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Exactly...thanks. Targa comes off, rear window is power and it can be brought down. No goofy soft top. Such a design would probably swing me back to a convertible.
I didn’t say it would not be possible. I just think it does not meet the keep cost low and keep weight down philosophy.
A retractable hardtop would add more costs to a car that (I assume) GM needs to keep at a reasonable MSRP.
Personally, I would not like a retractable hardtop. I know I am in the minority here. To me, it adds complexity and weight for very little reason. My buddy had his retractable hard top break on his 2008 SL500 and it cost him almost $4k to fix. I dislike added complexity on sports cars...maybe that’s just me.
I have no issue popping a handle and pulling off a 5lb targa top and powering down the rear glass. I would much prefer it that way.
Also, how cool would it be to lower the rear glass with the top up when you want to hear that engine behind you with all the windows open.
Last edited by Paulchristian; 02-24-2018 at 06:23 PM.
Have not owned a convertible in exactly 50 years. Since we are both light sensitive, driving with the top down for more than a one hour does not work well for us, nor living in the Pacific Northwest were the weather says “top up” much of the year, and as we have not been fans of how a soft top Corvette looks with its top us, not for us, at least not yet.
However, given the right combination of looks with a hard top convertible, an ME convertible will be definitely another option we are open to.
Does extra weight matter as much on the vert? Will people opting for this be super-hardcore racing that a few 1/10ths will matter?
I feel the serious racing guys that weight really matters to, would opt for the coupe?
I am not a racer, but I still prefer lighter than heavier. You have a valid argument for sure. I still prefer the simplicity and cost effectiveness of a targa with power rear glass. One thing for sure, the rear end certainly looks long enough for the retractable roof option.
I don’t think the Miata retractable hardtop is a valid comparison. That is a rather simple configuration. To work with what we think we see under the camo, the retractable hardtop on the Vette Would probably be more complex and fold similarly to the Ferrari.
I didn’t say it would not be possible. I just think it does not meet the keep cost low and keep weight down philosophy.
A retractable hardtop would add more costs to a car that (I assume) GM needs to keep at a reasonable MSRP.
Personally, I would not like a retractable hardtop. I know I am in the minority here. To me, it adds complexity and weight for very little reason. My buddy had his retractable hard top break on his 2008 SL500 and it cost him almost $4k to fix. I dislike added complexity on sports cars...maybe that’s just me.
I have no issue popping a handle and pulling off a 5lb targa top and powering down the rear glass. I would much prefer it that way.
Also, how cool would it be to lower the rear glass with the top up when you want to hear that engine behind you with all the windows open.
And, that’s why they would hopefully offer a coupe with targa top.
I am not a racer, but I still prefer lighter than heavier. You have a valid argument for sure. I still prefer the simplicity and cost effectiveness of a targa with power rear glass. One thing for sure, the rear end certainly looks long enough for the retractable roof option.
I don’t think the Miata retractable hardtop is a valid comparison. That is a rather simple configuration. To work with what we think we see under the camo, the retractable hardtop on the Vette Would probably be more complex and fold similarly to the Ferrari.
The complexity and repair issue is prob a big factor. I know some people love the verts...and think Corvette will almost certainly have one. I agree, I think we are seeing both be tested. I think the McDonalds wheels version is the vert.
I just don't see too much difference between in driver experience between a true vert and a targa in either the c7 or the ME. Am I missing something? The only difference in environmental "exposure" is behind you with the vert and then not much. Maybe the back window down for more engine sound is nicer?
Vert driving is only practical (to me) when you are going low and slow. Any speed above 30-40mph...to me...and you get so much buffeting and noise, I just cant enjoy it...not to mention the excess sun. Heck, I don't even like sun roofs! And you have to keep the side windows UP anyway... so I miss the point.
I like the idea of the targa...to look cool and for occasional night drives with the top off. A power vert, again, as an occasional use option...at night...maybe.
The complexity and repair issue is prob a big factor. I know some people love the verts...and think Corvette will almost certainly have one. I agree, I think we are seeing both be tested. I think the McDonalds wheels version is the vert.
I just don't see too much difference between in driver experience between a true vert and a targa in either the c7 or the ME. Am I missing something? The only difference in environmental "exposure" is behind you with the vert and then not much. Maybe the back window down for more engine sound is nicer?
Vert driving is only practical (to me) when you are going low and slow. Any speed above 30-40mph...to me...and you get so much buffeting and noise, I just cant enjoy it...not to mention the excess sun. Heck, I don't even like sun roofs! And you have to keep the side windows UP anyway... so I miss the point.
I like the idea of the targa...to look cool and for occasional night drives with the top off. A power vert, again, as an occasional use option...at night...maybe.
Until GM puts a true roll over system on their convertibles, I’d never consider one. On the other hand, I really enjoy the open roof experience. However, the C7 targa top is basically a PITA task. Especially, by yourself. So, for die-hard performance drivers, go with the coupe. Wind in your hair, just want to enjoy the sunshine, drivers will probably like a truly retractable top. And, hopefully, with a true roll over system (i.e. 488 Spider).
And, that’s why they would hopefully offer a coupe with targa top.
I think you are missing my point
A retractable hard top would, in my view, add only one benefit. That is, the ability to move the top up and down without physically leaving the vehicle. Yes, that is a big deal. However...
The same roof design with a removeable targa and a power rear window would look identical without the added cost and weight. Benefits would be:
Same look as retractable hardtop
Less weight
Cheaper MSRP
Less repair costs
Probably equal coupe’s performance/handling
That’s all I am saying here. I understand a coupe would have a targa option but I, and probably many others, may prefer the convertible roofline with the vertical window rather than the sloping glass of the coupe. Sort of how many people like the FRC roofline of the C5 over the C5 coupe.
Of course I am making a lot of assumptions here. Button line, I think GM could save a lot of money by simply making the convertible as I described. It would look identical to the retractable hardtop. Go back to the 488 picture you included. If the targa came off and the rear window powered down, it would look identical to the retractable hardtop with the top down. WITHOUT the added cost and complexity.
Again, only benefit of retractable hardtop system is ability to bring top up and down without getting out of the vehicle. I do agree this is a big deal...but I would rather have a lighter car that I don’t have to spend $4k+ on to repair when that roof inevitably breaks.
Last edited by Paulchristian; 02-24-2018 at 07:36 PM.
A retractable hard top would, in my view, add only one benefit. That is, the ability to move the top up and down without physically leaving the vehicle. Yes, that is a big deal. However...
The same roof design with a removeable targa and a power rear window would look identical without the added cost and weight. Benefits would be:
Same look as retractable hardtop
Less weight
Cheaper MSRP
Less repair costs
That’s all I am saying here. I understand a coupe would have a targa option but I, and probably many others, may prefer the convertible roofline with the vertical window rather than the sloping glass of the coupe. Sort of how many people like the FRC roofline of the C5 over the C5 coupe.
Of course I am making a lot of assumptions here. Button line, I think GM could save a lot of money by simply making the convertible as I described. It would look identical to the retractable hardtop. Go back to the 488 picture you included. If the targa came off and the rear window powered down, it would look identical to the retractable hardtop with the top down. WITHOUT the added cost and complexity.
Again, only benefit of retractable hardtop system is ability to bring top up and down without getting out of the vehicle. I do agree this is a big deal...but I would rather have a lighter car that I don’t have to spend $4k+ on to repair when that roof inevitably breaks.
Yeah..ok. You don’t need a retractable hard top for a power rear window. I am starting to talk in circles. I am simply saying you can achieve this LOOK without a retractable hard top. Nevermind
Last edited by Paulchristian; 02-24-2018 at 07:44 PM.
A retractable hard top would, in my view, add only one benefit. That is, the ability to move the top up and down without physically leaving the vehicle. Yes, that is a big deal. However...
The same roof design with a removeable targa and a power rear window would look identical without the added cost and weight. Benefits would be:
Same look as retractable hardtop
Less weight
Cheaper MSRP
Less repair costs
Probably equal coupe’s performance/handling
That’s all I am saying here. I understand a coupe would have a targa option but I, and probably many others, may prefer the convertible roofline with the vertical window rather than the sloping glass of the coupe. Sort of how many people like the FRC roofline of the C5 over the C5 coupe.
Of course I am making a lot of assumptions here. Button line, I think GM could save a lot of money by simply making the convertible as I described. It would look identical to the retractable hardtop. Go back to the 488 picture you included. If the targa came off and the rear window powered down, it would look identical to the retractable hardtop with the top down. WITHOUT the added cost and complexity.
Again, only benefit of retractable hardtop system is ability to bring top up and down without getting out of the vehicle. I do agree this is a big deal...but I would rather have a lighter car that I don’t have to spend $4k+ on to repair when that roof inevitably breaks.
I find it interesting that the rear edge of the targa top does not line up with the B pillar as in previous generations. Could this be a retractable hardtop like the 488?
I find it interesting that the rear edge of the targa top does not line up with the B pillar as in previous generations. Could this be a retractable hardtop like the 488?
The top of the B pillar bar is not flush with the quarter window area (there is an over-lay)...if that is how the retractable hardtop sits...assuming it is a retractable hardtop, not great execution. The roof on the Ferrari is completely flush everywhere.
Last edited by Paulchristian; 02-24-2018 at 08:20 PM.
I find it interesting that the rear edge of the targa top does not line up with the B pillar as in previous generations. Could this be a retractable hardtop like the 488?
That was kind of why I’m pushing the idea.
Yes, you could have a targa top on a Spider (918 Porsche). But, I think if GM offered a coupe and convertible version, one would be performance based (coupe/targa) and one would be a flip-top GT cruiser. All be it, a very nice one!
You don't think they would try an make a retractable hardtop like the 488 spider? Cost, space? Just curious.
I believe it WILL be a retractable hard top, because as I pointed out and showed with a pic, ... there appears no possible way to store a removable targa roof under the front trunk/hood. There doesn't appear to be enough space between the front strut towers to accommodate the width of targa roof, especially if the deck lid is recessed low between two bulging fenders?
If the roof was removed and the rear glass lowered(assuming the mid engine does have a vertical rear window), wouldn't that be the same as a C7 convertible with a permanent roll bar installed behind the seats?
Wouldn't air flow around our bald heads be the same, as well as getting our scalp blistered by the sun, just like a C7 convertible?
No, because I touch ONE button and the top goes down. Having to physically remove and store a Targa top (in spite of what coupe owners think) is NOT the same thing.
Just get the darn C8ME up and into showrooms already! i'm not getting any younger! Major concern is that the vert might look as lousy as the 911 verts have-ugh!
As to the concern, and even consequent supposition about two body parts not aligning properly, these are all still pre-production, basically cobbled up parts.
02-24-2018, 05:57 PM
And you have to keep the side windows UP anyway... so I miss the point.
