In the realm of luxury automobiles, few events capture the essence of automotive artistry like the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy. This year, BMW seized the spotlight with the introduction of the Concept Skytop, a two-door convertible that elegantly nods to the iconic Z8 roadster. The Concept Skytop masterfully blends timeless design with contemporary performance, presenting a vehicle that honors its legendary predecessors while forging a path towards the future of luxury motoring.

The Concept Skytop, sharing its structural DNA with the 8 Series convertible, exudes sophistication and sportiness. Its design philosophy is rooted in evoking a sense of wanderlust, as emphasized by BMW’s assertion that the Skytop is “designed to inspire a desire to travel.” The car’s dynamic silhouette is highlighted by a long bonnet, minimal front and rear overhangs, a steeply raked windscreen, and pronounced exhaust outlets. Echoing the celebrated Z8, the Skytop features a distinct character line stretching from the bonnet to the ducktail rear spoiler, complemented by a shark-nose front graced with an illuminated kidney grille and sleek LED headlights—the slimmest ever produced by BMW.

Inside, the Concept Skytop is a sanctuary of luxury, accommodating two passengers in an environment swathed in sumptuous reddish-brown leather. This opulent material envelops the steering wheel, centre console, and rollbar, seamlessly transitioning from the interior to the exterior, whether the removable leather roof is in place or not. The interior craftsmanship is unparalleled, featuring brogue-style leather seats and exquisite crystal applications within the cockpit, enhancing the sense of elegance and spaciousness.

Under the hood, the Skytop remains somewhat enigmatic, with BMW yet to disclose specific engine details. However, it is confirmed to house “the most powerful V8 engine in the BMW drivetrain portfolio.” This likely points to the inclusion of the formidable 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine from the M8 Competition, delivering an impressive 460kW/750Nm. This engine choice underscores the Skytop’s connection to the Z8 roadster’s performance legacy, which once boasted BMW’s most powerful V8.

The exterior design of the Concept Skytop is a fusion of artistic flair and cutting-edge technology. Lightweight alloy wheels with a directional motif, winglets integrated into the door shoulders in lieu of conventional handles, and a sculpted rear with minimalist tail lights all contribute to a clean, purist aesthetic. The car’s taut, muscular surfaces, defined by precise lines, direct the vehicle’s volume towards the rear, creating a harmonious blend of form and function.

The BMW Concept Skytop stands as a beacon of the brand’s unwavering commitment to luxury, performance, and innovative design. This concept car not only pays homage to BMW’s storied past, with design elements reminiscent of the Z8 and 503 models, but also heralds a future replete with advancements in automotive excellence. As a stylish tribute to the Z8 roadster, the Concept Skytop is poised to captivate the hearts of automotive enthusiasts and luxury aficionados alike.

By Olga Barrale