BMW is just a day away from unveiling its new coachbuilt project at the Concorso d\u2019Eleganza Villa d\u2019Este. However, a seemingly official image is already making the rounds on social media. Not only do we get an early glimpse of the stunning design, but we also learn its name: Speedtop. Essentially a shooting brake derivative of last year\u2019s targa convertible, the specialty model is equally attractive, perhaps even more so. Dare we say it looks better than the open-air version?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a true shooting brake, featuring only two doors and a nearly flat roofline. While the image quality isn\u2019t particularly good, it seems BMW has chosen a different color this time. Last year\u2019s Skytop<\/a> wore a champagne-colored body, whereas the Speedtop sports a darker shade leaning toward burgundy. The two-tone wheels are also different and unique to this elegant wagon, though we still prefer the targa\u2019s lamella-style design.<\/p>\n Beyond the fixed roof, the M8-based Speedtop also features significantly larger quarter glass. While the more expansive greenhouse suggests a roomier cabin, it remains a two-seater. BMW has already confirmed to do away with rear seats, so expect ample cargo space instead. Another change that comes with the solid roof is the addition of a rear spoiler. The overall profile evokes a more refined alternative to the Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo or the Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake.<\/p>\n Mirroring last year\u2019s Concorso d\u2019Eleganza Villa d\u2019Este concept, the new Speedtop also skips traditional door handles. See those electrically operated winglets at the base of the B-pillars? BMW seamlessly integrated them into the beltline to maintain a clean profile. This isn\u2019t a feature exclusive to these two concept cars\u2014spy shots have shown that the upcoming X5 (G65) and X7 (G67)<\/a> will adopt the same mechanism for both front and rear doors.<\/p>\n Although BMW has never produced an 8 Series Touring, Speedtop could see limited production. After all, 50 buyers lined up for the Skytop, suggesting there\u2019s enough interest to justify building a few of its wagon sibling. For now, BMW describes the newcomer as a \u201cone-off,\u201d though we firmly believe a few dozen units could be sold to customers. As for pricing? Considering the Skytop reportedly cost \u20ac500,000, it won\u2019t come cheap.<\/p>\n\n