This is the BMW Concept Skytop design study – an open two-seater that references the company’s V8 Roadster with its prominent, sweeping bonnet and shark-nose design, and flowing, sporty and muscular stance. Also here in the design is a pronounced spline that extends from the bonnet, through the interior, to an aluminium trim positioned on the tailgate.
A leather-finished roll-over bar behind the Concept Skytop’s two seats is combined with side fins on the B-pillar and a fully retractable rear window. The two removable roof parts, also finished in leather, can be stored in a special compartment in the luggage space.
Winglets integrated into the door shoulders replace conventional door handles.
LED headlights, positioned on milled aluminium carriers, have been custom developed for the concept, offering the slimmest profile currently available.
The colour scheme includes, in the rear section, a reddish-brown tone on the roof that flows into the muted silver with chrome shadow effect of the exterior paintwork. Brogue-style leather surfaces cover the interior. Crystal applications are embedded in the cockpit giving the interior that extra bit of sparkle and luxury touch.
BMW says that, like the V8 Roadster, the Concept Skytop boasts the most powerful V8 engine in the BMW drive train portfolio. That might mean the 460kW/750Nm twin-turbo 4.4-litre engine from the M8 Competition. However, BMW does have more potent powertrains in its portfolio – notably the BMW XM Label Red SUV boasts a twin-turbo hybrid set-up busting out 550kW and 1000Nm. Whatever sits underneath the sleek skin of the Concept Skytop, it no doubt means that the slick-looking machine is as quick as it looks.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (July 2024)
7 August 2024