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When it comes to concept vehicles, BMW has always pushed the boundaries of design and engineering. One such example is the BMW AVT from 1981, a vehicle shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
Built to mark the opening of BMW’s new wind tunnel at the Ismaning/Ascheim test facility in 1980, the BMW AVT was a true testament to the importance of aerodynamics in automotive design. In the wake of the fuel crises of 1974 and 1979, automakers were increasingly focusing on ways to reduce fuel consumption, and BMW was no exception.
The BMW AVT, which stood for Aerodynamischer Versuchsträger (aerodynamic test vehicle), was not meant to be driven. Instead, it was a non-drivable prototype that served as a subject for tests and photographers in the wind tunnel. With no interior, the BMW AVT was purely a showcase of innovative design and engineering.
Collaborating with BMW aerodynamicists, BMW designers created a sleek and futuristic concept vehicle that was truly ahead of its time. While the BMW AVT may not have any on-the-road descendants, it remains a pivotal piece of BMW’s design and engineering history.
To this day, the BMW AVT stands as a symbol of BMW’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design. Its unique role in BMW’s history only adds to its allure and mystique. While little is known about its background, the BMW AVT continues to captivate enthusiasts and serve as a reminder of BMW’s innovative spirit.