--- title: "BMW Better Make This Stunning M8 Skytop Targa Concept, Or Else" description: "BMW's contribution to this year's Villa d’Este Concours is, once again, a one-off prettier than anything it's willing to sell you." date: "2024-05-24" modified: "2024-05-24" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/bmw-better-make-this-stunning-m8-skytop-targa-concept-or-else" categories: - "BMW News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "BMW" - "Convertible" - "Coupe" - "M8" - "sports car" --- # BMW Better Make This Stunning M8 Skytop Targa Concept, Or Else ![]() *BMW* BMW always brings its A-game to the [Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este]() (which isn't surprising, given that the event is hosted by BMW Classic), and this year will be no different. The Bavarians are bringing the prettiest thing they've designed in years to the shores of Lake Como, Italy this weekend—the [BMW]() Concept Skytop, a beautiful drop-top throwback to some of the brand's most elegant classic roadsters. Over the past few years, BMW's concepts have been [radical looking EVs](), with shockingly large grilles and roughly a million horsepower. But the Skytop is different. Instead of big hulking batteries and electric motors, the Skytop rocks a good, old-fashioned V8. Specifically, it's a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged "S68" that makes 617 horsepower, plucked from the M division. As with all V8-powered M cars, it's paired with an eight-speed auto, but BMW doesn't say whether it's rear or all-wheel drive. Probably because it will never reach production, like most of BMW's concepts, so it doesn't matter either way. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() It's a real shame that the Skytop will likely never be built, as it's a stunning piece of design. According to BMW Group's head of design, Adrian van Hooydonk, the Skytop was inspired by the BMW 503 and [Z8](), though I'm not so sure I see either in it. The front end is low and pointy, like that of an E24 M6, but the rest is unique for BMW. It has a stunning silhouette, with its targa-style roof, aggressively raked B-pillar, muscular rear wheel arches, and even a cool Hofmeister kink built into the side window cutout. There are stunning details, too, like the massive hood vent that leads into a spine, which continues to the trunk lid. Speaking of trunk lid, the aforementioned spine, along with its roof cross bar, give off nautical vibes that remind me of the [Rolls-Royce Boat Tail concept](). Peep inside, though, and you'll quickly see the Skytop's true DNA—a [BMW M8.]() The waterfall-ish center stack, shift lever, and BMW's last-gen digital gauge cluster give it away. Although, for Skytop-duty, BMW did at least bestow uniquely brown leather seats with some "brogue-style" accents. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Will the BMW Concept Skytop ever become a reality? It's doubtful. BMW revealed an awesome and almost universally loved concept at last year's Villa d'Este, the [Z4 Concept Touring Coupe](). Rumors swirled that it might actually see production, until the company squashed those rumors in February. If BMW refused to build the concept that the world begged it for, regrettably, the same would seem to hold true for this. Shame, though, because the Skytop is beautiful. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()