Photo: Chevrolet
Headquartered in Stockdorf, Germany, and self-described as the global market leader for roof systems, Webasto may sound familiar to you because it supplies a whole lot of roofs. In addition to the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet, and BMW Z4, this company is also responsible for the Corvette Convertible as well as the Ford Bronco.
For the mid-engine sports car, Chevrolet went down this route because the two-piece hardtop offers more insulation than a canvas roof. The biggest of the Big Three in Detroit has also switched from hydraulics to electric motors. No fewer than six of them power the roof, and the whole operation takes 16 seconds at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour (48 kph).
There are, however, some limitations to this design. On page 44 of the owner’s manual for the mid-engine Corvette, the Golden Bowtie highlights that “the convertible top may not operate at cooler outside temperature.” Retracting isn’t possible under 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and closing is restricted below 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius).
As you’re well aware, the Bronco doesn’t suffer from these limitations because all four roof options are manual affairs. A three-piece hardtop is standard on two-door models, the four-door body style comes with a soft top at no additional cost, and optional extras consist of four-piece hardtops.
Speaking of the mid-size SUV with the ladder-frame chassis of the next-gen Ranger, care to guess why Ford has delayed U.S. deliveries from spring to the summer of 2021? According to insiders, who spoke to The Detroit Free Press, you can blame Webasto for this minor disruption in the supply chain.
At the time of writing, the 2021 Corvette with the hardtop convertible is available at $7,500 more than the coupe, namely $67,495 including destination charge for the 1LT equipment group. In the case of the all-new Bronco, prepare to pony up $29,995 (2-Door) or $36,290 (4-Door) for the Base trim level.
There are, however, some limitations to this design. On page 44 of the owner’s manual for the mid-engine Corvette, the Golden Bowtie highlights that “the convertible top may not operate at cooler outside temperature.” Retracting isn’t possible under 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and closing is restricted below 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius).
As you’re well aware, the Bronco doesn’t suffer from these limitations because all four roof options are manual affairs. A three-piece hardtop is standard on two-door models, the four-door body style comes with a soft top at no additional cost, and optional extras consist of four-piece hardtops.
Speaking of the mid-size SUV with the ladder-frame chassis of the next-gen Ranger, care to guess why Ford has delayed U.S. deliveries from spring to the summer of 2021? According to insiders, who spoke to The Detroit Free Press, you can blame Webasto for this minor disruption in the supply chain.
At the time of writing, the 2021 Corvette with the hardtop convertible is available at $7,500 more than the coupe, namely $67,495 including destination charge for the 1LT equipment group. In the case of the all-new Bronco, prepare to pony up $29,995 (2-Door) or $36,290 (4-Door) for the Base trim level.
Google News