The BMW Concept Speedtop will be produced in a limited run of 70 cars.
Image: Supplied
BMW always puts on its Sunday best at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, at Lake Como, and this year's event saw the Bavarian company present a new limited production shooting brake as well as the final design of the upcoming M2.
The new BMW Concept Speedtop is the tin-top relative of the sexy Skytop Concept that was presented at the event last year, and it takes the form of a shooting brake, with hints of the BMW M Coupe in its rear profile.
BMW is reportedly set to build around 70 examples of the Speedtop, with a rumoured price tag of around 500,000 euro, or R10.1 million in our currency.
The vehicle is based on the M8 Coupe, and with no specifications released we’re left to assume it’s powered by the same twin-turbo V8 that musters 460kW and 750Nm.
Beneath the skin beats the heart of an M8 Competition.
Image: Supplied
The Speedtop boasts unique exterior metal, setting itself apart with broad shoulders, shark-nose front end design, slim front lights and a central spine that runs from the bonnet, over the roof.
The colour gradient on the roof moves from “Floating Sunstone Maroon” to “Floating Sundown Silver”. Also sporting dual tones are the 14-spoke alloy wheels designed specifically for this car.
The cabin seats just two, with a luggage hold behind the chairs.
Image: Supplied
The cabin brings brogue-style details to create a unique and crafted feel, while the Floating Sunstone Maroon tone is carried over from the exterior, contrasting with the Moonstone White of the seats.
The central ‘spine’ is also carried over from the exterior, as a light beam in the two-tone leather headliner.
The boot area, a neglected afterthought in most cars, receives luxurious leather trimmings and brogue-style perforations.
Customers will also receive two bespoke leather luggage bags, crafted by Italian manufacturer Schedoni. These slot into storage areas behind the seats, secured by leather straps.
The cabin has a unique two-tone colour scheme.
Image: Supplied
"Last year, the presentation of the BMW Concept Skytop at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on Lake Como generated great enthusiasm among connoisseurs and automotive enthusiasts," says Bernd Körber, Senior Vice President BMW Brand and Product Management.
"This led to a strictly limited production run of 50 units. Thanks to this positive response, this year we have decided to also offer the BMW Concept Speedtop in a limited production series of 70 units. This extraordinary vehicle is now available for order. We are pleased to be able to offer collectors and enthusiasts another exclusive model."
BMW M2 CS
BMW also presented the exterior design of the new M2 CS at the Lake Como show, while also confirming that it will be officially unveiled on May 28.
Exterior design of the new BMW M2 CS.
Image: Supplied
Apart from showing us what it looks like, BMW has released absolutely no information on the new sports model.
Given what we’ve seen in other CS models, it’s likely to gain a few kilowatts over the regular M2 Competition, while also losing a bit of weight and packing a few suspension mods aimed at a more uncompromisingly dynamic feel.
But don’t take our word for it.. BMW will spill the beans in a few days from now.
IOL