Latest news with #8Series
Miami Herald
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
BMW's M Division Is Working On A 'Dream Car For Collectors'
Cast your mind back a decade to 2015, when the F82 M4 GTS was but a Pebble Beach concept. At that point, cars that cost seven figures were scarce, and Bimmers that cost six and didn't have a 7 on the back were non-existent. But nowadays, after selling every example of the - ahem - $750,000BMW 3.0 CSL, getting several requests about the Concept Touring Coupe, and then finding resounding success with the Skytop and Speedtop, the Bavarians are poised to build on that momentum with something new, reports BMW Blog. What exactly remains to be seen, but it's described as a "dream car" that will be "for collectors." It seems BMW is making hay while the sun shines. Sylvia Neubauer, Vice President of Customer, Brand, and Sales at M, reportedly told BMW Blog that BMW's small-series team had approved a limited-run M: "We are discussing things, but we need to find the right time to do it. Be assured, we share the same dream and passion. We have been talking with Adrian van Hooydonk [Head of BMW Group Design] and the team who does the small series planning, and there is a slot reserved for BMW M." As is typically the case with these sorts of projects, you need to build suspense. You don't hear the name of Oppenheimer, nor that it'll be shot on IMAX, before you hear that Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy are working on a new project. Getting the media talking about what the producers have in mind builds excitement, and in this case, it gets potential buyers calling to ask for a build slot. BMW has ruled out the idea of reviving the M1 supercar. If it's to be a true supercar like the Audi R8 was (and may again be), it would need a unique chassis, or something close to it, and BMW is still a massive company built on efficiency, where economies of scale need to make sense. If this project is to be a stepping stone to building a department that could make an M1 happen, it needs to be financially viable, and there's still only so much money you can ask for an M. Thus, we can be sure that it will be based on something BMW already makes, which effectively rules out a supercar, but only for the time being, as Neubauer hints: "We always think of where there might be potential markets for the future. Many times, we are doing this together with our [BMW] AG colleagues because we need some base car to then turn it into a high-performance model. There are some ideas we are discussing with our AG colleagues at the moment." Our best guess? BMW is still deciding what to do for its 8 Series replacement. Some rumors have suggested that the 4 Series and the 8 Series will meet in the middle to become the reborn 6 Series, which is exactly what Mercedes did with the E-Class and C-Class coupes when it came up with the CLE. Once the bean counters decide where to go, and the M division knows what it has to work with, then - and only then - will we start to hear rumblings of what is really going on. Until then, anything is possible in this market - especially when there are third parties that can do the hard work of producing a bespoke chassis. Then again, working with a third party (Lamborghini) is what burned BMW the first time it tried to enter the supercar space. Whatever the special model may be, it can't be poorly timed, and it can't be overpriced. BMW hasn't missed in a while, so fingers crossed. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Advertiser
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
BMW Speedtop: Exclusive V8 three-door wagon revealed
BMW pulled the covers off the Speedtop at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, this weekend. The Speedtop is a follow up to last year's slinky Skytop convertible unveiled in the same location. The two cars are closely related, sharing their doors as well as everything forward of the windscreen. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Both cars have a V-shaped front end with slim headlights, and smooth surfaces that stand in stark contrast to the somewhat brutalist designs adorning many of the brand's latest models. Aft of the door is a much longer quarter window, while at the back there's quite a steeply raked windscreen for a wagon. The tailgate only extends as far as the slim LED tail-lights, meaning the lift over height to get lugged into boot is quite high. Despite the extended roof line, and fully enclosed cabin, the Speedtop is strictly a two-seat affair. Instead of a rear bench, there are two luggage receptacles with leather holding straps. Schedoni, a Italian leather goods manufacturer specialising in road trip luggage, has crafted a pair of bags to fit in those slots, as well as a weekend bag that fits in the Speedtop's leather-lined boot. A much larger storage area lies under the boot floor, which is propped by gas struts. According to BMW, the Speedtop is equipped with the company's most-powerful road-going V8 engine, which would mean the 460kW/750Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the M8 Competition. In that car, the V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and drives all four wheels. Under the skin, both the Speedtop and Skytop are based on the 8 Series, and this connection is most evident when you step inside. While the exterior shares no panels with the 8 Series, the cabin is a straight lift, although every conceivable surface has been re-trimmed in the softest-looking leather. The dash, upper doors, steering wheel and central armrest are finished in Sundown Maroon to match the exterior's Floating Sunstone Maroon paint. The seats and lower section of the doors, centre tunnel and glovebox are clad in contrasting Moonstone White leather. Although the Speedtop is being presented a concept car, it will be produced in a limited run of 70 cars, and sold to "collectors and connoisseurs". Last year's Skytop was also put into production, and its production run is capped at 50 cars. There's no word on how much the Speedtop will cost, but it will likely be over US$1 million (A$1.5 million). BMW's other unveiling at Lake Como this year was the BMW M2 CS, which lies at the other end of the design spectrum with its brutish looks. MORE: Everything BMW 8 Series Content originally sourced from: BMW pulled the covers off the Speedtop at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, this weekend. The Speedtop is a follow up to last year's slinky Skytop convertible unveiled in the same location. The two cars are closely related, sharing their doors as well as everything forward of the windscreen. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Both cars have a V-shaped front end with slim headlights, and smooth surfaces that stand in stark contrast to the somewhat brutalist designs adorning many of the brand's latest models. Aft of the door is a much longer quarter window, while at the back there's quite a steeply raked windscreen for a wagon. The tailgate only extends as far as the slim LED tail-lights, meaning the lift over height to get lugged into boot is quite high. Despite the extended roof line, and fully enclosed cabin, the Speedtop is strictly a two-seat affair. Instead of a rear bench, there are two luggage receptacles with leather holding straps. Schedoni, a Italian leather goods manufacturer specialising in road trip luggage, has crafted a pair of bags to fit in those slots, as well as a weekend bag that fits in the Speedtop's leather-lined boot. A much larger storage area lies under the boot floor, which is propped by gas struts. According to BMW, the Speedtop is equipped with the company's most-powerful road-going V8 engine, which would mean the 460kW/750Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the M8 Competition. In that car, the V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and drives all four wheels. Under the skin, both the Speedtop and Skytop are based on the 8 Series, and this connection is most evident when you step inside. While the exterior shares no panels with the 8 Series, the cabin is a straight lift, although every conceivable surface has been re-trimmed in the softest-looking leather. The dash, upper doors, steering wheel and central armrest are finished in Sundown Maroon to match the exterior's Floating Sunstone Maroon paint. The seats and lower section of the doors, centre tunnel and glovebox are clad in contrasting Moonstone White leather. Although the Speedtop is being presented a concept car, it will be produced in a limited run of 70 cars, and sold to "collectors and connoisseurs". Last year's Skytop was also put into production, and its production run is capped at 50 cars. There's no word on how much the Speedtop will cost, but it will likely be over US$1 million (A$1.5 million). BMW's other unveiling at Lake Como this year was the BMW M2 CS, which lies at the other end of the design spectrum with its brutish looks. MORE: Everything BMW 8 Series Content originally sourced from: BMW pulled the covers off the Speedtop at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, this weekend. The Speedtop is a follow up to last year's slinky Skytop convertible unveiled in the same location. The two cars are closely related, sharing their doors as well as everything forward of the windscreen. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Both cars have a V-shaped front end with slim headlights, and smooth surfaces that stand in stark contrast to the somewhat brutalist designs adorning many of the brand's latest models. Aft of the door is a much longer quarter window, while at the back there's quite a steeply raked windscreen for a wagon. The tailgate only extends as far as the slim LED tail-lights, meaning the lift over height to get lugged into boot is quite high. Despite the extended roof line, and fully enclosed cabin, the Speedtop is strictly a two-seat affair. Instead of a rear bench, there are two luggage receptacles with leather holding straps. Schedoni, a Italian leather goods manufacturer specialising in road trip luggage, has crafted a pair of bags to fit in those slots, as well as a weekend bag that fits in the Speedtop's leather-lined boot. A much larger storage area lies under the boot floor, which is propped by gas struts. According to BMW, the Speedtop is equipped with the company's most-powerful road-going V8 engine, which would mean the 460kW/750Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the M8 Competition. In that car, the V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and drives all four wheels. Under the skin, both the Speedtop and Skytop are based on the 8 Series, and this connection is most evident when you step inside. While the exterior shares no panels with the 8 Series, the cabin is a straight lift, although every conceivable surface has been re-trimmed in the softest-looking leather. The dash, upper doors, steering wheel and central armrest are finished in Sundown Maroon to match the exterior's Floating Sunstone Maroon paint. The seats and lower section of the doors, centre tunnel and glovebox are clad in contrasting Moonstone White leather. Although the Speedtop is being presented a concept car, it will be produced in a limited run of 70 cars, and sold to "collectors and connoisseurs". Last year's Skytop was also put into production, and its production run is capped at 50 cars. There's no word on how much the Speedtop will cost, but it will likely be over US$1 million (A$1.5 million). BMW's other unveiling at Lake Como this year was the BMW M2 CS, which lies at the other end of the design spectrum with its brutish looks. MORE: Everything BMW 8 Series Content originally sourced from: BMW pulled the covers off the Speedtop at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, this weekend. The Speedtop is a follow up to last year's slinky Skytop convertible unveiled in the same location. The two cars are closely related, sharing their doors as well as everything forward of the windscreen. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Both cars have a V-shaped front end with slim headlights, and smooth surfaces that stand in stark contrast to the somewhat brutalist designs adorning many of the brand's latest models. Aft of the door is a much longer quarter window, while at the back there's quite a steeply raked windscreen for a wagon. The tailgate only extends as far as the slim LED tail-lights, meaning the lift over height to get lugged into boot is quite high. Despite the extended roof line, and fully enclosed cabin, the Speedtop is strictly a two-seat affair. Instead of a rear bench, there are two luggage receptacles with leather holding straps. Schedoni, a Italian leather goods manufacturer specialising in road trip luggage, has crafted a pair of bags to fit in those slots, as well as a weekend bag that fits in the Speedtop's leather-lined boot. A much larger storage area lies under the boot floor, which is propped by gas struts. According to BMW, the Speedtop is equipped with the company's most-powerful road-going V8 engine, which would mean the 460kW/750Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the M8 Competition. In that car, the V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and drives all four wheels. Under the skin, both the Speedtop and Skytop are based on the 8 Series, and this connection is most evident when you step inside. While the exterior shares no panels with the 8 Series, the cabin is a straight lift, although every conceivable surface has been re-trimmed in the softest-looking leather. The dash, upper doors, steering wheel and central armrest are finished in Sundown Maroon to match the exterior's Floating Sunstone Maroon paint. The seats and lower section of the doors, centre tunnel and glovebox are clad in contrasting Moonstone White leather. Although the Speedtop is being presented a concept car, it will be produced in a limited run of 70 cars, and sold to "collectors and connoisseurs". Last year's Skytop was also put into production, and its production run is capped at 50 cars. There's no word on how much the Speedtop will cost, but it will likely be over US$1 million (A$1.5 million). BMW's other unveiling at Lake Como this year was the BMW M2 CS, which lies at the other end of the design spectrum with its brutish looks. MORE: Everything BMW 8 Series Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
BMW Speedtop: Limited edition V8 three-door shooting brake wagon revealed
BMW pulled the covers off the Speedtop at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, this weekend. The Speedtop is a follow up to last year's slinky Skytop convertible unveiled in the same location. The two cars are closely related, with the two vehicles sharing their doors, and everything forward of the windscreen. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Both cars have a V-shaped front end with slim headlights, and smooth surfaces that stand in stark contrast to the somewhat brutalist designs adorning many of the brand's latest models. Aft the rear door is a much longer quarter window, while at the back there's a steeply raked windscreen, for a wagon. The tailgate only extends as far as the slim LED tail-lights, meaning the lift over height to get lugged into boot is quite high. Despite the extended roof line, and fully enclosed cabin, the Speedtop is strictly a two-seat affair. Instead of a rear bench, there are two luggage receptacles with leather holding straps. Schedoni, a Italian leather goods manufacturer specialising in road trip luggage, has crafted a pair of bags to fit in those slots, as well as weekend bag that fits in the Speedtop's leather-lined boot. A much larger storage area lies under the boot floor, which is propped by gas struts. According to BMW the Speedtop is equipped with the company's most-powerful road-going V8 engine, which would mean the 460kW/750Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the M8 Competition. In that car, the V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and drives all four wheels. Under the skin, both the Speedtop and Skytop are based on the 8 Series, and this connection is most evident when you step inside. Whereas the exterior is completely shares no panels with the 8 Series, the cabin is a straight lift, although every conceivable surface has been retrimmed in the softest-looking leather. The dash, upper doors, steering wheel and central armrest are finished in Sundown Maroon to match the exterior's Floating Sunstone Maroon paint. The seats and lower section of the door, centre tunnel and glovebox are clad in contrasting Moonstone White leather. Although the Speedtop is being presented a concept car, it will produced in a limited run of 50 cars, and sold to 'collectors and connoisseurs'. Last year's Skytop was also put into production, and its production run is capped at 70 cars. No word on how much the Speedtop will cost, but it will likely be over US$1 million (A$1.5 million).
Perth Now
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
BMW Speedtop: Limited edition V8 three-door shooting brake wagon revealed
BMW pulled the covers off the Speedtop at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, this weekend. The Speedtop is a follow up to last year's slinky Skytop convertible unveiled in the same location. The two cars are closely related, with the two vehicles sharing their doors, and everything forward of the windscreen. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Both cars have a V-shaped front end with slim headlights, and smooth surfaces that stand in stark contrast to the somewhat brutalist designs adorning many of the brand's latest models. Aft the rear door is a much longer quarter window, while at the back there's a steeply raked windscreen, for a wagon. The tailgate only extends as far as the slim LED tail-lights, meaning the lift over height to get lugged into boot is quite high. Despite the extended roof line, and fully enclosed cabin, the Speedtop is strictly a two-seat affair. Instead of a rear bench, there are two luggage receptacles with leather holding straps. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Schedoni, a Italian leather goods manufacturer specialising in road trip luggage, has crafted a pair of bags to fit in those slots, as well as weekend bag that fits in the Speedtop's leather-lined boot. A much larger storage area lies under the boot floor, which is propped by gas struts. According to BMW the Speedtop is equipped with the company's most-powerful road-going V8 engine, which would mean the 460kW/750Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the M8 Competition. In that car, the V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and drives all four wheels. Under the skin, both the Speedtop and Skytop are based on the 8 Series, and this connection is most evident when you step inside. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Whereas the exterior is completely shares no panels with the 8 Series, the cabin is a straight lift, although every conceivable surface has been retrimmed in the softest-looking leather. The dash, upper doors, steering wheel and central armrest are finished in Sundown Maroon to match the exterior's Floating Sunstone Maroon paint. The seats and lower section of the door, centre tunnel and glovebox are clad in contrasting Moonstone White leather. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Although the Speedtop is being presented a concept car, it will produced in a limited run of 50 cars, and sold to 'collectors and connoisseurs'. Last year's Skytop was also put into production, and its production run is capped at 70 cars. No word on how much the Speedtop will cost, but it will likely be over US$1 million (A$1.5 million). MORE: Everything BMW 8 Series
The Advertiser
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
BMW Speedtop: Limited edition V8 three-door shooting brake wagon revealed
BMW pulled the covers off the Speedtop at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, this weekend. The Speedtop is a follow up to last year's slinky Skytop convertible unveiled in the same location. The two cars are closely related, with the two vehicles sharing their doors, and everything forward of the windscreen. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Both cars have a V-shaped front end with slim headlights, and smooth surfaces that stand in stark contrast to the somewhat brutalist designs adorning many of the brand's latest models. Aft the rear door is a much longer quarter window, while at the back there's a steeply raked windscreen, for a wagon. The tailgate only extends as far as the slim LED tail-lights, meaning the lift over height to get lugged into boot is quite high. Despite the extended roof line, and fully enclosed cabin, the Speedtop is strictly a two-seat affair. Instead of a rear bench, there are two luggage receptacles with leather holding straps. Schedoni, a Italian leather goods manufacturer specialising in road trip luggage, has crafted a pair of bags to fit in those slots, as well as weekend bag that fits in the Speedtop's leather-lined boot. A much larger storage area lies under the boot floor, which is propped by gas struts. According to BMW the Speedtop is equipped with the company's most-powerful road-going V8 engine, which would mean the 460kW/750Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the M8 Competition. In that car, the V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and drives all four wheels. Under the skin, both the Speedtop and Skytop are based on the 8 Series, and this connection is most evident when you step inside. Whereas the exterior is completely shares no panels with the 8 Series, the cabin is a straight lift, although every conceivable surface has been retrimmed in the softest-looking leather. The dash, upper doors, steering wheel and central armrest are finished in Sundown Maroon to match the exterior's Floating Sunstone Maroon paint. The seats and lower section of the door, centre tunnel and glovebox are clad in contrasting Moonstone White leather. Although the Speedtop is being presented a concept car, it will produced in a limited run of 50 cars, and sold to "collectors and connoisseurs". Last year's Skytop was also put into production, and its production run is capped at 70 cars. No word on how much the Speedtop will cost, but it will likely be over US$1 million (A$1.5 million). MORE: Everything BMW 8 Series Content originally sourced from: BMW pulled the covers off the Speedtop at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, this weekend. The Speedtop is a follow up to last year's slinky Skytop convertible unveiled in the same location. The two cars are closely related, with the two vehicles sharing their doors, and everything forward of the windscreen. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Both cars have a V-shaped front end with slim headlights, and smooth surfaces that stand in stark contrast to the somewhat brutalist designs adorning many of the brand's latest models. Aft the rear door is a much longer quarter window, while at the back there's a steeply raked windscreen, for a wagon. The tailgate only extends as far as the slim LED tail-lights, meaning the lift over height to get lugged into boot is quite high. Despite the extended roof line, and fully enclosed cabin, the Speedtop is strictly a two-seat affair. Instead of a rear bench, there are two luggage receptacles with leather holding straps. Schedoni, a Italian leather goods manufacturer specialising in road trip luggage, has crafted a pair of bags to fit in those slots, as well as weekend bag that fits in the Speedtop's leather-lined boot. A much larger storage area lies under the boot floor, which is propped by gas struts. According to BMW the Speedtop is equipped with the company's most-powerful road-going V8 engine, which would mean the 460kW/750Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the M8 Competition. In that car, the V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and drives all four wheels. Under the skin, both the Speedtop and Skytop are based on the 8 Series, and this connection is most evident when you step inside. Whereas the exterior is completely shares no panels with the 8 Series, the cabin is a straight lift, although every conceivable surface has been retrimmed in the softest-looking leather. The dash, upper doors, steering wheel and central armrest are finished in Sundown Maroon to match the exterior's Floating Sunstone Maroon paint. The seats and lower section of the door, centre tunnel and glovebox are clad in contrasting Moonstone White leather. Although the Speedtop is being presented a concept car, it will produced in a limited run of 50 cars, and sold to "collectors and connoisseurs". Last year's Skytop was also put into production, and its production run is capped at 70 cars. No word on how much the Speedtop will cost, but it will likely be over US$1 million (A$1.5 million). MORE: Everything BMW 8 Series Content originally sourced from: BMW pulled the covers off the Speedtop at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, this weekend. The Speedtop is a follow up to last year's slinky Skytop convertible unveiled in the same location. The two cars are closely related, with the two vehicles sharing their doors, and everything forward of the windscreen. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Both cars have a V-shaped front end with slim headlights, and smooth surfaces that stand in stark contrast to the somewhat brutalist designs adorning many of the brand's latest models. Aft the rear door is a much longer quarter window, while at the back there's a steeply raked windscreen, for a wagon. The tailgate only extends as far as the slim LED tail-lights, meaning the lift over height to get lugged into boot is quite high. Despite the extended roof line, and fully enclosed cabin, the Speedtop is strictly a two-seat affair. Instead of a rear bench, there are two luggage receptacles with leather holding straps. Schedoni, a Italian leather goods manufacturer specialising in road trip luggage, has crafted a pair of bags to fit in those slots, as well as weekend bag that fits in the Speedtop's leather-lined boot. A much larger storage area lies under the boot floor, which is propped by gas struts. According to BMW the Speedtop is equipped with the company's most-powerful road-going V8 engine, which would mean the 460kW/750Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the M8 Competition. In that car, the V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and drives all four wheels. Under the skin, both the Speedtop and Skytop are based on the 8 Series, and this connection is most evident when you step inside. Whereas the exterior is completely shares no panels with the 8 Series, the cabin is a straight lift, although every conceivable surface has been retrimmed in the softest-looking leather. The dash, upper doors, steering wheel and central armrest are finished in Sundown Maroon to match the exterior's Floating Sunstone Maroon paint. The seats and lower section of the door, centre tunnel and glovebox are clad in contrasting Moonstone White leather. Although the Speedtop is being presented a concept car, it will produced in a limited run of 50 cars, and sold to "collectors and connoisseurs". Last year's Skytop was also put into production, and its production run is capped at 70 cars. No word on how much the Speedtop will cost, but it will likely be over US$1 million (A$1.5 million). MORE: Everything BMW 8 Series Content originally sourced from: BMW pulled the covers off the Speedtop at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, this weekend. The Speedtop is a follow up to last year's slinky Skytop convertible unveiled in the same location. The two cars are closely related, with the two vehicles sharing their doors, and everything forward of the windscreen. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Both cars have a V-shaped front end with slim headlights, and smooth surfaces that stand in stark contrast to the somewhat brutalist designs adorning many of the brand's latest models. Aft the rear door is a much longer quarter window, while at the back there's a steeply raked windscreen, for a wagon. The tailgate only extends as far as the slim LED tail-lights, meaning the lift over height to get lugged into boot is quite high. Despite the extended roof line, and fully enclosed cabin, the Speedtop is strictly a two-seat affair. Instead of a rear bench, there are two luggage receptacles with leather holding straps. Schedoni, a Italian leather goods manufacturer specialising in road trip luggage, has crafted a pair of bags to fit in those slots, as well as weekend bag that fits in the Speedtop's leather-lined boot. A much larger storage area lies under the boot floor, which is propped by gas struts. According to BMW the Speedtop is equipped with the company's most-powerful road-going V8 engine, which would mean the 460kW/750Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the M8 Competition. In that car, the V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and drives all four wheels. Under the skin, both the Speedtop and Skytop are based on the 8 Series, and this connection is most evident when you step inside. Whereas the exterior is completely shares no panels with the 8 Series, the cabin is a straight lift, although every conceivable surface has been retrimmed in the softest-looking leather. The dash, upper doors, steering wheel and central armrest are finished in Sundown Maroon to match the exterior's Floating Sunstone Maroon paint. The seats and lower section of the door, centre tunnel and glovebox are clad in contrasting Moonstone White leather. Although the Speedtop is being presented a concept car, it will produced in a limited run of 50 cars, and sold to "collectors and connoisseurs". Last year's Skytop was also put into production, and its production run is capped at 70 cars. No word on how much the Speedtop will cost, but it will likely be over US$1 million (A$1.5 million). MORE: Everything BMW 8 Series Content originally sourced from:
