BMW has just revealed a stunning new open-top concept inspired by the legendary Z8

BMW wasn’t going to let Mercedes have all the fun.

The German luxury brand unveiled the new Skytop Concept last weekend at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza in Italy. And, just like its rival’s new PureSpeed prototype, this hand-built stunner looks like it could be put into production as an ultra-exclusive model.

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Like last year’s Z4-based Concept Touring Coupe, the Skytop is based on a pre-existing BMW model; in this case, the 8 Series Convertible, with additional inspiration from the Z8. This two-seater is already an attractive vehicle, but some key changes take it to a whole new aesthetic level.

The BMW Concept Skytop seen from behind — BMW Concept Skytop

The main difference is the open roof that gives the car its name (the panels that make up the roof can be stored in the trunk). The heavily revised front fascia end features smaller, illuminated grilles and ultra-thin LED headlights. The prototype’s lines are more defined, similar to those of the brand’s M cars, and there’s a striking central spine that extends from the sculpted hood to the rear trunk lid. The whole thing is completed by a set of light alloy rims covered with gill-shaped sipes.

Inside the vehicle, the rear seats have been removed along with a rollover protection bar, but everything else seems to have been borrowed wholesale from the 8 Series. The cabin is certainly sumptuous – it’s a BMW after all – but has no stylistic boldness from the outside, which is disappointing.

Inside the BMW Concept Skytop — Inside the Skytop concept

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Skytop, however, is what’s under the hood. That’s because the prototype is gas-powered, unlike BMW’s recent Vision Neue Klasse concepts. The company didn’t mention any performance numbers, but said the vehicle will feature the most powerful V-8 powertrain in the company’s lineup. That suggests it’s equipped with the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo eight-cylinder from the M8 Competition, which produces 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. This coupe can go from zero to 60 mph in just three seconds, so it seems safe to say this will be a fast car.

The Skytop is a concept, but since its debut it has become increasingly clear that it could also be a preview of a real-life model. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but Car and Driver reports that BMW could build 50 examples. No pricing was mentioned, but it’s expected to cost significantly more than the top-of-the-line 8 Series convertible, the M8 Competition, which starts at around $150,000.

Click here for more photos of the BMW Concept Skytop.

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