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BMW Shines at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este with the Stunning Concept Skytop
BMW continues to impress at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, an event that the company hosts through its Classic division. This weekend, the spotlight is on the BMW Concept Skytop, an exquisite convertible that pays homage to some of the brand’s most stylish vintage roadsters.
In recent years, BMW has showcased bold concept vehicles featuring futuristic designs and high-powered electric drivetrains. However, the Concept Skytop stands out with its classic appeal, including a traditional V8 engine. This engine is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged “S68” delivering 617 horsepower, sourced from BMW’s M division. While the model is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, BMW has not clarified if it operates on a rear- or all-wheel drive system—likely because it’s conceivable the Skytop will never go into mass production, similar to many of BMW’s conceptual cars.
The Skytop’s design reflects inspiration from the BMW 503 and Z8, according to Adrian van Hooydonk, the head of design at BMW Group, although some may argue its uniqueness makes such comparisons less apparent. Featuring a low and pointed front, reminiscent of the E24 M6, the car boasts a striking silhouette with a targa-style roof, sharply angled B-pillar, and muscular rear wheel arches. Distinctive features include a large hood vent that leads into a pronounced spine extending to the trunk lid, invoking nautical elegance akin to the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail concept.
Step inside, and the Skytop reveals its M-series lineage, evident from its waterfall-like center stack, gear shift lever, and the familiar digital gauge cluster from BMW’s last generation of vehicles. Completing its luxurious interior, the Skytop is adorned with unique brown leather seats that feature "brogue-style" detailing.
While hopes of seeing the Skytop in production seem slim—given past trends where popular concepts, like last year’s Z4 Concept Touring Coupe, did not materialize—its aesthetic beauty and craftsmanship have certainly left a strong impression. Car enthusiasts and fans alike lament that this striking vehicle may never grace the roads, a loss that truly underscores the talent and vision behind its creation.
Will we ever witness the BMW Concept Skytop in a showroom near us? Unlikely. Nonetheless, it remains a testament to BMW’s commitment to innovative design and automotive excellence.
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