Munich’s latest study wows cognoscenti.

SEEN as a design nod to the short-lived Z8 roadster of 1999 and also tipped as a preview of a future replacement for the current 8-Series convertible, coupe and Gran Coupe.

Whatever its role, the design study BMW rolled out for a fancy pants classic event in Italy at the weekend has gained plenty of attention - and plaudits.

The Concept Skycap displayed at the Concorso D’Eleganza event on the shores of Lake Como in Italy is an open two-seater with fixed windscreen and rear screen sections, in the classic ‘Targa’ style.

BMW calls it ‘a meticulously crafted vehicle structure.’

“The BMW Concept Skytop is a truly unique and exotic design, in the tradition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este,” says BMW Group Design head Adrian van Hooydonk.

“It offers a combination of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level, comparable to its historic ancestors, like the BMW Z8 or BMW 503.”

The nods to the Z8 - perhaps best remembered as a Bond car - are most obvious around the rear, with a pair of ultra-slim LED brake lights which resemble those of the Z8. Some agree they also reference the slim rear lights of the current BMW iX SUV.

Up front, there’s a new interpretation of the classic BMW shark-nose, with an exaggerated overhanging top section which leans out over the lower bumper and grilles.

On the subject of which, those grilles are broad and slim, suggesting - many might perhaps hope - Munich might be slowly backing away from its controversial big upright grille layout.

Other nice details include aerodynamic ‘winglets’ on the edges of the doors which take the place of door handles and the ‘spline’ - a slim, sharp crease that extends from the bonnet, through the cabin and down to the rear bumper. That’s a clear nod to BMW designs from the 1950s and 1960s.

Fancy a car with a leather roof? Okay, that won’t be practical for actual production, but on the concept the fixed rear section of the roof - and the two lift-out roof panels, which store in the boot - being finished in cow hide is very swish.

The Skytop’s silvery colour, which blends into the cabin, was created by a ‘master painter’ in Munich while the cabin’s sumptuous seats are finished in a warm saddle-style brown leather.

Unlike some concept cars, the Skytop gets an engine, which BMW says is ‘the most powerful V8 in the BMW drive train portfolio.’ No further detail provided, but from that hint it would suggest a power output of at least 447kW.