A Limited Gem Unveiled at Villa d'Este

At this year's prestigious Villa d'Este in May, BMW unveiled the ultra-rare Speedtop, a stunning special edition based on the acclaimed 8 Series. Initially branded as a concept, this masterpiece swiftly transformed into reality, with the German automaker committing to producing just 70 units — all of which were snatched up in record time according to BMW's CEO, Oliver Zipse.

The Hottest Commodity on Wheels

In a recent earnings call, Zipse revealed some jaw-dropping news: the Speedtop "immediately sold out" after its reveal on the picturesque shores of Lake Como. Although the official price tag remains a mystery, speculation suggests it hovers around an astonishing $500,000, placing it firmly in the luxury segment of high-performance vehicles.

Unleashing Power and Style

The Speedtop is not just a pretty face — it's a powerhouse. With its elongated wagon-style roof and an aggressive hatchback rear, this model impresses with both design and performance. Under the hood lies BMW's most powerful V-8 engine yet, likely the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter powerhouse borrowed from the M8, delivering a staggering 617 horsepower that propels all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Following in Footsteps of Another Elite Model

The Speedtop is the second exclusive reveal at Villa d'Este, following the debut of the Skytop last year, which featured a two-door coupe design with a targa roof. However, with only 50 units planned for the Skytop, the Speedtop will be slightly less limited, though you'll hardly spot either model amidst the hustle of Monterey Car Week.

BMW's Growing Niche in Exclusive Offerings

As demand surges for limited-production vehicles, BMW has found a lucrative niche with these coveted releases. Already hinting at future possibilities, the company has indicated that the team responsible for "small series" production has exciting projects in store, possibly including a modern revival of the iconic M1. Car enthusiasts can't wait to see what BMW will dream up next!