BMW has wowed enthusiasts at the Villa d’Este concours event in Italy by unveiling the glamorous Concept Speedtop.
Follow-up to the BMW Skytop roadster, revealed at Villa d’Este last year, the Speedtop features a shooting brake-style body.
With a hatchback opening at the rear, it gives a knowing nod to the BMW Z3 M Coupe, a cult classic affectionately known as the ‘breadvan’ by enthusiasts.
However, the Speedtop is a thoroughly modern BMW underneath, being based on the M8 grand tourer – including its powerful V8 engine.
An automotive exclamation mark
“A true BMW exudes dynamism and elegance even when it’s standing still,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, head of design at BMW Group.
“That’s also the case with our new concept car. The BMW Concept Speedtop is characterised first of all by its profile. It is very unique in the automotive industry. In this way, we have created an exclamation mark for our entire lineup of vehicles, especially for the Touring models.”
Like the Skytop roadster, ultra-fine LED headlights flank an illuminated kidney grille, along with a central ‘spine’ running along the bonnet.
The paint finish flips from Floating Sunstone Maroon to Floating Sundown Silver. Elegant, 14-spoke alloy wheels complete the look.
Two seats and fitted luggage
Its BMW M8 origins are more obvious inside the Speedtop, including a dashboard that features plenty of traditional dials and buttons.
A two-tone colour combination is used throughout the cabin, with Sundown Maroon leather on the dashboard, centre console and roof pillars. Contrasting Moonstone White covers the seats, along with the leather-lined boot.
The Speedtop is not just about aesthetics, though. While strictly a two-seat shooting brake, BMW wanted it to be usable for weekends away.
A split-level boot allows small items to be carried on the top, with room for bulkier bags underneath. Extra space is found where the rear seats would usually be. Speedtop customers can also order a bespoke leather luggage set from Italian manufacturer, Schedoni.
Only 70 cars will be made
The Speedtop is powered by the twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine from the M8 Competition. That means at least 625hp and 553lb ft of torque, although BMW has not quoted any performance figures.
Following the success of the limited-production Skytop, 50 examples of which were sold, BMW will offer a total of 70 Speedtops to selected customers.
Bernd Körber, senior vice president for BMW product management, said: “This extraordinary vehicle is now available for order. “We are pleased to be able to offer collectors and enthusiasts another exclusive model.”
BMW has not confirmed a price for the Speedtop, but reckon on requiring around £500,000 for this very cool coupe.
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