BMW has unveiled the Concept Skytop, a uniquely elegant and one-of-a-kind design study, at the 2024 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, an annual gathering of historic cars and motorcycles held on the shores of Lake Como. This open two-seater exudes a meticulously crafted vehicle sculpture with flowing, sporty elegance that complements its athletic and muscular stance. Both the interior and exterior of the Concept Skytop feature warm monochromatic colors, blending exclusive materials with traditional craftsmanship to create an exceptionally luxurious vehicle.
Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, described the BMW Concept Skytop as offering a combination of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level, comparable to its historic ancestors, like the BMW Z8 or BMW 503. The vehicle’s design emphasizes athletic proportions with clean, organic lines. Its taut, muscular surfaces are defined by a few precise lines that direct the vehicle's volume towards the rear. Winglets discreetly integrated into the door shoulders replace conventional door handles, and the light-alloy wheels with precise gill-like features enhance its unique appearance.
From above, the Concept Skytop features a prominent, sweeping hood, the iconic BMW shark-nose design with an illuminated kidney grille, and a sculpted rear section that draws inspiration from the legendary BMW Z8 roadster. A pronounced spline extends from the hood, through the interior, to an aluminum trim on the trunk lid, emphasizing the dynamic flow of the silhouette. The harmonious design of the headlights incorporates highly complex details, with custom-developed LED units positioned on milled aluminum carriers, utilizing the latest technology for the slimmest profile possible. The flat, defined shape of the rear lights complements the overall appearance of the vehicle.
The interior of the BMW Concept Skytop is characterized by brogue-style leather surfaces, with the reddish-brown tone of the leather creating a consistent color scheme that imparts a sense of luxury and spaciousness. Crystal applications are artfully embedded in the cockpit, adding to the overall impression of refinement. The leather-finished sport bar behind the two seats is combined with side fins on the B-pillar and a fully retractable rear window. The two removable roof parts, also finished in leather, can be stored in a special compartment in the luggage space, ensuring a smooth transition from interior to exterior, whether the roof is open or closed.
Under the hood, the BMW Concept Skytop is powered by a 617-hp 4.4-liter V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology from the BMW M8 Competition. This powerful engine underscores the vehicle’s blend of aesthetics and dynamics, making it a compelling prospect for luxurious travel.
The Concept Skytop's potential for production is hinted at by BMW’s history of showcasing innovative designs at the Villa d'Este event. Previous notable efforts include the 2006 Mille Miglia concept, the 2008 M1 Hommage, the 2015 3.0 CSL Hommage, and the 2016 2002 Hommage. While none of these nine show cars made it into production, there is optimism that the Concept Skytop could be the exception. If approved, it is speculated that no more than 50 units will be produced at BMW’s Dingolfing factory, with a rumored base price of around $542,000.
The BMW Concept Skytop, with its meticulously crafted design and powerful engine, represents the pinnacle of BMW’s design and engineering capabilities. Its unveiling at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este underscores BMW’s commitment to innovation and luxury, promising a new era of bespoke, high-performance vehicles.