Right now, you'd be forgiven for thinking BMW's production and concept cars are made by entirely different companies. On one side are the divisive looks of the XM and 7 Series gracing showrooms, and on the other, jaw-dropping show cars like the 3.0 CSL Hommage, Z4 Concept Touring, and the latest beaut—the BMW Skytop. It's almost like BMW has a split personality: daring with its concepts, cautious with its production.
But that's changing. BMW has decided to take one of its dreamy concepts off the pedestal and bring it to life with the Skytop. The Bavarian marque has just announced it will build 50 units of this targa-topped roadster. Yes, you read that right – the Skytop is no longer just a showpiece; it's hitting the production line.
The Skytop made its stunning debut earlier this year at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este at Lake Como, an event known for displaying automotive royalty. While BMW hasn't officially confirmed it, the Skytop seems heavily based on the 8-Series. You can spot it by the sleek lines and that removable soft-top roof that screams roadster coolness. But wait, it gets better: the rear window can electronically retract, adding even more open-air fun. You'll still have the leather-covered T-bar in place, though, giving it a touch of classic design elegance.
Underneath the gorgeous exterior is some serious muscle. The Skytop shares the same powertrain as the M8 Competition. That means a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers a whopping 617bhp, sending all that power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Translation? This beauty will launch from 0-100 kmph in just 3.3 seconds.
BMW says the Skytop's design refers to some of its most beloved roadsters. The front end is distinctly shark-like, with a rounded rear that takes inspiration from the iconic Z8 of the late '90s, itself a tribute to the 1950s 507 – one of the most beautiful cars ever to wear the BMW badge. However, unlike the somewhat controversial styling of BMW's current production models, the Skytop's design is refreshingly restrained. The head and tail lights are sleek and slim, and the front LEDs are the thinnest BMW ever produced for a car.
Of course, the Skytop features an illuminated kidney grille surround because no modern BMW can escape this trend. But with a car that is this stunning, we'll allow it. After all, you can't have it all.
BMW's head of design, Adrian van Hooydonk, describes the Skytop as "a truly exotic design" that combines driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level. He's thrilled that this concept is becoming a reality, calling it a "dream come true."
When can you expect to see the Skytop in production? BMW still needs to give us exact details. How much will it cost? With only 50 units and the exclusivity BMW aims for, you can bet it won't be cheap. Our guesses? "Soon," "probably toned down slightly from the concept," and "very, very expensive."
