Unveiling the Concept Skytop: A Potential Addition to BMW’s Retail Lineup
At the renowned Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW took the opportunity to showcase their latest creation, the Concept Skytop. This long and elegant droptop exudes the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, as if it were designed specifically for a glamorous event at Gatsby’s mansion. While most of the vehicles displayed at Concorso are destined to return to the studio or museum after the event, there is a glimmer of hope that the Concept Skytop could make its way into production.
In an exclusive interview with BMW Blog, Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group’s design director, shed light on the potential fate of the Concept Skytop. As the overseer of around 700 talented individuals responsible for designing BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce vehicles, as well as BMW motorcycles and industrial products, Hooydonk’s insights carry significant weight.
When asked about the likelihood of seeing the Concept Skytop on the market, Hooydonk explained that while it’s not a guarantee, it is indeed within the realm of possibility. The design team meticulously crafted this vehicle with production in mind, incorporating street-legal headlights and taillights. Lessons learned from the limited 50-unit run of the 2023 3.0 CSL, which also made its debut in Italy last year, were taken into account during the creation of the Concept Skytop.
Considering a potential business case, Hooydonk disclosed an intriguing possibility: a similar 50-unit production run, with each roadster priced at approximately $500,000. This price point would be $250,000 lower than that of the 2023 3.0 CSL, making the Concept Skytop an enticing prospect for luxury car enthusiasts. However, it’s important to note that this is just a “potential” scenario, and BMW’s decision-makers and accountants will need to evaluate the feasibility before giving it the green light.
From a technical standpoint, the production of the Concept Skytop is indeed very feasible, according to Hooydonk. The main question is whether all the factors, including cost, market demand, and profitability, will align to make it a commercially viable endeavor. Should the stars align, eager customers could see this stunning convertible on the streets within a year.
For a deeper dive into the interview and to gain more insights from Hooydonk, we encourage you to visit the BMW Blog. There, you will find an in-depth discussion on the significance of Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este for the BMW brand, the distinction between BMW’s concept cars and Vision cars, as well as the brand’s stance on producing supercars. Hooydonk also reaffirms the brand’s daring approach to design, explaining that being bold has always been a part of BMW’s DNA.
In conclusion, while there are no guarantees, car enthusiasts can hold on to a glimmer of hope that the Concept Skytop might become a reality. With its luxurious and timeless design, incorporating elements of the roaring twenties, this convertible would undoubtedly turn heads on the road. As BMW continues to push boundaries in automotive design, we can eagerly await their decision on whether to bring this captivating dream car to life.