In 1999 BMW designed a BMW 2K2 took its name from one of the most legendary BMWs ever built: the BMW 2002. In this sense, the creation of this two-door, four-seater sports sedan represents a throwback to the BMW that preceded the 3 Series.
Originally planned to launch in 2002, the BMW 2K2 was a true exercise in engineers and designers working at a lightning pace in small teams and in close alignment to make the BMW 2K2 feasible for actual production.
New technologies were used, and the BMW 2K2 became the first-ever BMW to have its initial design and engineering phase carried out entirely with digital tools, including 3D forms and virtual design tools. With the latest technology at their disposal, the creators began their work in 1997 and presented a feasible prototype in 1999, just 18 months later.
The goal was to build a prototype that was designed and engineered to meet all relevant requirements for successfully building and selling the car, and the BMW 2K2 even came close to being considered for serial production.
Ultimately, the prototype was never given an E-number. Had it gone into serial production, though, the 2K2 would have been a kind of the BMW 1 Series Coupe and would have replaced the BMW 3 Series Compact (E46 and E45), in the form of a more basic and lightweight car. In terms of engine choices, the 2K2 had capacity to fit any of the smaller-capacity BMW engines, from 1.8 to 2.2 liters, with either four or six cylinders, making it best-in-class in terms of power per weight.
