The BMW that became a Volkswagen?
At the Turin Motor Show in the fall of 1976, ItalDesign presented a concept car called the "Karo As" with the BMW brand logo and kidney grille at the front!
The Automobil Revue wrote at the time:
" In addition to the 1973 "Pik As" based on the Audi 80, the Car Design Division of ItalDesign is now showing the "Karo As", also built for Karmann.
It was based on the BMW 320 and designed as a 2+2 coupé with a tailgate. Due to the relatively high mechanical design of this model, the overhangs were shifted. These are 19.5 cm longer at the front and 31 cm shorter at the rear than on the original vehicle. In this way, Giugiaro was able to achieve the wedge shape he wanted. In favor of good aerodynamics, the width was limited to 165 cm, and rain gutters and chrome frames were dispensed with."
This "sideways leap" by Karmann is hardly known today. However, it is interesting to compare this prototype with the VW Scirocco II, for which work had already begun in the mid-1970s.
Officially, the Scirocco II is attributed to VW's own design department, although Giugiaro also made a suggestion. Nevertheless, the side window line and the low beltline of the Scirocco II are very similar to the BMW Karo As.
And perhaps an additional pinch of Giugiaro would have done the second Scirocco some good?
