(Concept) Skytop: BMW’s Most Stunning Roadster Yet

TrackPart
Mar 25
3 min read

Updated: Mar 25

Technical Specifications

Engine: 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8.
Horsepower: Estimated 617-643 HP.
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic.
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive.
Seats: 2.
Interior: Full leather with brogue accents, digital display, iDrive system.
Exterior Highlights: Illuminated kidney grille, ultra-thin LED .headlights, no visible door handles.
Top Style: Removable roof sections.
Production: Limited to 50 units.
Price: 542,000$ (Speculated).

BMW has done something rather unexpected. While the rest of the automotive world is busy stuffing batteries into every available crevice and trying to convince us that silent, soulless propulsion is the future, the Bavarians have dropped a bombshell at the 2024 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este—the BMW Skytop Concept. A stunning two-seater roadster that not only embraces the past but possibly gives us one last, glorious taste of BMW’s V8-fueled golden era.

A Masterclass in Design

Let’s start with the obvious: this thing is drop-dead gorgeous. If the Z8 and a 503 had a rebellious, tech-savvy grandchild, this would be it. It’s a rolling sculpture—sleek, muscular, and dripping with confidence. From the sharknose front to the sculpted rear haunches, the Skytop is the kind of car that makes you want to quit your job and drive across Europe with nothing but a leather duffel bag and a questionable sense of responsibility.

BMW has gone for minimalism where it counts. No door handles—just tiny winglets that make you feel like you’re stepping into a spaceship. The kidney grille glows ominously in true sci-fi fashion, and the LED headlights are so thin they might just be a figment of your imagination. At the back, the taillights match the front’s purist approach, completing what can only be described as an automotive supermodel.

Inside: Where the Past Meets the Future

Slide into the cabin, and it’s clear that BMW wasn’t just designing a car—they were crafting an experience. It’s swathed in plush brown leather, from the roll bar to the removable roof sections, making you feel like you’re sitting inside a bespoke Italian briefcase. There are Brogue-d accents on the seats, a touch of old-world luxury that makes you want to drive this thing wearing a tailored suit and a pair of driving gloves.

The digital instrument cluster is there, but it doesn’t try to overwhelm you with gimmicks. The iDrive system is modern, but the whole interior feels like it was designed to enhance driving, not distract from it. And that, in this era of overcomplicated, touchscreen-obsessed interiors, is refreshing.

The Elephant in the Room: What’s Under the Hood?

BMW hasn’t confirmed what’s powering the Skytop, but let’s be honest—it’s not hard to guess. The most likely suspect? The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from BMW’s M division, found in cars like the M8 Competition and XM Label Red. That means anywhere from 617 to 643 horsepower, sending this open-top cruiser hurtling toward the horizon with a noise that can only be described as mechanical poetry.

But here’s where things get interesting: is this BMW’s last-ever V8-powered roadster? With the industry moving towards electrification, the Skytop could very well be the final hurrah for internal combustion BMW drop-tops. And if that’s the case, then it’s going out with a bang.

Will It See Production?

That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? BMW’s track record with concepts like these suggests they might just be crazy enough to build it. The Z8 was a concept once, and look how that turned out. Given the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the Skytop, it wouldn’t be surprising if BMW announced a hyper-limited production run—and if they do, expect it to sell out faster than you can say “collector’s item”.

Final Thoughts: A Future Classic in the Making?

The Skytop isn’t just another concept—it’s a statement. A reminder that BMW, despite its obsession with electrification and grille enlargement, still knows how to make a car that stirs the soul. Whether it makes production or remains a tease of what could have been, one thing is certain: this is the kind of BMW that reminds us why we fell in love with the brand in the first place.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here manifesting a production version—and checking my bank account, just in case.

Would You Buy One?

If BMW puts the Skytop into production, would you sell a kidney for it, or is this just a dreamer’s fantasy? Let us know in the comments below!