says

This thing looks like a Z4 mated with a R8 and had an ugly baby
Wed Apr 23 2008 6:39 PM
Gus says

It's interesting, but the best thing about it is the lack of a bangle-butt...
Wed Apr 23 2008 6:48 PM
myth says

Ummm...I would go ahead and call this UGLY.
Wed Apr 23 2008 7:51 PM
MyWheelsOnWalls.com says

I must have missed the press release that Bangle has been fired. What a fantastic looking car!
Wed Apr 23 2008 8:10 PM
ohmy says

me likes, there are a few lines i'd personally tweak but a great look of an audi/bmw combined into one car, i do like the back but lil too futuristic
Wed Apr 23 2008 10:09 PM
mlevere1992 says

No way that BMW that would build this. No flame surfacing.
Thu Apr 24 2008 7:08 AM
chris says

I doubt BMW will ever do a super car again. this looks a little too plain if they were to make another M. bmw would either make something like a lambo ripoff, or something crazy like the shelby GR1 concept.. front engine, rear wheels, long hood, strict 2 seater...

point is they would do something crazy that you'd either love or hate. this car looks like too much of too many different things. it reminds me of the lexus convertible. safe.
Thu Apr 24 2008 9:10 PM
lexlife says

I like it. I see inspiration from both the 350z (side) and recent Saab concept (rear). I've read that we're in store for a powerful top GT from BMW to replace the discontinued Z8 albeit the images were a bit more graceful, this artist takes a more aggressive angle. Good job all in all - its a handsome look.
Sun Dec 28 2008 2:31 PM
rami says

are you guys ballistic this car is AWESOME better than mustang , camaro,lexus everything sons of Bs should build this i'm in love

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