Meet the Supplier Behind the 2020 Corvette Retractable Hard Top Convertible

By
Mitch Talley
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6
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Meet the Supplier Behind the 2020 Corvette Retractable Hard Top Convertible


You’ve probably never heard of Webasto, but this company is the genius behind the first retractable hardtop ever offered on a Corvette.

Webasto had been responsible for building the previous-generation convertible soft tops and earned the contract to build the hardtop mechanisms for the new mid-engine C8 Corvette, with their innovative roof system assembled in Plymouth, Michigan before being added to the car on the assembly line in Bowling Green.

“Webasto is proud to support the launch of the iconic 2020 Corvette with our convertible roof system serving as a key feature of the vehicle’s bold exterior styling,” said Michael Respondek, responsible for the roof systems division at Webasto in Europe. “As a long-term, reliable supplier to the General Motors family of vehicle brands, developing the high-volume retractable hardtop in collaboration with the Chevrolet team resulted in an industry breakthrough that consumers will love to drive while taking in the world around them.”

Meet the Supplier Behind the 2020 Corvette Retractable Hard Top Convertible


The two-part retractable hardtop uses a series of six electric motors fitted in the roof in place of a hydraulic system, creating a lightweight and more compact package. Four of the motors even have built-in controllers, eliminating the need for an additional central unit and allowing the top to be opened and closed automatically within 16 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. One feature that will be greatly appreciated by Corvette owners who use their cars on long-distance trips is the way the roof panels stack on top of each other so that the trunk maintains its storage capability.

The top also features a camera integrated into the roof system to provide an all-round view of the vehicle. Webasto also took air management into account while developing the roof, helping support the Corvette’s aerodynamic design.

Meet the Supplier Behind the 2020 Corvette Retractable Hard Top Convertible


Another interesting feature of the roof is the transparent backlight module between the two air domes that acts as a wind deflector and can be operated independently of the roof – allowing fresh air into the cockpit when the backlight is lowered and the roof is up, while minimizing air turbulence and wind noise when the roof is down.

Webasto’s creativity also included the use of composite plastic panels and other lightweight construction materials such as aluminum, enabling the entire roof system to be remarkably light at just 141 lbs.

In order to retain the distinctive design lines for the convertible, the design of the sports car’s windscreen frame has been carried through consistently, Webasto says. As a result, the convertible variant can hardly be differentiated from the coupé variant.


Source:
Ward’s Auto

Related:
[VIDEO] Drive 615 Reviews the 2020 Corvette Stingray Convertible
2020 Corvette Stingray Convertible Ranks 2nd on List of Best Convertibles for 2020
[VIDEO] New Owner Demonstrates His 2020 Corvette Convertible at Corvettes at Carlisle

 



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6 COMMENTS

  1. Anyone in the import car business over the last 70+ years is familiar with Webasto sun roofs. As I recall, certainly back in the 50’s/60s, they were a premium sliding sun and folding roof maker for many, if not all, of the English and European car manufacturers.

  3. I used the convertible top today and it works beautifully. My only complaint is that with the key fob you can put the roof down but you can’t put it back up.
    My favorite feature is the window by the motor that goes down while the top is is so I can hear the engine.

  4. I would take a soft top any day over this system. I have a ’66 Chevelle Malibu SS Convertible and a C7 Grand Sport Convertible (thats one of the reasons I bought it). Original Rag Tops! North American as apple pie.

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