May 29, 2024 – Adrian van Hooydonk, the Design Director of BMW Group, recently hinted at the possible limited production of the newly unveiled concept car, Skytop, at the just-concluded Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy. According to Hooydonk, the company might manufacture between 20 to 25 units of the Skytop by 2026, depending on the feedback from potential customers.
During the media event at the Villa d’Este, Hooydonk mentioned that the high prices of classic Z8 models in the second-hand market have sparked interest in a possible revival. If there is sufficient demand, BMW might offer the Skytop to a select group of 20 to 25 customers. Interestingly, despite its luxury tourer proportions, the Skytop concept bears a striking resemblance to the 1998 Z8 roadster, featuring a convertible two-seater design and a powerful V8 engine.
The Skytop is built upon the foundation of the BMW M8 Competition, sharing its 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine capable of delivering a maximum power of 460 kW and a peak torque of 750 Nm. Rumors suggest that this engine might undergo further tuning for the limited-edition Skytop. It is anticipated that the powertrain will be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased M xDrive system.
In comparison to the M8 Competition, the Skytop is expected to carry a significantly higher price tag, considering its limited-edition status. Whether the production model will retain some of the concept’s design elements, such as the detachable leather roof panels, sleek LED lights, and seamlessly integrated door handles, remains unknown.
