BMW Concept Skytop Previews a Possible 8 Series-Inspired V8 Targa

BMW has unveiled the brand-new Concept Skytop at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. With similar overall dimensions and interior design, this open-top roadster appears to have a lot in common with the BMW 8 Series. Driven by the 608.5bhp twin-turbo V8 of the BMW M8 Competition, the Concept Skytop is a two-door, two-seater vehicle with a Targa roof. Notably, it is the company's first non-electric concept since Concept 4, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group Design Head said, 'The BMW Concept Skytop is a truly unique and exotic design, in the tradition of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. 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.'

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BMW Concept Skytop: Styling

In terms of design, the Skytop has a front end with a shark snout, similar to the Z8. With streamlined headlamps, the fascia is distinguished by a broad, angular take on the BMW kidney grille. Furthermore, a notable horseshoe vent with a central spine extending towards the windscreen is featured on the sculpted bonnet. As we get to the sides, we can see that the doors have small fins on top of them in place of door handles. The rear part has a Targa-inspired design, with elevated buttresses behind the cabin joined by a body panel. The spacious rear deck is sloped downward towards the rear, with a pronounced spine running down the centre. The exterior design also includes a tiny boot lip spoiler, thin slit-like tail lights, and twin exhaust.

BMW Concept Skytop: Interior Layout and Features

Coming to the cabin, the primary layout of the Skytop is similar to that of the brand's current 8 Series, with a slightly changed cockpit arrangement. All soft-touch surfaces are painted in a single colour. The concept vehicle lacks the curved displays used on more recent BMW vehicles, instead placing a free-standing infotainment screen above the centre console and a digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. It appears that the steering wheel is also from the BMW M parts bin. A retractable window and a special roll bar behind the seats are the stand-out design elements of the concept. The two-piece roof, which is a Targa top, may be manually removed and stored in the car's boot.

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BMW Concept Skytop: Mechanical Details

Talking about the mechanical side of things, the Concept Skytop's stance and dimensions are reminiscent of the manufacturer's flagship grand tourer. Under that roomy bonnet sits the same 4.4-litre V8 engine as the M8 Competition, which generates 608.5bhp of maximum power. Although BMW has not released all of the concept's spec details, we believe it to be the same as the M8 Competition, down to the eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive setup.

Unfortunately, based on the current developments, the BMW Concept Skytop will remain a one-off vehicle. There isn't much room for a Targa top since BMW currently produces the 8 Series in coupe and convertible body styles only.