Tellingly, the first concept BMW was a stunning two-seater supercar.

Pop-up headlights. Gullwing doors. A breathtakingly wide, low, modern body, and an otherworldly eight-valve engine that could produce a nigh unheard-of 280 horsepower. Auto enthusiasts were instantly captivated by the E25 Turbo – and wanted to see Paul Bracq's masterpiece crack 155 mph from the moment it debuted in 1972.

There was more to the Turbo than met the eye. Hydraulic bumpers. A seatbelt safety system integrated with the ignition. And even a rudimentary radar-based braking assistant – precursor to the autonomous driving technology of today.

The Turbo inspired the BMW M1 – a mid-engine, high-intensity, and notably road-legal performance machine that debuted in 1978. This aggressively sporty coupe inspired the Procar BMW M1 Championship, and a new generation of racing drivers.

Only 453 were ever built, but the M1's mark on motorsport racing proved to be indelible. Its traits live on in the BMW M Family and the BMW i8 Coupe.

BMW innovation is at home on any track.

In 2014 two BMWs took a podium position – without an engine. By perfecting the weight distribution and lowering the center of gravity – just like a high-performance car – BMW designed, wind-tunnel tested, and delivered the perfect Two-man Bobsled.

Two years later, BMW created the world's most advanced Racing Wheelchair. Advanced aerodynamic knowledge came into play, as did BMW's creative use of carbon fiber for weight-saving strength. But it was the BMW design ethos – design for the driver – that really made the difference. Each wheelchair was custom-built for a single athlete using 3D body scans to ensure a perfect fit.