BMW's Latest Shark-Nosed GT Spotted Uncovered | Carscoops

      Fifty units of the 8-series-based Skytop will be produced, each speculated to cost around $500,000.

      BMW’s limited edition Skytop grand tourer has been seen without any camouflage.

      The modified 8-series was first introduced as a concept at Villa d’Este in 2024.

      Only 50 cars are set to be manufactured, and all have been sold despite the high price tag of $500k.

      Car manufacturers can be quick to respond when there are significant purchases on the table. Just 12 months ago, in May 2024, BMW’s Skytop made its first appearance as a concept at the Villa d’Este event near Italy’s Lake Garda. We are now seeing spy images of a fully uncovered prototype, indicating that an official unveiling is likely on the horizon.

      It’s clear that BMW had been developing the Skytop long before its public reveal, having probably already gauged interest from its wealthiest customers. Their response was positive, allowing BMW to announce shortly after the debut that all 50 planned units had been sold at a price of around $500,000 each.

      This price represents a significant increase over the standard 8-series on which the Skytop is based. However, this expensive venture involved more than just a simple facelift. Every panel has been redesigned, including the targa-style roof, which must be manually stored.

      Opinions on its design are divided. Last year, we described it as “possibly one of the best designs from BMW in a decade,” which isn’t saying much given the average unattractiveness or monotony of many BMW designs until the Neue Klasse concepts began to offer a fresh perspective.

      There are certainly appealing aspects to the Skytop’s design, particularly from the side profile. However, the front end is disappointingly mundane, even with its ultra-slim LEDs and sculpted hood, and the rear appears oddly bulky, reminiscent of mid-2000s retractable hardtops.

      Similar to custom-built offerings from Ferrari and Bugatti, the interior will feature only minor trim differences from the standard 8-series, which, with its outdated center stack and standalone touchscreen, looks quite dated. Nevertheless, the unchanged powertrain is unlikely to raise any complaints. The M8 Competition’s 4.4-liter V8 produces a robust 617 hp (625 PS) and should enable the Skytop to reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in just over 3 seconds.

      What are your thoughts? Is the Skytop a remarkable example of BMW's design prowess, or a failed attempt at emulating a German Aston Martin? Share your opinions in the comments.