The Unique Design Philosophy of the BMW Speedtop
Recently unveiled by BMW, the Speedtop is a fresh iteration in the lineage of the Sky Top Cabriolet launched last year. This vehicle is a two-seater with a three-door layout, a creative reinterpretation of BMW’s touring tradition. Remarkably, only 70 units of this bespoke vehicle will be produced, and it will not see a release in the U.S. market.
Reviving the Coachbuilding Tradition
In an era dominated by SUVs and touchscreen technology, coachbuilding might seem like an obsolete art. However, BMW persists in keeping this tradition alive. The Speedtop, with its elegant shooting brake design, redefines the grand tourer for the modern age, merging the spirit of classic craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.
The Design Story Behind the Speedtop
Based on the BMW 8 Series platform, the Speedtop shares its structural framework with the Sky Top. Despite packaging constraints, BMW’s design team embraced this as a creative challenge, resulting in a shooting brake that blurs the line between sports car and art piece. The vehicle’s sleek profile and innovative design elements make it a standout in automotive design.
Exterior Elegance
The Speedtop mirrors the front-end design of the Sky Top with narrow LED headlights, an illuminated kidney grille, and a vented hood. Its new body design features distinctive rear lights and a massive oval exhaust, complemented by a striking new roofline that runs along the beltline, capturing attention at every turn.
Interior Space and Luxury
Designed for two, the Speedtop is built with weekend getaways in mind. Its grand touring character is emphasized by an expansive luggage area, finished with premium leather and divided by a central partition. It includes custom-made bags from Italy’s Schedoni, adding a touch of luxury to its utilitarian design.
Powerful Performance
Under the hood, the Speedtop boasts BMW’s most potent V8 engine currently available. The 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine from the BMW M8 Competition delivers 617 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, this car promises exhilarating performance and control.
Production and Market Strategy
This coachbuilt special edition is crafted for collectors and connoisseurs, priced beyond the typical market range. Unfortunately, the North American market will not have the opportunity to experience this exclusive model, heightening its allure and exclusivity.
The Challenges of Acquisition
Given its limited production, inquiries about purchasing the Speedtop are expected to be high. However, its availability is restricted to overseas markets, making it even more exclusive for those fortunate enough to acquire one.
Conclusion: The Intersection of Art and Speed
The BMW Speedtop represents a remarkable fusion of high-performance engineering and artistic design. It stands as a testament to BMW’s commitment to innovation and tradition, offering a glimpse into the future of luxury automobiles. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, creations like the Speedtop remind us of the enduring appeal of bespoke craftsmanship and the timeless allure of speed.