--- title: "The Gorgeous BMW Skytop Concept Could Easily Become a Reality" description: "BMW says the Skytop has a road-legal engine and design features, so the jump to production would be easy. When have we heard that before?" date: "2024-05-28" modified: "2024-05-28" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-gorgeous-bmw-skytop-concept-could-easily-become-a-reality" categories: - "BMW News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "BMW" - "Convertible" - "M8" --- # The Gorgeous BMW Skytop Concept Could Easily Become a Reality ![]() BMW doesn't have the finest track record of putting its concept cars into production. The 328 Hommage, M1 Hommage, and the Nazca C2 are just a few that have broken fans' hearts over the years. Even some that [BMW]() has had a relatively easy case for making, like the [Z4 Concept Touring Coupe]() and the [Vision M Next]() (I'm especially bitter about that one), were explored only to get canceled. So, forgive me, but I'm not exactly brimming with confidence when BMW's design boss says the newly revealed Skytop stands a good shot at become a reality. The [BMW Concept Skytop]() was revealed at the 2024 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este over the weekend and it's one of the brand's best-looking modern concepts. With its throwback design, targa-top roof, and spines that run down the hood and trunk, the Skytop is said to be reminiscent of cars like the BMW 503 and Z8. It also looks surprisingly production-ready, but that's actually by design. ![]() "We’re not sure whether we’re going to make it. But we could, because this time we put all the learnings into the design phase," said BMW Group's head of design Adrian van Hooydonk to the media at Villa d'Este, according to *[BMWBlog]()*. He claims that the Skytop has road-legal headlights and taillights, which would make a limited production run easier, if customer demand is there. Fortunately, it is. According to van Hooydonk, there are customers that "definitely want one." And if it can find enough like-minded enthusiasts to make a business case for the car, there really isn't much reason for BMW not to build it. "From a technical point of view, yes, it’s very very feasible," he said. The Skytop's feasibility isn't surprising when you look inside. Its cabin looks to be a direct carryover from the BMW M8, just with some fancier leather. And since the Skytop uses the M8's engine, it should have an identical powertrain. Of all BMW's modern concepts, this one might be the easiest to produce and sell. ![]() Giving credit where credit's due, BMW has, on occasion, built and sold some of its more exciting concepts. The Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept eventually became the [BMW i8]() and, more recently, the low-volume [M4-based]() 3.0 CSL was born out of the 3.0 CSL Hommage. Hopefully, the Skytop joins the ranks of those two cars, as van Hooydonk understands that BMW has to turn concept into reality every once in a while. "I believe that for our customers, you always need to have things that they can dream of. And of course, you need to also sometimes fulfill those dreams." *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]()