The BMW Concept Skytop, which premiered at Villa d’Este over the weekend, is being considered for an ultra-limited production run of 20-25 units by 2026. This decision hinges on the response from prospective buyers to the concept, which shares its underpinnings with the current BMW M8 Competition.
Adrian van Hooydonk, head of design at the BMW Group, disclosed this during a media event preceding the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy. Citing the high resale values of the BMW Z8, Hooydonk suggested that the company might produce the Skytop for a select few if there is sufficient demand.
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 concept’s grand tourer proportions, its open-top two-seater configuration and V8 engine draw a direct line to the 1998 Z8 roadster.
This isn’t the first time BMW has considered production for a Villa d’Este concept. Last year, the Z4-based BMW Touring Coupe Concept generated similar buzz, though it never came to fruition. At the time, Hooydonk hinted at a potential run of “highly customized” units, while BMW’s design boss, Domagoj Dukec, mentioned a possible 1,000-unit production.
However, plans for the Touring Coupe Concept have been shelved in favor of the Skytop. Should the Skytop receive the green light, its official debut could be slated for late 2025 or early 2026.
The proposed limited production would utilize the robust foundation of the BMW M8 Competition, featuring a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine that generates 616 hp (460 kW / 625 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. Rumors suggest the Skytop could receive further tuning, with power likely managed by an eight-speed automatic gearbox and the rear-biased M xDrive system.
Sky High Price Tag
Given the pricing history of BMW’s limited-production models, like the M4-based 3.0 CSL which was priced around $750,000, the Skytop is expected to command a significantly higher price than the M8 Competition, cementing its status as a highly sought-after collector’s item.
Whether the production version will retain the concept’s striking design elements, including the two-piece removable leather-upholstered top, ultra-slim LEDs, and integrated door handles, remains to be seen.
BMW enthusiasts and collectors alike eagerly await further developments regarding the Skytop’s potential production, poised to combine exclusivity with unparalleled performance and elegance.
