Convertible roofs
Open the convertible top and off you go. Driving a convertible can be pure joie de vivre. Since 1986, Webasto has been making it possible for passengers all around the world to enjoy fresh air and views with its convertible roofs. Webasto produced its first convertible roofs for the BMW 3 Series convertible, and since then, the company has worked on many other projects. Today's convertible roofs incorporate decades of engineering expertise. Our experts use this know-how to develop innovative convertible roofs that continue to set new technological standards. Webasto is also a reliable partner along the entire value chain.
Solutions for the highest demands
Convertibles today can be driven in any weather and throughout the year. Opening and closing a roof while driving a convertible is as important as having optimally tuned acoustics and thermal insulation when driving with the top closed. Even with the side windows fully open, air circulation is pleasant and nearly draught-free, making a ride in a convertible an experience with nothing more but a pleasant breeze.
Versatile systems
As a world market leader for convertible roof systems, Webasto has been developing and producing soft tops, retractable hardtops (RHTs), and now, hybrid soft tops for many automotive manufacturers over the last 35 years. Webasto’s customers particularly appreciate our comprehensive service - from conception to series production or in providing customized solutions.
- Soft top
- Hard top
- Hybrid top
Classic design meets modern comfort
Driving under the open sky, soaking in fresh air and unobstructed views, riding in a convertible can make for a special experience. And when the weather doesn't invite you to drive with the top open, an elegant soft top in classic convertible design provides an alternative with the necessary protection. Complex kinematic mechanisms and sophisticated locking technology mean that a soft top can be opened in seconds, even while driving, and it slides under a cover taking up the smallest of spaces. Whereas in the past, the soft top linkage was clearly visible through the fabric, today that is not the case. Compared with retractable hardtops (RHTs), fabric soft tops allow a more compact and variable installation space for the folded top. In terms of comfort and safety, a modern soft top convertible is in no way inferior to a sedan with a fixed roof.
Wide design scope for maximum speed
One "revolutionary" development that Webasto played a key role in shaping is the retractable hardtop (RHT): a movable, manual or automatic convertible system with hard outer walls. The retractable roofs opened a new vehicle segment. As early as 1993, Webasto presented a multi-part folding roof in a vehicle study. In 2002, the first RHT went into series production in the Daihatsu Copen. Today, the BMW 3 series, BMW Z4, Renault Wind, Volvo C70 and VW Eos are among the most popular applications for this roof, but the smaller Mazda MX5 Roadster also impresses with this variant of a fixed roof. From a one-piece to a five-piece RHT, Webasto meets every customer requirement. Today, RHT roofs are made of steel, carbon or aluminum, but fiber-reinforced plastics and glass are also used. With innovative hydraulics or the electric motors, significant space savings as well as fast opening and closing times can be achieved.
Highest standards in stability and appearance
Webasto's unique technology combines the best of convertible roof solutions in terms of design, lightweight construction and acoustic comfort. With its hybrid roof, Webasto transfers the elegant silhouette of a coupé to a textile-look convertible top by using innovative materials and sophisticated kinematics. The decisive factor for this shape is the design as a flat bow top. This combines the stability of a hard top with the light and airy look of a textile top. The surface curvatures also provide very effective noise and heat insulation. The low weight also makes the hybrid roof an ideal solution for electromobility.
Our innovative functions
Opening and closing times, impermeability and isolation, acoustics and last but not least, its appearance—the demands placed on modern convertible roofs could not be higher. Webasto's solutions meet them with flying colors and continue to set new standards.
Fast opening and closing functions
Light and joy of life at the touch of a button: Convertible tops from Webasto can be opened while driving at the touch of a button in just a few seconds. In one fluid movement and with a minimum of noise, they disappear under a soft top flap despite the airstream. This complex, kinematic process incorporates the cumulative technological expertise of Webasto's developers from 35 years of experience in the convertible segment. The top is opened and closed quietly and efficiently using a hydraulic or electric drive. It can be triggered at a driving speed of up to 50 km/h or by remote control. The compact size of our convertible tops also benefits the opening speed: the large top of the VW T-Roc, for example, opens and closes in less than 10 seconds.
- Usability
- Isolation
- Optic
All-weather suitability
To this day, it is unthinkable for even a single drop of rain to get into the vehicle interior - either via the soft top itself or via the closure on the windshield frame. Webasto has developed a protective shield —an adjustable sealing system —specifically for this purpose.
It is so reliable that modern convertibles with a Webasto roof can be driven all year round, regardless of the weather. The innovative on-roof isolation of the textile convertible top also protects against freezing cold and blistering heat.
Coupe-level acoustics
When the first convertibles came onto the market, you could barely hear your own words due to the wind and engine noises. Today, our convertible roofs meet completely different acoustic requirements. Entertainment, listening to music, making phone calls—all these are possible in a convertible. Vehicle manufacturers and end customers expect interior noise at the level of a coupé. Webasto achieves this through highly advanced technology, and its roofs are designed to prevent the airflow around the vehicle from generating any distracting noise. The use of special insulating materials also guarantees isolation that sets absolute standards on the convertible market.
Great design
Along with all other features, a function is expected: the visual appearance is the main focus of convertible tops. Particularly in the case of textile solutions, it emphasizes the elegant silhouette of the vehicle. The outer skin should be as smooth as that of a coupé. To ensure that folds or the soft top frame are not visible, Webasto has developed an innovative on-roof insulation system. It makes the textile convertible top look like a fixed-roof coupe. With their elegant appearance, today's convertible tops convey joie de vivre and driving pleasure at first glance.
Our quality standards
Webasto relies on premium materials and experienced production staff to develop, offer and produce its extensive portfolio in such a way that the most diverse convertible tops meet high quality standards worldwide.
Continuously optimized
Webasto's processes and workflows in development and production are constantly being refined. In addition, the international competence centers ensure that the highly specialized products are delivered to customers in the desired quantities and in the highest quality after start of series production.
To ensure quality, convertible tops from Webasto have to pass extensive tests under extreme conditions.
- Stability
- Tightness
- Vibration
- Stiffness
Airflow tests
Convertible tops must also close while the vehicle is in motion. A convertible top stretches out in the wind like a large sail, and complex kinematic processes ensure that the mechanism functions reliably despite these enormous forces. Our convertible experts test this under extreme conditions in the wind tunnel.
Vibration tests
On the multi-axis shaker table, our soft tops have to prove that they can cope with all conditions in terms of vehicle rigidity. Because one thing is certain: If the soft top opens and closes reliably despite extreme vibrations and sloping positions, every off-road journey will be child's play.
You have more questions about our innovative convertible systems?
We will be happy to answer your questions about our innovative convertible systems. Write us a message and we will get in touch with you immediately.
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