VW Polo Cabrio Concept by Karmann

• Concept car 2007: Large amounts of space, comfort and safety in the VW Polo
• Compact car convertible with glass sliding roof and illuminated headliner

Convertible cars are still in the automotive manufacturers’ spotlight. Above all, in the small and compact car sector, Retractable Hardtops (RHT) have the advantage. Meanwhile, with the Volkswagen Polo at this year’s IAA, Karmann is presenting a soft top convertible, that is setting new standards con*cerning safety, comfort and flexibility in roof construction: A soft top with a glass sliding roof, an illuminated internal headliner, foldable back seats and a wide-opening tailgate are the highlights.

The principal feature of the innovative flexibility incorporated in this convertible is the Cabrio Overhead Protection System (COPS). The rollover bar does more than just provide occupants with highly effective protection in the event of the car rolling over. COPS means the manufacturers have also been able to get rid of cumbersome body structures with their rigid rear bench seats and small tailgates which have prevented the seats from being folded down in the past. The soft top with z-folding fabric roof comes without soft top box lid and linkage flaps. The top of the roof replaces the soft top cover. The soft top is optimized by the largest possible interior. A deep trunk sill and in particular the innovative rear window mechanism create an unusually large trunk area opening.

To open the tailgate, the window is raised slightly and slides upwards over the fabric cover. The trunk opening aperture thereby gains an additional 30 cm. To close the trunk area, a roller blind lowers automatically and shields the hood area from prying eyes. At the same time, the roller blind also serves as a variable soft top stow. Furthermore, the rear window acts as an additional trunk area opening for small objects. Light pressure on the lower part of the VW logo opens the 30 cm high window independently from the tailgate.

Flexible storage options for large items of luggage or bulky objects is possible thanks to COPS. The modular roll bar system with a U-shaped bracket creates a generous trunk opening aperture. Compared with conventional solutions, weight is reduced. The rear seating position can be unlocked and folded down. The headrests are secured to the roll bar and tilt to prevent them from interfering with the seat-folding action. The convertible’s trunk area can be used almost as flexible as a standard passenger car model. The trunk area capacity is 148 liters with the soft top open and 304 liters with the roof closed. The convertible’s trunk area is therefore 34 liters bigger than the one of the standard model.

Seating comfort and easy access

The removal of bulky frame structures also increases the seating comfort in the rear. In order to facilitate access to the rear seats for the passengers, the concept vehicle is equipped with the “Easy Entry“ function and the rear windows open automatically when entering and leaving the car.

Compared with the standard vehicle, the Karmann engineers have completely overhauled the car bodyshell. The rear has been lengthened by approximately 130 mm. The convertible Polo has also grown by 40 mm in width. The youthful and sporty appearance of the VW Polo convertible has been topped off by design details in the front and rear sections such as the centrally-positioned double exhaust.

“The fabric cover has real advantages compared to the fixed folding roofs,” says Peter Harbig, Chairman of the Board of Management. Less weight means less fuel consumption. The reduced space requirements for cover storage means there is a greater trunk volume. The soft top also leaves considerably more room for new designs. Harbig: „We are looking forward to seeing the public’s reaction in Frankfurt.“

Alongside Karmann, Yokohama tires with the product Parada 215/40 R17 and OZ Germany with the product Michelangelo 10 / 7.5) have been actively participating in the development of the concept vehicle.

[Source: Karmann via WCF]

Neat little car, would be a nice addition to VW's U.S. lineup I think. I can't but see a lot of A3 Cabrio in it though.

M

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Posted on Tuesday 11 September 2007

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Built on the sporty VW Polo GTI as a base, the new Polo cabrio concept brings new life to the compact and usually staid car. The car will be developed by Wilhelm Karmann GmbH, producer of 16 different roof systems, including those of the Pontiac G6 convertible, Renault Megane CC, and VW New Beetle convertible, the open-top specialist has leveraged their expertise to build the latest VW Polo concept.


Karmann’s fuel-efficient Polo concept also makes the interior of the vehicle more livable by letting large amounts of light in while preserving passenger safety via its innovative Cabrio Overhead Protection System. The soft top version comes equipped with an independently operated sliding glass roof.
The headliner bears four large electroluminescent (EL) panels that provide ambient lighting when the top is closed, mimicking the feel of an open top even when inclement weather keeps you from enjoying the real thing. The large rear window also slides up with a light press on the VW logo, allowing even more air into the cabin.

Another focus of the Polo concept is an unusual one, for a convertible: luggage space. When you slide the rear window up, you get not only fresh air, but a new access point to the trunk, through which small items can be stowed quickly and easily. The rear seats fold down, and combined with the deep trunk, the Polo provides a significant amount of storage for a convertible, with 148L space when the top is down, and 304L with the top up, an improvement of 34L over the standard GTI.
Exterior tweaks include a new rear bumper with integrated diffuser, central dual-exhaust, and 17″ rims. The car is also 140mm longer and 30mm wider than the GTI it’s built on, thanks to the COPS technology that strengthens the convertible’s roof.


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