Latest news with #BMWM1
Khaleej Times
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Art Dubai 2025: Andy Warhol's BMW M1 Art Car speeds into Dubai
The fusion of pop art and performance engineering is racing into the UAE as BMW Group Middle East announces an exclusive showcase of Andy Warhol's iconic BMW M1 Art Car at this year's edition of Art Dubai, running from April 16 to 20. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the legendary BMW Art Car Collection, the appearance of Warhol's one-of-a-kind M1 will mark its debut in Dubai, making it one of the standout cultural events of the year and a must-see for both art aficionados and automotive enthusiasts. In just 28 minutes, with 6 kilograms of paint and bold, expressive brushstrokes, Warhol transformed a BMW M1 prototype into a rolling canvas of speed, motion, and modern art. Rather than relying on motifs from pop culture—as he often did in his portraits of Marilyn Monroe or Campbell's soup cans—Warhol opted for direct expression, allowing his gestures and paint to capture the raw dynamism of the car itself. The car, designed by legendary automotive stylist Giorgio Giugiaro, went on to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979, finishing 6th overall and 2nd in its class, driven by Manfred Winkelhock, Hervé Poulain, and Marcel Mignot. Poulain, also the visionary behind the BMW Art Car initiative, likened Warhol's painting process to 'a live dance performance.' 'Andy Warhol's BMW M1 Art Car is a true masterpiece that bridges the worlds of art and automotive excellence,' said Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East. 'Bringing this car to Art Dubai underscores our commitment to creativity and cultural dialogue, both regionally and globally.' The showcase is part of the BMW Art Car World Tour, a celebration of 50 years of the brand's unique collaboration with world-renowned artists. From Alexander Calder and Roy Lichtenstein to Esther Mahlangu and Jeff Koons, the Art Car Collection reflects the evolution of contemporary art and BMW's continued investment in cultural engagement.
The National
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Andy Warhol's painted BMW M1 to make first regional appearance at Art Dubai
In May 1979, Andy Warhol travelled to Germany on a special assignment. The US artist was invited by BMW to take part in their Art Car series. Warhol would paint the fourth car in the collection, a prototype BMW M1. Six kilograms of paint and 28 minutes later, the prototype was transformed into a priceless artwork, with Warhol's signature vibrancy. That car is now heading to Dubai. The BMW M1 Art Car will be a highlight at Art Dubai, which will take place at Madinat Jumeirah from April 16 to 20. The display is organised by BMW Group Middle East. It will coincide BMW Art Car Collection's 50th anniversary. The initiative began in 1975, with US sculptor Alexander Calder's design of the BMW 3.0 CSL. The collection is continuing and now features 20 cars. Some of the most famous artists of the past half a century have taken part in the project, including Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney and Jenny Holzer. Most recently, Julie Mehretu put her mark on a BMW M Hybrid V8 in 2024. Warhol's 1979 M1, however, has endured as one of the collection's most striking works. 'I have tried to give a vivid depiction of speed,' Warhol said in 1979. 'If a car is really fast, all the contours and colours will become blurred.' The car's arrival in Dubai is its first visit to the region, part of a world tour of BMW Art Cars. 'The BMW Art Car collection embodies our commitment to creativity, innovation, and cultural expression,' Karim-Christian Haririan, managing director of BMW Group Middle East, said. 'Andy Warhol's BMW M1 Art Car is a true masterpiece that bridges the worlds of art and automotive excellence, and we are thrilled to bring this iconic work to Art Dubai 2025. This moment not only celebrates 50 years of BMW Art Cars but also highlights our ongoing support for the arts and our role in shaping creative conversations worldwide.' BMW Group Middle East will also be hosting a talk at Art Dubai. The session will examine the car industry's intersection with art and design. Speakers will include Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director of London's Serpentine Galleries; Stephanie Rosenthal, director of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi; Azu Nwagbogu, founder and director of the African Artists' Foundation; and Thomas Girst, head of cultural engagement at the BMW Group.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Formula 1 Team Owner and Broadcaster Eddie Jordan Has Died
Eddie Jordan, a race-winning Formula 1 team owner, manager, and broadcaster, has died, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali announced Thursday on X. He was 76. Jordan began his racing career as a driver, working his way up from the Irish karting scene to Formula 2 before making a brief stop at the 1981 24 Hours of Le Mans in a BMW M1. After his career as a driver stalled out, Jordan founded his first racing team in 1979. His teams competed in British Formula 3 and Formula 3000, bringing up future F1 drivers Martin Brundle, Jean Alesi, and Johnny Herbert. Formula 1 followed, in 1991. His Jordan Grand Prix team gave a Mercedes sports car driver named Michael Schumacher his first F1 ride; that ended with a DNF on lap one, but Schumacher had been so impressive in practice and qualifying that he had signed with eventual champions Benetton one race later. Jordan Grand Prix scored points in every season it entered and won four times. The first win came with Damon Hill in 1998. A year later, Heinz-Harald Frentzen won twice and brought the team to a high of third in the constructor's championship. The team's final win came with Giancarlo Fisichella under unusual circumstances in 2003: controversy over official F1 timing after a race-ending red flag meant that the race was decided in court later in the week. It was one of just three points-paying finishes for the Jordan Grand Prix team that year. The team was eventually sold to Midland, who later sold it to Spyker. Force India owned the team for most of the intervening years before it became Racing Point, then finally, Aston Martin F1. After selling the team, Jordan worked as a broadcaster in England; he also served as Adrian Newey's manager, and last year he helped the legendary designer negotiate a deal with the Aston Martin team that traces its roots back to his own Jordan Grand Prix. Jordan had announced a prostate cancer diagnosis in December of last year. He died in South Africa on Thursday. He is survived by his wife and four children. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
Sharjah 24
24-02-2025
- Automotive
- Sharjah 24
Elite Cars winners of Classic Cars Festival shine in Dubai Mall
The display highlights four exceptional cars selected by the festival's jury in the 'Elite Cars' category, for the first time, which combine rarity, historical value, and a design that reflects the spirit of craftsmanship and uniqueness. The winning cars on display include: a 1978 BMW M1, a 1953 Cadillac Eldorado, and two 1955 Mercedes SL300 Gullwing. The rarest BMW cars The 1978 BMW M1 is one of the most prominent sports cars in the history of BMW. It was developed in cooperation with the Italian company Lamborghini with the aim of producing an advanced racing car to participate in sports car championships. The exterior was designed by renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, inspired by the 1972 BMW Turbo. Cadillac's timeless splendour The 1953 Cadillac Eldorado is one of the most iconic luxury cars in Cadillac's history. It was introduced as a limited edition to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, with only 532 units produced. The car features a unique and elegant design, including a wraparound windshield and low doors, as well as wire wheels as standard. A symbol of power and luxury from Mercedes The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing' is one of the most famous sports cars in history, thanks to its design inspired by the W194 racing car and its unique gullwing doors. It was first introduced at the New York International Auto Show, and was equipped with a 3.0-liter, 215-horsepower, six-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection, making it the first production car to adopt this technology.
Sharjah 24
18-02-2025
- Automotive
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Classic Cars Festival wraps up 2nd edition
Organised by the Sharjah Old Cars Club (SOCC) under the theme "Where the Story Begins," the festival showcased over 400 classic cars, each with its history and heritage. Beyond the gleaming exteriors and polished engines, the event hosted nine thought-provoking panel discussions, during which 21 experts explored classic automobiles' cultural and technological evolution. On the concluding day, SOCC announced a new initiative to convert one of its classic vehicles to run on electric power while maintaining its original authenticity. The project will be undertaken in collaboration with an expert and officially unveiled during the upcoming edition. The inspiring project aligns with the club's commitment to keeping pace with technological advancements and exploring the future of classic cars amid the transition to sustainable energy. During the closing ceremony, SOCC announced the Sharjah Classic Cars Awards winners and added a new Elite Cars category for the first time as the fifth category to its existing categories. The latest addition recognises vehicles that combine rarity, historical significance, market value, and overall condition. The Elite Cars Award was presented to a BMW M1 (1978), a Cadillac Eldorado (1953) and a two Mercedes SL300 Gullwing (1955). The Oldest Participating Car Award went to a Ford Model A (1928), owned by Tariq Al Noori, while the The Oldest Participating Motorcycle Award was given to Motorworld by V. Sheysnov (1947). For the Best Factory-Condition Classic Car Award, the Dodge Charger RT (1969), owned by Ahmed Rashid Al Tamimi, won first place. The Chevrolet Corvette C2 (1964), owned by Abdullah Noor Al-Din, took second place. The third place went to MG TD (1953) owned by Hamad Al Zaabi. The People's Choice Award went to Ziad Hassona for his Packard 1941. Shaping the future of the classic car sector Dr. Ali Ahmed Abu Al-Zoud, President of SOCC, described the festival's second edition as a significant success, reinforcing its status as a leading platform for classic car enthusiasts from the UAE and the wider Arab region. The event facilitated valuable networking and knowledge exchange among owners and collectors, further strengthening Sharjah's reputation as a leading hub for classic cars on regional and international levels. He said: "The festival served as an important forum for discussions among sector institutions across the UAE and region. Through expert-led panels and discussions, it shaped a strategic roadmap for the industry by addressing key challenges and exploring sustainable solutions to preserve this historical heritage for future generations." Will electricity take over classic cars? The concluding panel discussion, titled Will Electricity Take Over Classic Cars?, featured Salman Hussain, Co-founder of Fuse, a company specialising in converting petrol cars to electric, and Saeed Matar Al-Blooshi, a seasoned classic car expert. The discussion explored whether electrification enhances or diminishes the essence of classic cars, its impact on market value, and appeal to enthusiasts. Al-Blooshi highlighted the practicality of electric conversions, citing lower maintenance and extended lifespan while noting that preferences vary between preserving petrol engines and adopting sustainable solutions. Hussain echoed this view, stressing the importance of retaining classic aesthetics while integrating modern EV technology. They also discussed cost variations, with DIY conversions starting at AED 35,000 and full conversions being costly, depending on specifications.
