, BMW has a rich and varied history of lovely concept cars for the Villa D’Este concours. What we saw of the Concept Skytop a couple of days ago hinted at more of the same, to which an evocative powertrain can now be added: turns out there’s a great big V8 under the bonnet.
Being a concept that’s more focused on style than substance for the moment, BMW doesn’t divulge much about the Skytop’s engine, but ‘the most powerful V8 in the BMW drivetrain portfolio’ is probably as much as needs to be said. We’d say that’s the 635hp variant of the S63 4.4 twin turbo as found in the old That it boasts so much power is all part of its homage to the Z8.
The exterior design is said to be characterised by ‘taut, muscular surfaces’ that are ‘defined by a few precise lines’, intended to push volume towards the rear of the car and emphasise the front-engined, rear-drive layout. Good old BMW, eh? Adrian van Hooydonk has described the Concept Skytop as a “truly unique and exotic design”, one that “offers a combination of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Villa D’Este concept of any description without a suitably opulent interior; to tick that box BMW has upholstered the Skytop in brogue-style leather, crafted in the saddlery at Dingolfing; the hide even extends to the rollover bar to enhance a ‘sense of luxury and spaciousness’. And if the top looks a lot like the interior, that’s because it is - the roof is leather. Of course. Comprising two parts, the roof arrangement can be manually removed and stored in the boot.
BMW describes this concept as offering ‘power, precision and craftsmanship combined in an open two-seater for luxurious travel’. Which doesn’t half sound nice. It might be argued that the M8 Convertible sort of already offers that array of talents, but clearly the craftsmanship element is being pushed more strongly here. Perhaps the Skytop previews a more bespoke tilt for future flagships, where customers can stamp more of their personality on a V8 BMW.