BMW Constructed This GT Simply To Taunt US Consumers

Coachbuilding may appear to be a misplaced artwork in an age of SUVs and touchscreens, however BMW isn’t able to let it go simply but. The model is again with one other bespoke creation, this time reimagining final 12 months’s Skytop convertible as a sublime, capturing brake-style grand tourer known as the Speedtop.

Debuting in idea kind on the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the Speedtop will see a restricted manufacturing run of simply 70 models, although none are headed to the US.

Extra: BMW’s New Shark-Nosed GT Caught Undisguised

Just like the Skytop, the Speedtop sits on the acquainted bones of the BMW 8-Sequence. That shared structure brings a number of packaging limitations, significantly in terms of proportions, however BMW’s design group didn’t appear too bothered. They leaned into the inventive problem and sculpted a wholly new physique with the intention of delivering what they name “an unique three-door interpretation of a BMW Touring.” The end result? A capturing brake that’s as a lot sculpture as it’s sports activities automotive.

A Acquainted Face With a New Silhouette

Up entrance, the Speedtop sticks near the Skytop’s method, with slim LED headlights, a glowing kidney grille, and a vented hood. The doorways, full with fin-style handles, carry over as properly. Round again, the low-mounted, ultra-slim LEDs and outsized oval exhaust ideas are additionally acquainted.

What’s new is all the things from the beltline up. What’s new is all the things from the beltline up. The roofline now flows right into a reshaped greenhouse and sculpted tailgate, ending in a refined roof spoiler. The rear quarter panels have been reworked to create a extra cohesive, balanced look than the Skytop.

The rear overhang nonetheless exists, however the up to date roofline does a greater job of visually managing its bulk. One significantly sharp element is the raised central backbone that runs alongside the roof, an echo of the hood’s central vent, giving the entire silhouette some symmetry and function.

Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s Head of Design, described it like this: “The BMW Idea Speedtop is characterised to start with by its profile. It is vitally distinctive within the automotive trade. On this method, we’ve created an exclamation mark for our total lineup of automobiles, particularly for the Touring fashions.” Say what you’ll, however it’s clear this isn’t simply one other parts-bin challenge.

Room for Two, Plus Baggage

BMW mentioned that the Speetop was designed for “weekend getaways for 2”, which explains the two-seater configuration of the inside, quite than a 2+2. The elimination of the rear seats implies that the mannequin has heaps of house for cargo, emphasizing its grand touring character.

The baggage space is wrapped in leather-based and break up by a central partition illuminated by ambient lighting. Behind the seats, there are two small compartments secured with leather-based straps, every designed to suit a custom-made bag from Italian agency Schedoni. They’ll even throw in an identical weekend bag for the trunk, assuming you’re into that degree of dedication.

Extra: BMW Spends 20 Hours Obsessing Over The M4 CS VR46’s Paint

The dashboard is carried over from the 8-Sequence, together with the old-style digital cockpit with two separate screens, the elective crystal gear knob, and the entire switchgear. Nevertheless, each floor within the Speedtop is roofed in high-quality supplies, with a number of intricate particulars made doable by its low-volume manufacturing and the experience of the Manufactory workshop on the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing.

The idea options two-tone leather-based combining Sunset Maroon with Moonstone White. Different highlights embrace the sunshine beam on the headliner, and the extension of the middle console that rises in direction of the rear glass. BMW hasn’t gone into element on customization but, however you may safely assume consumers will get a reasonably lengthy menu of choices.

BMW’s Most Highly effective V8 Engine

BMW says the Speedtop is powered by “essentially the most highly effective V8 engine presently supplied” in its lineup. That strongly factors to the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 from the M8 Competitors, which produces 617 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. That engine is paired with an eight-speed automated, seemingly related to BMW’s rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

There’s no phrase on efficiency specs simply but, however given the platform, it wouldn’t be stunning if the Speedtop borrows a number of mechanical upgrades from the M8 as properly – the adaptive suspension and carbon ceramic brakes amongst them.

Extra: BMW Boss Calls EV-Solely Technique A ‘Useless-Finish’

Restricted, Costly, and Not for America

The value of the BMW Speedtop stays beneath wraps, although it’s secure to imagine it gained’t be wherever close to reasonably priced. Coachbuilt specials aimed toward “collectors and connoisseurs” are likely to reside within the higher stratosphere of the worth ladder. Whether or not the bump in manufacturing, from 50 Skytops to 70 Speedtops, will shift the pricing needle remains to be unknown, however don’t count on it to be a cut price by any stretch.

For these , BMW is presently accepting orders, however if you happen to’re based mostly in the US, you’re out of luck. The corporate has confirmed that this coachbuilt creation gained’t be supplied on the market within the U.S., holding it as a strictly abroad affair for now.

BMW