BMW Concept Skytop leaks ahead of reveal
Silly name, spectacular looks for BMW's latest - is this a new 8 Series?
BMW likes to use the Villa D’Este concours to show off concepts which are really all about previewing production cars. There was an 8 Series that was basically the finished thing in 2017, a 2002 Homage that seems to have inspired the current M2, and a 3.0 CSL Hommage R that undoubtedly must have influenced the recent limited edition 3.0 CSL. We’re still waiting on a production Z4 shooting brake, but there’s clearly form. And at first glance, let’s hope this new Concept Skytop joins the Villa D’Este we're-about-to-build-it club.
Nobody’s meant to have seen the car yet, because the event doesn’t open until Friday - but as long as the internet exists stuff is going to leak. Taylor Swift wasn’t immune, so there’s no way BMW will be. Looks good though, right? Sort of like an 8 Series speedster, it brings back some welcome traditional design cues, with more of a shark nose (and fairly normal kidney grilles) than most BMWs of late; the rear evokes those super slim lights of the Z8. Coincidentally (or perhaps not) the old roadster takes pride of place on the Villa D’Este home page. Feels like this could be quite a big deal for the event and BMW.
Note as well the wheels that have hints of the old turbofan M5 rims, a recognisable (if lavishly reupholstered) BMW interior and ordinary mirrors; the Skytop isn’t a flight of fancy concept, or it would be more extreme. Something that looks like this is surely coming, and that has to be good news. What’s unclear for the moment is exactly how the roof works or what it is; the name (and look with the roof down) would imply a spider-style temporary arrangement, which would add some show debut glamour to a design that looks almost production-ready.
With nothing official yet from BMW (but not very long to wait), we can only speculate on what the Concept Skytop might become. A Z5 has been suggested by some sources, pushing the front-engined, rear-drive sports car a little further upmarket - as seems to be BMW’s way at the moment. Notably the interior features an off switch for the stop-start, so it’ll have an engine at least. Plenty about this says 8 Series, but with the M4 having become so fast and luxurious (and expensive), you have to wonder what future the big bruiser has. More to follow on the Skytop at the weekend.
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