End of the rag top?
11-16-2005, 02:40 AM
#11
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Mazda are not getting rid of the canvas roof, they are introducing the folding metal roof as an additional option - meaning both will be available.
IMO this is the way forward, providing the buyer both options.
Even Rolls Royce are using a canvas roof in their new convertible, BMW chose to in the 6 series and I can't see Ferrari opting for a folding metal roof on their smaller cars e.g. F430.
If folding metal roofs become lightweight I see no reason why this isn't a good thing?
IMO this is the way forward, providing the buyer both options.
Even Rolls Royce are using a canvas roof in their new convertible, BMW chose to in the 6 series and I can't see Ferrari opting for a folding metal roof on their smaller cars e.g. F430.
If folding metal roofs become lightweight I see no reason why this isn't a good thing?
11-16-2005, 05:02 AM
#12
Originally Posted by salty,Nov 16 2005, 01:41 AM
I can see that BMW and Honda feel that weight of roof and mechanism are a problem but lighter materials will help solve that, besides Mercedes already build a fine handling car with a tin top in the SLK.
We may see more cars similar to the Elise with a Targa type roof, and Ferrari seem to have designed one that slides down over the rear of the car to make it open top...I still think rag tops will become increasingly uncommon.
We may see more cars similar to the Elise with a Targa type roof, and Ferrari seem to have designed one that slides down over the rear of the car to make it open top...I still think rag tops will become increasingly uncommon.
First thing he'd do is ditch that stupid roof and have an even better-handling car!
The Ferrari is a flip-top, which I think is brilliant except:
When a typical English summer cloudburst occurs, it will fill with water liks a soup plate and lob it all over you (c/w dead flies, dust etc!) as you try to close it.
The 3-piece roofs on the Vovo/Focus twins are a way forward, just not for sports cars.
Like variable valves, I've spent many a quiet hour thinking of an elegant, yet effective solution.
Many beers & cigarettes later, I'm no closer.
Trouble is, nor are the professionals.
11-16-2005, 06:06 AM
#13
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Originally Posted by mikey k,Nov 15 2005, 06:38 PM
Having said that the new Ferrari F430 Spyder has a plastics screen & roof.
Apparently a glass screen that high up would upset the handling
the reason that the F430 uses that approach is that glass would take up more space
that in turn would make it necessary to remove the glass engine cover - considered unacceptable
nothing to do with handling
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