BMW Concept Skytop Carries Z8 With Sharp Look, V-8 Power

BMW will use the 2024 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa D'Este to run on the shores of Lake Como in Italy this weekend to unveil the open-top, 2-seater concept Skytop with a powerful V-8 engine.

While the launch of new models is generally dominated by electric cars today, in the form factor of SUVs, the concept Skytop reminds us of the not-too-distant past, when stunning sports cars with large engines made car show visits a must for car fans.

The Concept Skytop also features the type of elegant design that has been missing in BMW in recent years, with its clean and sculpted surfaces and proportions reminiscent of past BMW greats such as the early 503 and 507 models as well as the more recent Z8. The rear fender line and slit-shaped taillights are also close to the design of the corresponding elements of the Z8.

Unlike those previous cars equipped with a traditional convertible roof, the Concept Sky Top introduces a new Targa-style roof consisting of a rollover bar and a pair of removable panels to connect, and both elements are wrapped in hand-sewn leather. The roof panel has its own storage area in the trunk and when removed the rear window can be retracted as well.

This concept abolishes the traditional door handle and instead relies on a small winglet attached to the top of each door. The wheels are another interesting design. They are light alloys with gill-like elements that make the wheels appear like fans or radiator coolers.

In another nod to the Z8, the concept Skytop features an engine from the BMW M division, a 4.4-liter V-8 rated with a twin turbocharged in this case 617 hp. It's the same engine that fits the current M8 competition, BMW said.

Judging by the size of the concept and the layout of the cabin, the foundation may also be shared with BMW's current 8 series. BMW does not indicate that this concept is a preview of the future 8 series.