BMW has revealed a brand-new roadster concept at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event in Italy.
Announced on the shores of Lake Como at the weekend, the Skytop is described as a one-of-a-kind tribute to classic BMWs.
However, the two-seat sports car could potentially be ready to leave the show stand and become the German marque’s new flagship model.
‘Dynamics and elegance’
Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, said: “The BMW Concept Skytop is a truly unique and exotic design, in the tradition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este”.
He added: “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.”
The debut of the Skytop concept marks the 25th anniversary of the BMW Z8 roadster entering production. As such, the car borrows a number of design cues from its ancestor.
Thin LED tail lights are a particular throwback to the car from 1999, as is a strict two-seat layout. The car’s headlights are said to be the thinnest possible, based on current lighting technology.
Pleasingly, BMW has not grafted on the gigantic front grille that its recent models have become infamous for. Instead, a traditional and well-proportioned kidney grille is used, albeit one that is illuminated.
Leather-clad luxury inside
Looking through the Skytop’s removable ‘targa’ roof reveals an interior that will look familiar to anyone driving a current BMW.
The steering wheel, digital dashboard and centre console all appear to be plucked straight from the production line, but with some extra design flourishes.
Red, brogue-style leather has been used extensively throughout the Skytop’s cabin, and also covers the fixed roll hoop behind the seats.
The pair of removable targa roof panels are also clad in leather, while crystal detailing can be found on the steering wheel and gear selector.
Twin-turbo V8 performance
Being a concept car, technical details for the Skytop are thin on the ground. However, there is no hint of electrification here; BMW has confirmed the car uses ‘the most powerful V8’ in its range.
That means a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, offering the potential for up to 635hp in the M5 super saloon.
BMW took just two years to launch a production version of the Z8 after it was first displayed at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show.
With familiar underpinnings and technology, creating a showroom version of the Skytop could also be a quick turnaround. Let’s hope so.
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