Each year, automotive manufacturers seem to take advantage of April Fools' Day to delight and deceive car enthusiasts with imaginative concepts. In recent years, several brands have unveiled exciting ideas only to reveal them as jokes shortly after. Last year, Volkswagen toyed with fans by hinting at a comeback for its vibrant Harlequin editions, but the truth emerged on the first day of April. Similarly, Hyundai once showcased an appealing N-branded two-seater roadster in 2019, teasing it as a new model before confessing it was all a jest.
This time around, BMW's M division has joined the trend, presenting two remarkable hoaxes through its social media channels. One concept introduced via Instagram is the M2 Dakar, a rugged off-road variant inspired by models like the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato and Porsche 911 Dakar. Featuring elevated suspension, protective body cladding, specialized tires, and a versatile roof rack, this vehicle captures the imagination with its adventurous potential. Despite being a prank, such designs may serve as valuable feedback tools for public interest in unconventional sports cars.
Meanwhile, another creative mock-up from BMW involves a GT3 racing version of the M3 Touring. Although highly unlikely to meet competition standards or offer practical benefits, this fictional rendition fuels dreams of high-performance station wagons akin to the legendary Volvo 850 Estate BTCC. While these renderings remain unfulfilled fantasies, they remind us that companies should consider converting captivating ideas into reality rather than leaving them confined within digital confines. Perhaps the ultimate redemption lies in bringing such visionary projects to life, especially ones as thrilling as the M2 Dakar.