There are few things in the automotive world as unique as the BMW Art Car collection. For fifty years now, BMW has been turning their vehicles into spectacular pieces of art. The very first one was a racing BMW 3.0 CSL back in 1975. This week, the Art Car World Tour begins its U.S. leg. It features two special cars at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Visitors can see the famous car by Andy Warhol. They can also see the brand new one by Julie Mehretu.
The BMW Art Car program started in 1975. French racing driver and art dealer Hervé Poulain asked his friend Alexander Calder to paint a car. It became an instant crowd favorite at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Since then, icons like Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons have contributed to the collection. The program chooses artists from all over the world. The artist always has complete creative freedom. The results are vastly different. No two cars are ever alike.
Warhol’s Masterpiece: Art on a M1
Andy Warhol’s contribution to the BMW Art Car program is a 1979 M1. The legendary pop artist wanted to show speed as a visual image. He applied over thirteen pounds of paint by hand in just 28 minutes. The resulting brushstrokes and drips make the work feel deeply human. It also embodies a uniquely personal expression. The car became a pop art icon. It showed a shift in Warhol’s work. He moved towards abstraction and gestural painting.
Power and Performance of the M1 Art Car
The Warhol M1 is a true racing machine. The car is powered by a twin-cam inline-six engine. This engine has a generous displacement of 3.5 liters. It produces an estimated 470 horsepower. The M1 has a top speed of roughly 191 mph (307 km/h). In 1979, the car took second place in its class. This was during the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. It proved that a work of art could be both beautiful and lightning fast.
The Newest Addition: Julie Mehretu’s Vision
Julie Mehretu created the 20th BMW Art Car. She transformed a two-dimensional image into a three-dimensional representation. Her design brings dynamism into form. She used her monumental painting “Everywhen” as a starting point. The artwork’s abstract visual form comes from digitally altered photographs. These are superimposed in layers of dot grids, veils, and black markings. The fusion of image and vehicle was made possible with 3D mapping. This transfers the motif to the car’s contours.
BMW M Hybrid V8 Engine and Specs
The new BMW Art Car is a high-performance machine. It is based on the BMW M Hybrid V8 endurance race car. It features a hybrid electric drivetrain. The power output is approximately 640 hp. This comes from a 4.0-liter V8 engine and an electric motor. The top speed is up to 345 km/h (215 mph). Its elaborate lightweight foiling helps the car to be fully transformed. The car competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024.
A Legacy of Rolling Sculptures
The BMW Art Car collection is celebrating 50 years. This tour is a global celebration of the collection’s history. It has stops from Vienna to Hong Kong to Marrakech. The U.S. leg will see the Mehretu car head to Bridgehampton for The Bridge event. The artist herself will be there. Meanwhile, the Warhol M1 will visit Washington D.C. It will be inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress’ National Register of Historic Vehicles. This marks a significant milestone. It recognizes the car as a work of both art and historical importance.
The program’s history is a story of creative freedom. Artists are selected by a jury of experts. They are given full control to make their vision a reality. The cars are as different as the artists who created them. From racing cars to production vehicles, each one is a unique statement. It shows how art can transcend mediums. It also shows how a car can be more than just a means of transport. It can be a canvas.
The BMW Art Car program shows how art and technology can coexist. It proves that a car can be a living sculpture. The collection has a long and storied history. It continues to inspire people around the world. The works by Warhol and Mehretu are perfect examples. One is a historical masterpiece. The other is a look into the future. They both tell a story of creativity, speed, and innovation. They truly are rolling works of art.
Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only. The information and specifications provided may be subject to change. Please consult official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date data.
Source: BMW
