- BMW Group’s head of design indicated that they could potentially build 20-25 units of the concept.
- The Skytop could utilize the platform and the powerful V8 engine from the M8 Competition.
- BMW’s decision to move forward with production hinges on the public’s reception to the study.
The BMW Concept Skytop, which made its debut at Villa d’Este over the weekend, may be destined for an ultra-limited production run of 20-25 units by 2026. The final decision will be made based on the reaction of prospective customers to the concept, which is said to share its underpinnings with the current BMW M8 Competition.
The news was shared by Adrian van Hooydonk, head of design at the BMW Group, during a media gathering preceding the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event in Italy. Referring to the high prices of the BMW Z8 in the used car market, Hooydonk mentioned that the company could produce the Skytop for 20-25 fortunate customers if there is adequate demand.
More: BMW I16 Is The Secret i8 Replacement That Was Cancelled
As reported by Auto News, Hooydonk described the Skytop as “a truly unique and exotic design that offers a combination of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level, comparable to its historic ancestors, like the Z8 or 503.” Despite the grand tourer proportions of the concept, the open-top two-seater configuration and V8 engine are common features with the Z8 roadster from 1998.
This isn’t the first time BMW has openly considered production for a Villa d’Este concept. Last year, the Z4-based BMW Touring Coupe Concept sparked similar speculation. However, that project never materialized.
At the time, Hooydonk hinted that the brand could potentially produce a limited run of “highly customized” units for the modern “clown shoe.” Domagoj Dukec, BMW’s design boss, even went further, revealing they entertained the idea of a 1,000-unit production run.
Hooydonk confirmed that plans for the Touring Coupe Concept have been shelved, with BMW shifting focus to the newer Skytop. If greenlit, the Skytop’s official debut could occur in late 2025 or early 2026.
The ultra-limited production run leverages the proven underpinnings of the BMW M8 Competition, including its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that delivers 616 hp (460 kW / 625 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque in the production car. However, rumors suggest it could receive further tuning for the exclusive Skytop. Power would likely be channeled through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and the rear-biased M xDrive system.
Sky High Price
Judging from other limited-production offerings by BMW like the M4-based 3.0 CSL that was believed to have been priced from around $750,000, there’s little doubt that the Skytop’s price tag would soar well above the M8 Competition it’s based on, solidifying its status as a coveted collector’s item.
Whether the production version retains the concept’s eye-catching design elements, including the two-piece removable leather-upholstered top, the ultra-slim LEDs, and the neatly integrated door handles, remains to be seen.
