Munich/Cernobbio. The BMW Group proudly unveils the BMW Concept Skytop at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the prestigious annual showcase of automotive beauty held on the scenic shores of Lake Como. This stunning open two-seater epitomizes the fusion of aesthetics and performance, presenting itself as a meticulously crafted sculpture with flowing lines and a sporty elegance that perfectly complements its athletic, muscular presence. The concept car’s design harmoniously blends exclusive materials with traditional craftsmanship, both inside and out.
Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, remarks, “The BMW Concept Skytop is a truly unique and exotic design, embodying the spirit of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. It offers a blend of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level, reminiscent of its illustrious predecessors like the BMW Z8 and BMW 503.”
Athletic Proportions and Organic Design
The BMW Concept Skytop’s exterior design evokes a longing for the open road, with its taut, muscular surfaces defined by precise lines that draw the eye towards the rear. Subtle winglets integrated into the door shoulders replace traditional door handles, enhancing its sleek appearance. Light-alloy wheels with intricate lamella designs further accentuate the vehicle’s distinctive look.
From an aerial viewpoint, the car’s sweeping bonnet, iconic BMW shark-nose design with illuminated kidney grille, and the elegantly retracted rear section stand out. The design subtly references the legendary BMW Z8 roadster, particularly through the pronounced spline extending from the bonnet, across the interior, to an aluminium trim on the tailgate, highlighting the dynamic flow of the silhouette.
The headlight design integrates highly complex details within a cohesive overall concept. Custom-developed LED units are mounted on milled aluminium carriers, employing cutting-edge technology to achieve the slimmest profile for automotive headlights. This clean, minimalist design consolidates all lighting functions into a single unit. Similarly, the rear lights’ flat and defined shape complements the BMW Concept Skytop’s overall aesthetic.
The leather-finished roll-over bar behind the two seats, combined with side fins on the B-pillar and a fully retractable rear window, adds to the car’s refined elegance. Two removable roof panels, also leather-finished, can be conveniently stored in a dedicated compartment within the luggage space.
Seamless Interior-Exterior Transition
The car’s colour scheme ensures a seamless transition from interior to exterior, whether the roof is open or closed. The reddish-brown tone of the roof flows into the muted silver with a chrome shadow effect of the exterior paintwork. This sophisticated colour gradient was meticulously crafted by a master painter at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.
Luxurious Brogue-Style Interior
Inside, the leather seats feature brogue-style detailing, with a reddish-brown tone that lends the interior a luxurious and spacious feel. Crystal applications embedded in the cockpit enhance the overall impression of elegance. The interior surfaces were crafted with traditional saddlery techniques at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing, adding to the car’s bespoke character.
In a nod to the iconic BMW Z8, the BMW Concept Skytop is equipped with the most powerful V8 engine in BMW’s drivetrain portfolio, ensuring that its performance matches its stunning design.
The BMW Concept Skytop is a true testament to BMW’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation, creating a vehicle that is as dynamic and elegant as its historic inspirations.
