For years now BMW has used the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este to unveil its newest fantastical design idea, and this 12 months isn’t any completely different as BMW simply revealed the Idea Skytop, a two-seat grand tourer that appears completely suited to driving round Lake Como. Whereas there’s lots to love with the Skytop, as somebody who has all the time been obsessive about Chris Bangle and his time at BMW, I’m most excited by the Skytop bringing again the Bangle Butt.
Now, the butt isn’t precisely the identical because it was when Bangle was truly on the helm of BMW design, however you may’t inform me the Skytop doesn’t provide you with complete E63 6 Collection vibes. I’m truly fairly a giant fan of plenty of BMW’s present designs — as you may in all probability inform for my love for the Bangle period, my favourite BMWs are the weirdest ones — however there’s no denying the Skytop is gorgeous and a giant enchancment over the corporate’s present large coupes. The Skytop relies on the present M8 Competitors, and it’s not exhausting to think about that it previews what the next-generation 8 Collection might seem like.
Present head of design Adrian van Hooydonk (who truly penned the E63 6er based mostly on Bangle’s prior Z9 idea) says the Skytop is supposed to evoke the 503 of the Fifties, considered one of BMW’s most great vehicles, in addition to the retro Z8 roadster from 1998. The Skytop is considered one of BMW’s greatest fashionable interpretations of the shark nostril entrance finish, with angled kidneys virtually assembly the place the entrance finish comes to a degree and tremendous skinny LED headlights. The entrance bumper has massive intakes however is blissfully totally physique shade and easier than present BMW M vehicles. The rear finish is equally clear, with outstanding spherical exhaust suggestions and Z8-like taillights.
The haunches are fantastically surfaced, and except for a deep facet skirt there’s not a lot messing up the clear traces. The Skytop has sharp flying buttresses linked by a leather-based rollbar that create the B-pillar and are harking back to the E63 cabrio’s roof design, and the rear deck has a refined spear operating down it, persevering with the spear within the hood. I additionally actually love the wheels, which BMW describes as having gill-like options, and the “silver with chrome shadow” paintwork that appears gorgeously gold.
Not as thrilling is the inside, which is principally the identical as an 8 Collection in total design. The whole lot is completed in terracotta-colored leather-based with brogue accents, which appears to be like beautiful, and there are extra crystal parts just like the steering wheel spoke. The Skytop’s two leather-based roof panels are detachable and may be saved within the trunk, and the rear window may be retracted, too.
BMW isn’t saying something about whether or not a automobile just like the Skytop can be produced or if it does the truth is preview the next-gen 8 Collection, however on the very least it’s proof for y’all that BMW can nonetheless design stunning vehicles and proof for me that BMW can nonetheless design bizarre and attention-grabbing ones.
