Latest news with #AdrianvanHooydonk
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.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BMW Speedtop revealed as striking £430,000 shooting brake
Shark-nose front end combines with raked roofline and ducktail rear to create low-slung GT BMW has morphed the M8 Competition into a two-seat shooting brake for a special limited-run concept called Speedtop. Unveiled at the Villa d'Este concours, the wagon has been given a complete design overhaul compared with the car on which it is based, and it is set to be built in a small batch 'for collectors and enthusiasts'. Each example is expected to cost as much as £430,000. The Speedtop is closely related to the Skytop that was unveiled at the same event last year. BMW is positioning the new concept as a modern interpretation of the traditional shooting brake – a format it has revisited several times over the years, with production cars such as the Z3 M Coupé and Z4 Coupé, as well as 2023's Z4-based Touring Coupé concept. 'The BMW Concept Speedtop forms an intentional counterpoint to our current [production] models,' said BMW Group design chief Adrian van Hooydonk. Speaking to Autocar at the unveiling, van Hooydonk said that ultra-low-volume specials play an important role as halo projects: "At BMW, I think we are in the business of creating dream cars and fulfilling those dreams every now and then. We've been doing so many show cars for so many years, also here at Villa D'Este for a few years, we've been able, every once in a while, to make these dreams come true. "We did this with the 3.0 CSL, with Skytop last year. Now with Speedtop, the chances are pretty good that we will do it again." He added that it's important to consider the future of the classic car market: "It's really to continue the tradition of the Concorso, because imagine this event in 50 years from now, what cars will be here on the lawn? It will not be a 3 Series, because we sell rather a lot of them." Production numbers, although not confirmed, are expected to match the Skytop's 50-unit run. Prototypes of that car – which is already sold out – have been spotted testing at the Nürburgring in Germany. BMW has told Autocar that both it and the upcoming Speedtop will be engineered to the same standards as its regular production models. ]]>
Mid East Info
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
BMW is once again bringing an exclusive study for a small series to Lake Como this year: The BMW Concept Speedtop
Exclusive three-door interpretation of a BMW Touring Unique color and material concept Limited-run small series for collectors and enthusiasts Munich/Cernobbio, May 2025, At the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2025, the renowned celebration of historic vehicles on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, the BMW Group is presenting an exclusive new concept car that will subsequently be made available for purchase in a small series. The BMW Concept Speedtop reimagines the sporty Touring, blending the elegance of a shooting brake with unique proportions. 'A true BMW exudes dynamism and elegance even when it's standing still,' says Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. 'And that's also the case with our new concept car. The BMW Concept Speedtop is characterised first of all by its profile. It is very unique in the automotive industry. In this way, we have created an exclamation mark for our entire lineup of vehicles, especially for the Touring models.' The generous interior invites for weekend getaways for two. High-quality materials, the focus on every detail, and the stylistic connection between exterior and interior are a testament for its true craftsmanship. The BMW Concept Speedtop shares its eye-catching form language with the BMW Skytop and will be offered to collectors and connoisseurs in a strictly limited small series. Unique profile, dynamic proportions: The pronounced V-shape of the front end, with its shark-nose design, the slim front lights and the illuminated kidney grille give the BMW Concept Speedtop an unmistakable presence. The continuation of the central spline from the bonnet over the roof to the rear spoiler gives the car a dynamic Touring profile. The colour gradient on the roof, moving from 'Floating Sunstone Maroon' to 'Floating Sundown Silver', accentuates this shape. The athletic design is enhanced by the car's broad shoulders. Its elegance is underscored by two-tone, 14-spoke wheels, which have been designed specifically for the BMW Concept Speedtop. Luxurious craftsmanship: The interior of the BMW Concept Speedtop was designed with a strong focus to even the smallest detail. Skillfully crafted, traditional brogue-style details accentuate the leather-trimmed surfaces and emphasis the manufactory-level craftmanship on display. The two-tone colour and material concept creates a connection between the exterior and interior. The sparkling brown tone of the 'Floating Sunstone Maroon' exterior paint is carried over into the interior. Here, the brown 'Sundown Maroon' world harmonises with the light 'Moonstone White' of the seats. The two-tone leather upholstery divides the dynamic and functional areas of the interior. The visually striking roof spline in the exterior is mirrored as a light beam in the two-tone leather headliner, providing an atmospheric, indirect illumination. The trunk is also leather-covered and refined with brogue-style perforations. A light beam illuminates the luggage compartment, which is divided into two sections. This allows large items of luggage to be stowed inside for multi-day trips. The elaborate craftsmanship in the exterior and interior was realised with the expertise of the Manufactory workshop at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing. The virtuosity in the design of the BMW Concept Speedtop is further enhanced through the collaboration with the traditional Italian manufacturer Schedoni. Known for the production of exclusive and high-quality leather goods by hand, especially in the automotive sector, Schedoni has always stood for highest quality and customisation. Two storage areas with leather straps behind the seats provide space for two of Schedoni's made-to-measure bags. The bags were designed exclusively for the Concept to fit in with its colour and material concept. A matching weekend bag can also be accommodated in the trunk. Most powerful V8 in the portfolio and limited-run small series The concept car's engine ensures it scales the heights not only in terms of design, but also performance. It is fitted with the most powerful V8 engine currently offered by BMW. '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.'
Biz Bahrain
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Biz Bahrain
BMW is once again bringing an exclusive study for a small series to Lake Como this year: The BMW Concept Speedtop
At the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2025, the renowned celebration of historic vehicles on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, the BMW Group is presenting an exclusive new concept car that will subsequently be made available for purchase in a small series. The BMW Concept Speedtop reimagines the sporty Touring, blending the elegance of a shooting brake with unique proportions. 'A true BMW exudes dynamism and elegance even when it's standing still,' says Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. 'And that's also the case with our new concept car. The BMW Concept Speedtop is characterised first of all by its profile. It is very unique in the automotive industry. In this way, we have created an exclamation mark for our entire lineup of vehicles, especially for the Touring models.' The generous interior invites for weekend getaways for two. High-quality materials, the focus on every detail, and the stylistic connection between exterior and interior are a testament for its true craftsmanship. The BMW Concept Speedtop shares its eye-catching form language with the BMW Skytop and will be offered to collectors and connoisseurs in a strictly limited small series. Unique profile, dynamic proportions The pronounced V-shape of the front end, with its shark-nose design, the slim front lights and the illuminated kidney grille give the BMW Concept Speedtop an unmistakable presence. The continuation of the central spline from the bonnet over the roof to the rear spoiler gives the car a dynamic Touring profile. The colour gradient on the roof, moving from 'Floating Sunstone Maroon' to 'Floating Sundown Silver', accentuates this shape. The athletic design is enhanced by the car's broad shoulders. Its elegance is underscored by two-tone, 14-spoke wheels, which have been designed specifically for the BMW Concept Speedtop. Luxurious craftsmanship The interior of the BMW Concept Speedtop was designed with a strong focus to even the smallest detail. Skillfully crafted, traditional brogue-style details accentuate the leather-trimmed surfaces and emphasis the manufactory-level craftmanship on display. The two-tone colour and material concept creates a connection between the exterior and interior. The sparkling brown tone of the 'Floating Sunstone Maroon' exterior paint is carried over into the interior. Here, the brown 'Sundown Maroon' world harmonises with the light 'Moonstone White' of the seats. The two-tone leather upholstery divides the dynamic and functional areas of the interior. The visually striking roof spline in the exterior is mirrored as a light beam in the two-tone leather headliner, providing an atmospheric, indirect illumination. The trunk is also leather-covered and refined with brogue-style perforations. A light beam illuminates the luggage compartment, which is divided into two sections. This allows large items of luggage to be stowed inside for multi-day trips. The elaborate craftsmanship in the exterior and interior was realised with the expertise of the Manufactory workshop at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing. The virtuosity in the design of the BMW Concept Speedtop is further enhanced through the collaboration with the traditional Italian manufacturer Schedoni. Known for the production of exclusive and high-quality leather goods by hand, especially in the automotive sector, Schedoni has always stood for highest quality and customisation. Two storage areas with leather straps behind the seats provide space for two of Schedoni's made-to-measure bags. The bags were designed exclusively for the Concept to fit in with its colour and material concept. A matching weekend bag can also be accommodated in the trunk. Most powerful V8 in the portfolio and limited-run small series The concept car's engine ensures it scales the heights not only in terms of design, but also performance. It is fitted with the most powerful V8 engine currently offered by BMW. '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.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BMW hints at Z3 M-inspired concept car for Villa d'Este 2025
BMW has released the first images of a new model set to be revealed at the upcoming Villa d'Este Concours, seemingly fusing last year's Skytop concept with the famed 'Clownshoe' Z3 M Coupé. Images posted to social media show the silhouette of a model with the same rear lights as the Skytop, a rakish open-top GT unveiled at last year's Villa d'Este Concours, but a reworked tail section. Rather than a long deck housing a convertible roof panel, it appears to be a shooting brake with a rakish glasshouse and a prominent ducktail-style roof spoiler. Its form appears to reference the Z3 M as well as the Z4-based Touring Coupé concept that BMW revealed at Villa d'Este in 2023. The Touring Coupé never made it to production but the Skytop, on the other hand, is being readied for a limited run of 50 road-going cars. Testing of these cars – based on the CLAR platform that underpins every BMW from the 3 Series upwards and packing a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 – recently ramped up ahead of this year's Villa d'Este Concours, which opens on 23 May. Discussing the impact of Villa d'Este, BMW M chief Frank van Meel last year told Autocar: 'It is a little bit like a test balloon: you show the cars and, if there's enough demand, it can be built. 'I think the demand is quite high, so [the] probability is quite high. We will see over the next few weeks if that interest translates into purchasing orders. 'The probability is there. It shows [that] we always want to try new things and see if there is a demand. Even though we're a big company, it's not the main purpose to build a small series. 'But if you listen to your customers and they say every now and then to do something like this and we do it, I think it's a nice gesture, to show that we aren't only into, let's say, the cars we build everyday, but we can also do something special if demand is there.' BMW design director Adrian van Hooydonk added that 'there's no need to turn [the Skytop] into a big series production car' and that it is 'maybe an instant classic'. ]]>
