Fourty years after the Motorsports department of BMW was first created, student and designer Cristophe Jourd’hui has designed a new BMW MZ8, made to honor the BMW 8-series and specifically the Z8, which was sold between 1999 and 2003.

Equipped with a mid-engine (600 HP) set up—whereas the 8 series models were front-engined—the car seems to represent the sleekness BMW often showcases while putting a unique spin on two Motorsports classics. For example, the car maintains the iconic double-kidney grill, although it is much more square than most of the BMW cars on the market. The car also features a removable hardtop roof, and since most cars of its kind are convertibles, that was seemingly a no-brainer.

Jourd’hui—a student at the International School of Design—commented on his design of the car, saying he felt the jutting, sharp features “gives a stronger character to the car.” And the pictures that have been released clearly indicate characteristics of the classic 8-series while still meeting market demands of a futuristic look. And although there has been little news on the specifics of the car other than the released designs, the BMW design team has approved further prototype development.

The automobile industry is one of manufacturer loyalty; and a vast majority of buyers who can afford to purchase high-end cars like the new MZ8 usually maintain loyalty to one certain brand. Through the following it has created, BMW has a great opportunity to offer a new product that can offer nostalgia to those who have been faithful to the company. And with so much buzz already surrounding this prototype, BMW seems to have found the perfect medium to show it can draw new drivers while catering to its hardcore following that seems to grow exponentially.