BMW Skytop Concept: The dawn of a modern Z8 Targa

BMW Skytop Concept: The dawn of a modern Z8 Targa

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The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este has always been an event for BMW to showcase some of its masterpieces. BMW debuted its i7 alongside the formidable M4 CSL in 2022, and in 2023, it unveiled the Concept Touring Coupe, a vehicle that aims to revive the spirit of the iconic Z3 Coupe.

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This year, the Munich-based marque revealed its Concept Skytop design study at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, which draws inspiration from past models such as the iconic Z8 roadster and 503.

The roofless 2-seater coupe comes with sleek front headlights and rear lights, discreetly integrated winglets, a sweeping bonnet, an iconic shark-nose design with an illuminated kidney grille, and a retracted rear section. Light alloy wheels with precise lines further enhance the stunning design.

“The BMW Concept Skytop is a truly unique and exotic design, in the tradition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “It offers a combination of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level, comparable to its historic ancestors, like the BMW Z8 or BMW 503.”

The interior features a leather-finished roll-over bar behind the BMW Concept Skytop’s two seats, a fully retractable rear window, and two removable roof parts finished in leather that can also be stored in the luggage area.

Furthermore, a close inspection inside shows a familiar setup that consists of a familiar digital instrument cluster, infotainment system, and centre console that appear to be lifted directly from the M8. 

BMW doesn’t specify the technical details of the Concept Skytop, but initial evidence suggests it will have the most powerful V8 engine in the BMW drivetrain portfolio. That said, we won’t be surprised if it comes fitted with the formidable M8’s S63 4.4-litre V8 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. 

At this stage, the Skytop remains a concept, but BMW says a production model is under consideration, and if that comes to pass, about 20 to 25 examples could be built, with each unit carrying a substantial price tag. 

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