Unveiled: BMW Concept Skytop

The German luxury automobile manufacturer BMW recently unveiled a new concept car at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, called the Concept Skytop. This open-top roadster vehicle has similar dimensions and interior layout, but the same engine as the in-production vehicle, the BMW 8 Series. Interestingly, this is BMW’s first non-electric concept vehicle since Concept 4, which was showcased at the Geneva Motor Show. 

Expressing his thoughts on this occasion, Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group Design Head stated, “The BMW Concept Skytop is a truly unique and exotic design, in the tradition of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. It offers a combination of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level, comparable to its historic ancestors, like the BMW Z8 or BMW 503.”

BMW Concept Skytop: Exterior Design

As far as the design is concerned, the BMW Concept Skytop undoubtedly looks futuristic and imposing. As mentioned earlier, this convertible vehicle draws design cues from one of its iconic ancestors, the BMW Z8. 

That said, this concept vehicle has a shark snout, accompanied by streamlined headlamps and broad and angular BMW’s signature front grille. Moving further, the Skytop also has a horseshoe vent with a central spine on the sculpted bonnet that extends towards the car’s front windscreen. 

As for the side profile, this BMW convertible car has small fins atop the door handles. The overall design of the side profile has a fluidic-like design language. The product shown in the image also shows that this concept vehicle stands on a 12-spoke alloy aerodynamic wheel, finished in chrome. 

Lastly, the rear end of this vehicle incorporates Targa-inspired design elements, with lifted buttresses behind the cabin, accompanied by a body panel. Moreover, the spacious rear deck cascades towards the rear end, defined by a spine running down to the centre. There is also a tiny lip spoiler, sleek LED taillamps, and twin exhausts.  

BMW Concept Skytop: Interior Design

From the inside, the BMW Concept Skytop continues to have nearly identical design language as the ongoing BMW 8 Series. The BMW Concept Skytop has a single-tone colour scheme on the upholstery. 

However, it is worth noting that this concept vehicle doesn’t have dual curved displays as seen in modern BMW cars. 

Apart from that, there is a retractable window and a special roll bar placed behind the seats, which are some of the noteworthy elements. The two-piece roof, a Targa-inspired top, can be manually removed and stored in the car’s boot.   

BMW Concept Skytop: Specifications

This BMW concept vehicle borrows a powertrain from the BMW M8 Competition. That said, this concept iteration is powered by the iconic 4.4-litre V8 turbo-petrol engine, which is tuned to churn out 608.5bhp. It may power all four wheels via the eight-speed automatic transmission. 

The exact specifications of this concept vehicle remain unknown, but we expect the same mechanical setup as the BMW M8.