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BMW Reinvents the Touring Legacy with Concept Speedtop Reveal

Beneath the gentle shimmer of sunlight over Lake Como and amid the lush gardens of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, automotive history found a new chapter. At the 2025 edition of the legendary Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, where elegance meets engineering, BMW unveiled its latest masterpiece: the Concept Speedtop – a breathtaking homage to the brand’s Touring legacy and a bold expression of future-forward design.

With its sleek Shooting Brake silhouette and an unmistakable presence, the Concept Speedtop proved to be the perfect centerpiece for the world’s most prestigious classic and concept car gathering. Melding athletic proportions with refined elegance, this concept car captured the essence of what makes BMW iconic – sheer driving pleasure, reimagined with artisanal finesse.

“The BMW Concept Speedtop is characterized first of all by its profile. It is very unique in the automotive industry,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. “In this way, we have created an exclamation mark for our entire lineup of vehicles, especially for the Touring models.”

Design Meets Emotion

Inspired by legends such as the BMW 328 Touring Coupé and the BMW Z8, the Concept Speedtop revives the Touring spirit in a form never seen before. Its distinctive “shark nose,” long hood with dual air outlets, and flowing central spline that transitions seamlessly from bonnet to spoiler, all underscore its dynamic soul. A rich gradient roof, shifting from Floating Sunstone Maroon to Floating Sundown Silver, adds visual drama to its muscular frame.

The specially crafted 14-spoke two-tone rims, combined with a wide stance and sculpted shoulders, enhance its assertive yet graceful demeanor. This is not merely a car – it is a rolling sculpture, drawing admirers like a fine art installation on wheels.

A Cabin Crafted for Elegance and Escape

Step inside, and the attention to detail continues to astonish. The interior marries form and function with a meticulous blend of Sundown Maroon and Moonstone White leather. The signature roof spline becomes a glowing light gap in the headliner, creating a serene and ambient space.

Perforated leather in a Budapest pattern lines the luggage compartment, which is designed not only for elegance but utility—ready to accommodate travel essentials for refined road trips. Every surface, every seam reflects the hand of a craftsman, with the BMW Group’s Dingolfing workshop lending its expertise to each detail.

Emotion in Motion – Even at Rest

The Concept Speedtop radiates power and poise, even while parked. Its very presence evokes movement, desire, and the quiet confidence of a machine born from passion rather than necessity. This isn’t just a car for the road; it’s a collector’s item, a conversation piece, and a dream made real.

BMW confirmed that the Concept Speedtop will move from concept to reality in the form of an ultra-limited series of just 70 units. This exclusivity cements its status as not only a technological marvel but a symbol of timeless design and bespoke engineering.

Where Dreams Drive Reality

In an age leaning ever more toward digital minimalism and automation, the Concept Speedtop reminds us of the joy found in tactility, in craftsmanship, and in the pure pleasure of driving. Set against the idyllic backdrop of Lake Como, its premiere was more than just an unveiling—it was a celebration of freedom, artistry, and the enduring allure of the open road.

At Villa d’Este, BMW didn’t just introduce a new car. It delivered a statement: that passion for driving, for beauty, and for detail is not fading. It is evolving.

And with the Concept Speedtop, it’s doing so in unforgettable style.

Source: BMW

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BMW Reinvents the Touring Legacy with Concept Speedtop Reveal
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Suzuki Sends Off the Jimny in Europe with Exclusive Jimny 55th Anniversary Edition

The iconic Suzuki Jimny, beloved for its rugged off-road capabilities and charmingly compact design, is bowing out of the European market — but not without a proper send-off. Suzuki has announced a special 55th Anniversary Edition of the Jimny, exclusively for France, marking the end of an era for one of the most capable small SUVs ever built.

Once a staple on European roads and trails, the Jimny has been largely unavailable across the continent due to increasingly strict emission regulations. Sales were gradually phased out in Germany and the wider EU by mid-2024. While it remains available in countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina — and continues to enjoy strong popularity among off-road enthusiasts — the Jimny’s European journey is drawing to a close.

To honor its 55-year legacy and over three million units sold worldwide, Suzuki has released a limited series of just 55 vehicles for the French market. This collector’s edition, aptly named the Suzuki Jimny 55th Anniversary Edition, offers a nostalgic nod to the model’s past while celebrating its enduring appeal.

Built on the French-spec Privilège VU variant, this final edition includes exclusive features like a retro-inspired front fascia, vintage side graphics, and a soft Rhino spare tire cover — a tribute to the stylized rhino symbol associated with the Jimny since the 1980s. Inside, the model comes with custom rubber floor mats, a leather-bound driving journal for documenting adventures, and a commemorative key ring. Red mud flaps bearing the Jimny logo add an eye-catching finishing touch, while a numbered plaque on the center console makes each vehicle a true one-of-a-kind.

Buyers could choose from four body colors — white, jungle green, bluish black, and grey — with each unit priced at €28,955. All 55 vehicles were available for order only between June 2 and June 10, and unsurprisingly, the limited run sold out quickly. Deliveries are scheduled for the end of June.

Beyond its exclusive features, the Jimny 55th Anniversary Edition stays true to the model’s core values. With a featherweight 1,090 kg frame and dimensions ideal for both tight urban spaces and wild trails (3.4 meters long, 1.6 meters wide), the Jimny continues to punch far above its weight. Its off-road prowess is underpinned by excellent approach and departure angles (37° and 49°, respectively), Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4WD system, and a 5-speed manual transmission mated to a 1.5-liter, 102-horsepower petrol engine.

Adding to the celebratory nature of this final run, Suzuki has included a complimentary 4×4 training session for all French buyers, ensuring that each Jimny goes to a home that truly appreciates its off-road pedigree.

Though it may no longer roam freely across European markets, the Suzuki Jimny’s legacy is far from over. With this special farewell, Suzuki ensures that the little SUV’s adventurous spirit will live on — at least in the hearts (and garages) of 55 lucky French drivers.

Source: Suzuki

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Suzuki Sends Off the Jimny in Europe with Exclusive 55th Anniversary Edition
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Smart Hints at Roadster Revival Amid EV Expansion

Smart, the German electric carmaker known for its compact city vehicles, could be preparing an unexpected twist in its future product lineup. According to recent statements and industry speculation, the brand is exploring the possibility of reviving the beloved Smart Roadster as a fully electric convertible. Though nothing is officially confirmed, the timing may align with the upcoming launch of a new-generation Smart ForTwo.

Originally produced between 2002 and 2005, the Smart Roadster gained a cult following thanks to its quirky design and agile handling. The sporty two-seater was powered by a small 0.7-liter three-cylinder engine, with power outputs ranging from 61 to 101 horsepower, depending on the variant. A coupe version and a high-performance Brabus model added further flair to the short-lived series.

Now, as Smart transitions fully into the electric era, the idea of bringing back the Roadster with a zero-emissions powertrain has begun to circulate. The modernized Roadster would target rivals like the Mazda MX-5 — a popular benchmark in the small convertible segment — but with a unique electric twist.

Jason Albutt, head of Smart’s UK division, shared his enthusiasm in an interview with Auto Express, recalling his personal experience with the original model: “We had one in the family and it was a lot of fun. For a country that gets more rain than any other European market, we’re big fans of coupes and convertibles. So yes, I see the potential for a car like that in the UK.”

However, even Albutt remains cautious. While he acknowledges the appeal of a compact electric roadster, he also expressed uncertainty about how it would be received in a market traditionally drawn to the visceral experience of internal combustion engines.

“I think a lot of people who drive these cars have always been passionate about traditional cars. Part of the joy of the open top is hearing the sound of the engine,” he said. “There may be a new audience that might be interested in a different way. I’m not sure what kind of buyers they are. It’s too early to say, but we’ll see.”

Indeed, the potential revival of the Smart Roadster would mark a bold move for a brand that has rebranded itself as a premium EV specialist in partnership with Chinese giant Geely. With the new ForTwo expected soon, the company has an opportunity to expand its portfolio — and potentially reignite passion among enthusiasts who long for compact, driver-focused electric cars.

For now, there’s no official green light. But in the ever-evolving EV landscape, Smart’s flirtation with the Roadster’s return is a story worth watching. As the old saying goes: where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

Source: Auto Express

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