Tag Archives: convertible

TIPS

Hard top vs soft top convertible, which is the better pick?

Driving a convertible car offers a unique and delightful experience that cannot be matched by any other type of vehicle.

The open roof and the wind playing with your hair will make you feel as if you are running freely on the beach, while in reality, you are actually surrounded by a concrete jungle.

If you are in the market for a convertible, you may need to make a choice between a hard top and a soft top. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, but which one is a better choice?

Let’s delve into it:

Hard top

As the name suggests, a convertible car with a hard top has a, well, hard roof (usually made up of metal or composite panels) that can be automatically folded into a storage space behind the cabin.

However, there are also hard top cars with roof panels that need to be manually opened. Yes, the driver and passengers need to do everything themselves – get out of the car, unbuckle the roof panels by hand, and store them in a storage compartment. Repeat this process to put it back on.

Although this can be somewhat inconvenient, this type of roof has a number of advantages. Since it is made of the same material as the body, it has a much stronger construction.

This means it provides better protection for passengers against elements such as weather and noise. It is also more difficult to break into and arguably safer in the event of an accident.

On top of that, a hard top also has a more rigid structure, making it more agile and stable on corners.

However, the more robust construction means that the hard top has more components, making it heavier and slower to stow away compared to a soft top.

Not only that, this also means that a hard top is more prone to breakdowns and could cost a lot more to maintain. Another drawback is that some boot capacity needs to be sacrificed because it requires a larger storage space.

Some popular convertible models with a hard top include the Ferrari 296 GTS, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, Chevrolet Corvette Convertible C8, and Mazda MX-5 RF.

Soft top

Unlike hard tops, a soft top convertible uses fabric and it usually comes in different colours from the body, though options are limited to dull shades such as black, maroon, cream, gray, and beige.

This type of roof has plenty of advantages. In terms of appearance, a soft top car provides class and elegance better than its hard top counterpart.

Due to its less complicated construction, it is also lighter and takes less time to be retracted. The simplicity in its build also means that it will not break down as often, and even if it requires any repairs, the cost will not be as high.

Not only that, a soft top also does not take up as much storage space, meaning you don’t have to worry about the trunk for a weekend trip with this car.

Of course, a soft top also has its downsides. First and foremost, the protection it offers is not as good as a hard top, and the NVH level is also greatly affected.

It is also quicker to succumb to wear and tear and much more vulnerable to thefts and break-ins, as the fabric used can be easily slashed with a knife.

Those who enjoy spirited driving every now and then will also find that the chassis of a soft top convertible is not as rigid as a car with a hard top convertible roof.

Here are some convertible cars that use a soft top: Mazda MX-5, Porsche 718 Boxster, Lexus LC Convertible, Ford Mustang Convertible, and MINI Convertible.

Which one should I pick?

As a buyer, the choice is ultimately in your hands. For this writer, the hard top convertible comes with more versatility as it combines the freedom of a convertible with safety and performance of a regular coupe or sedan.

Meanwhile, the soft top roof seems to be more suitable for those who value classic style and simplicity.

Either way, know that driving a car with an open roof will make every journey unforgettable, even if it’s just a quick grocery run.

EV

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore is a stylish EV droptop with 818hp and 447km range

The newly launched electric-powered GranCabrio Folgore by Maserati serves as an alternative and complement to the existing GranTurismo Folgore range.

Essentially, the GranCabrio Folgore model is a convertible with a foldable roof. However, overall, it shares many components with the GranTurismo Folgore model, including the electric powertrain unit.

It features a configuration of three radial-flux electric motors, consisting of two units at the rear axle and one unit at the front axle, each capable of producing a peak power of 300 kW (402 hp).

Due to battery technology limitations, Maserati claims that this convertible model can achieve a peak power of up to 818 hp/1,350 Nm in MaxBoost mode or up to 751 hp in standard driving mode.

The GranCabrio can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 290 km/h. The GranCabrio Folgore is equipped with a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack positioned on the floor, with a capacity of 92.5 kWh (83 kWh limit).

For a full charge, this model can travel between 419 km and 447 km, aided by a regenerative braking system capable of generating power up to 400 kW. The fast DC 270 kW charging allows you to add 100 km of range in five minutes or charge from 20 to 80 percent in 18 minutes.

As standard, the GranCabrio Folgore offers up to four driving modes: GT default mode, Sport mode, extreme driving mode Corsa, and high-efficiency mode Max Range.

For those who enjoy the wind in their hair, the GranCabrio Folgore’s roof can be folded in 14 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Reflecting its nature as a luxury car, owners can choose from up to five attractive colors: Nero, Blue Marine, Titan Grey, Greige, and Granata.

The GranCabrio Folgore’s cabin features characteristics such as a 12.2-inch digital cluster screen, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and an 8.8-inch third screen for HVAC control.

Additionally, it includes a steering wheel with heating function, brushed aluminum paddle shifters, and other standard features such as neck warmers, Sonus Faber audio system, and a digital clock that can be switched to display a compass, G-force meter, and chronograph. Buyers can also opt for sustainable material packages such as Econyl, made from recycled carpets and fishing nets.

NEWS

McLaren Artura Spider has 700 PS and a hardtop that opens in 11 seconds

THREE years ago, McLaren took the covers off the Artura, its first series-production High Performance Hybrid supercar. Now, the range has been further expanded with the introduction of the convertible version called the Artura Spider.

McLaren says the Spider has significant upgrades over the original model, including more power, more performance and greater driver engagement.

First and foremost, the 3.0-litre V6 hybrid engine has been reworked to bump up the total system output by 20 PS to 700 PS. Torque remains at a healthy 720 Nm but its delivery has been optimised thanks to minor changes to electronic mapping.

The engine is paired with an electric motor housed in the gearbox. The motor generates 95 PS and 225 Nm, and is coupled with a 7.4 kWh capacity battery that provides an electric range of up to 33 km.

With a recalibrated eight-speed transmission, the Artura Spider can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.4 seconds. Despite being a convertible, it can reach a maximum speed of 330 km/h.

The powertrain benefits from new mounts that are tuned to improve control within the chassis. This limits powertrain movement, especially when under load and in turn improves stability, steering feel and overall vehicle agility.

The Artura Spider uses a retractable one-piece hard-top that operates electrically in just 11 seconds, at speeds of up to 50km/h. It has a kerb weight of 1,560 kg, just 62 kg more than the Artura coupe.

To provide a full convertible experience, McLaren has fitted a revised valved exhaust system incorporating a tuned resonator and upward conical shape to the tailpipes to further refine the engine note at the middle and higher points of the rev range.

An optional sports exhaust system is available, should the buyers want an enhanced, clearer tone overall. This system uses an exhaust symposer that channels authentic sound waves from the tailpipe into the cabin.

Ride and handling is enhanced through revised response rates of the Proactive Damping Control suspension system. The rates have been increased by up to 90%, improving reaction to driver input and changes in road surface.

For braking, the Artura Spider utilises carbon ceramic discs measuring 390 mm at the front and 380 mm at the rear. Each are coupled with six- and four-piston aluminum monobloc calipers, respectively.