ntr987

VW came out with a real four person hardtop convertible. Check this link out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQvY18zk2IY
Im not suggesting that VW could even compare to the luxury of the lexus, but its a stride in seeing many more manufactures producing hardtop convertible. As far as I know VW, Lexus, Mercedes, infiniti and volvo currently have some sort of hardtop convertibles. The Aluminum hardtop seems to be the new standard and hopefully Lexus has something up their sleeve. Maybe a new SC?

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

These are all the hardtop convertibles available in the American market this year:

3-Series
G37
IS-C
SC430
Volvo C70
VW Eos
MB SLK
MB SL
Mazda Miata
Cadillac XLR
Pontiac G6
Chrysler Sebring
Ferrari California


Most cars will have hardtop convertibles due to safety, security, and stability.

The problem is that it makes the car extremely heavy and bulky-looking, so most performance oriented cars such as Aston Martin, Ferrari, and even the Sky/Solstice will continue making ragtops. On the other hand, automakers will just go the cheaper route for economy cars, such as the Mini Cooper or VW Beetle.

The IS-C is going to be more of a "cruiser." If Lexus decides to make the next gen SC more sport-oriented (which they should), it may revert to coupe-only form, or a ragtop. Did you notice that the LF-A is a coupe, with a ragtop option?

CBG

Chrysler Sebring also has a new hardtop convertable.

Gojirra99

The Mazda MX-5 hardtop convertible is only 75 pounds heavier than the ragtop version. I think the next SC should definitely be a hardtop convertible instead of a ragtop.

intdiamond

iTrader: (2)

AND the Fisker Karma S
also, Maserati is due to unleash a hardtop convertible later this year...

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

If Lexus does keep it a hardtop, it needs to be a two seater to differentiate itself from the IS-C. One for cruising, and one for sport.

Like how BMW has the 335 convertible as well as the new Z4 hardtop. Both have different functions and cater to two different populations (with the exception of the M variants). Now, I wonder if the 6-Series will ever go hardtop too?

For MB, I don't like how the SLK and SL are too similar in function (although significantly different in price and status). I don't want the IS-C and SC to suffer the same mistake...

Gojirra99

I have no problem with the next SC being a 2-seater at all, the current generation is practically a 2-seater anyway, & up here, the insurance isn't higher for a 2-seater unlike what I've heard in the U.S. (here, it's higher for cars that's supposed to be sportier & usually driven by younger people, I think they look at the claim records rather than whether there are back seats.)

As for the SLK & SL, I think the SLK is more cramped inside, but with Mercedes, they have too many models anyway, & still introducing more ...

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Ditto, the 3-series hardtop convertible is very similar in weight to the last ragtop version. I am sure the top being aluminum helps a lot to offset the weight.

I think the main issue is space, making the styling more bulky-looking.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I am sure it will, just a matter of time.

I think all future convertible will be hardtop, unless there is really no space for it like in the 911 and Boxster. Cost is no longer an issue as seen by all the lower price car having this feature: Miata, G6 and Sebring.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Yes the SLK and SL have a huge difference in size, also engine power and available options and features. They are extremely different even though they are both a 2 seaters convertible.

The top of the line AMG SLK55 still have less HP and torque then the bottom of the line non-AMG SL550. K stand for compact in German, it simply means it is a smaller, lesser version.