With the last spy videos of the Skytop appeared YouTubeSome claimed that the prototype sounded as if he was packing the new S68 engine. We weren’t convinced, so we turned to BMW to find out what is. In an explanation BMWblogA company spokesman confirmed our suspicion: the Targa top roadster is with the S63 drive train. Cypselus von Frankenberg informed us that the car uses the same engine as the M8.
This makes sense to consider that the skytop is based on the flagship 8er. Under the shaped bonnet is the familiar twin turbo 4.4-liter V8, in particular the S63B44T4 variant. It produces 617 hp and corresponds to the output of the M8 models. It is not the most powerful iteration of this engine, since this title goes into the limited M5-CS with 626 hp, but it is still much effective.
BMW estimates that the skytop reaches 62 km/h (100 km/h) in 3.3 seconds and corresponds to the performance of the M8 convertible. But the skytop is much more than a REKIND -DROPTOP M8. BMW dropped out the electrically folding fabric roof and installed two manually removable targapanels wrapped with leather, which the drivers can store in the trunk.
We have not yet seen the production version. However, the camouflaged prototypes emphasize that it almost remains the concept that bears the same name. BMW plans to build only 50 units, and although they have not officially announced the pricing, reports indicate that buyers have paid around 500,000 US dollars. This is a big leap from the starting price of M8 convertible of 150,000 US dollars before the options and fees.
The Skytop could be the Swan song for the S63 engine, with some models already switching to the S68. This includes not only the M5, but also the X5 M and X6 M. The SUVs also use the engine in their M performance derivatives, similar to the larger X7 M60i. You can also find this engine in the XM and Non-for-Europe 760i. Well, you can bring the latter on the old continent, provided you decide to protect the 7 Series.
Since the 8s, supposedly in 2026, have banned and some variants rumored that they end production this year, the days of the S63 are clearly counted.
