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| Open air for everyone: Webasto presents retractable hard top in five parts |
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• Hard top and sunroof in one
• Top for practicality and design
• Prototype “OASYS Vision” based on a 3-series BMW
Stockdorf/Munich. – Webasto has for the first time integrated a glass sunroof in a hard top, opening up a wide range of roof options for passengers. On the one hand, the entire roof can be fully lowered into the rear section of the car, turning your car into a classic convertible. On the other hand, the glass sunroof gives passengers all the space and light they need, even when the roof is closed. The interior of the car is more pleasant and lighter. You can even open the roof or move it to the ventilation position while the vehicle is moving.
Wolfgang Thurow, board member responsible for the roof system division: “The task we set our developers was difficult, as you can imagine: they had to combine all the advantages of different conflicting roof systems, without disadvantaging the car buyer. The result was a prototype based on a BMW 3-series convertible. Its particular strength is the practical synthesis of convertible and sunroof, which brings benefits whether the roof is open or closed.”
The hard top has such a variety of options, yet requires so little space. The height clearance required to open and close the roof is so low that you needn’t hesitate to press the button even in the garage. And a quick glance in the trunk reveals that most of the storage space is still available, even when the roof is open. And in the RHT prototype that’s a good 235 litres! With the top stowed under the large roof cover, there is yet another loading option, which is particularly useful for skis, for example, – something that is not always straightforward, even in saloon cars.
The prototype not only stands out by virtue of its interior features, its external appearance also sets new standards in design. Large side and rear windows, and thin C-columns give the car a balanced look, even in the closed position. This balanced design means that the sideline isn’t raised, so the car’s silhouette is left unspoilt.
Market research has revealed a significant number of potential buyers in the “coupé with fixed, retractable roof” sector. Put simply, this market development provides “two cars in one”. The trend towards roof systems with extra functions is also increasing, something that Webasto has been providing for a number of years. “Opening while driving” is the mantra that Webasto has consistently followed in the RHT protoype. There has been great interest from car manufacturers – a sign that Webasto is on the right track.
Contact:
Hans-Joachim Lesser
Product News
Tel. +49 (0)89 8 57 94-1433
Fax +49 (0)89 8 57 94-1399
E-mail: hlesser@webasto.de
Internet: www.webasto.com
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