View Full Version : Hardtop '08??
BowdawG
08-06-2005, 08:35 AM
Okay, been thinking about this for a few weeks...
How about this for a good retro cue, a Hardtop GTO (Coupes have B-pillars; the thing our seatbelt is attached to, hardtops don't...) It would be a little tricky for seatbelt/airbag packaging and side-impact regulations, but it would still be sweet to see a hardtop! Unfortunately, due to the existing platform re-engineering for the 08, there's little chance of it happening, especially with the added costs of two more power windows and beefing up the structure. Anyone else think that would be sweet??
Now granted Mercedes has done sort of an ugly job with it, but you get the point!
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=17987&stc=1 (for legal reasons: that pic obviously came from www.mbusa.com )
JohneHoodlum
08-06-2005, 09:34 AM
I like really that idea
5point7
08-06-2005, 09:48 AM
I would rather see a removable hardtop ala C6 vettes or T-Tops!
cali_broker
08-06-2005, 10:03 AM
I say a "hardtop convertible" option designed by ASC the leader in automobile design http://www.ascglobal.com/ responsible for the SSR truck among others.
zgoat
08-06-2005, 11:39 AM
I would love to see it!
yellow04
08-06-2005, 12:17 PM
Nope
JohneHoodlum
08-06-2005, 01:40 PM
I would rather see a removable hardtop ala C6 vettes or T-Tops!
Leave that to the next Camaro please.
DevilYellow
08-06-2005, 08:29 PM
I dont like the door having an exposed window when open... its more flimsy and looks cheap to me...
I like the frame going around the window on the door with the current models..
Anyone know what I am talking about lol?
Who agrees with me?
It depends on how its done. On 1987 Monte Carlo I agree with you, on a 2005 Corvette I think its perfect.
Keith66
08-07-2005, 01:25 AM
This was one of the things I loved about my '72 Chevelle. With all the glass down, it gave it a cool open-air feeling.
The downside to this, is it was extremely easy to pull/flex the glass out and break into the car. I could almost get my whole arm in there from the outside with all the windows closed by prying something between the windows and pulling the glass outwards.
I guess maybe that could be worked out. Not sure how though.
Regardless, I like the look and feel of it!
The Black Phantom
08-13-2005, 02:16 PM
Okay, been thinking about this for a few weeks...
How about this for a good retro cue, a Hardtop GTO (Coupes have B-pillars; the thing our seatbelt is attached to, hardtops don't...) It would be a little tricky for seatbelt/airbag packaging and side-impact regulations, but it would still be sweet to see a hardtop! Unfortunately, due to the existing platform re-engineering for the 08, there's little chance of it happening, especially with the added costs of two more power windows and beefing up the structure. Anyone else think that would be sweet??
Now granted Mercedes has done sort of an ugly job with it, but you get the point!
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=17987&stc=1 (for legal reasons: that pic obviously came from www.mbusa.com )
If GM did that it might silence the haters expecially if it has other retro cues. :thumbs: I hope the next GTO is availible as a convertible as well as coupe. :cool: 60's hardtops looked great with all the windows down and have the benefit of making it easier for a convertible model to be produced along side the hardtop model. :secret:
big swede
08-14-2005, 01:16 PM
I wouldn't mind seeing it as an option but on an already limited car the costs would be too much. I would never own one because the added weight and cost would kill the reason I bought my GTO, which is performance for the dollar without sacrificing in the interior.
I like the hardtop idea, and it would work well with a convertible. It would suck if it wasn't really done right though. But if it was done right it'd be pretty sweet for the next gen.
cali_broker
08-14-2005, 03:03 PM
ahhh..but the 'ol GM beancounters will kill anything that costs too much to build..so doubtful IMO.
ahhh..but the 'ol GM beancounters will kill anything that costs too much to build..so doubtful IMO.
I think it would be a much better proposition than that fugly SSR and they got that through so who knows.
cali_broker
08-16-2005, 03:10 PM
Wait and see game at this point...everything else is just pure speculation..but their trend appears to be the SSR,HHR,POS,etc
Flashpoint
08-17-2005, 03:24 AM
Wait and see game at this point...everything else is just pure speculation..but their trend appears to be the SSR,HHR,POS,etc
If they think a retro car will increase sales, They will do that. I for one will NOT buy a next gen if it is a retro car.
If I wanted that look I'd buy an old one restore it and drop an LS1 in it, plus redue the interior, etc...
rlsedition
08-20-2005, 07:58 AM
For what its worth, the Zeta GTO was a 2-door hardtop design.
Sidewayz6.0
08-22-2005, 01:41 PM
I'd just like a friggin sunroof.
rlsedition
08-22-2005, 05:38 PM
The Zeta next-gen GTO had an available sunroof, but its kind of a moot point right now.
kjac081
08-28-2005, 01:42 PM
I dont like the door having an exposed window when open... its more flimsy and looks cheap to me...
I like the frame going around the window on the door with the current models..
Anyone know what I am talking about lol?
Who agrees with me?
I agree 100%
the one thing I hated about F-bodies was the exposed window. the windows eventually became loose and wobly. then would start to rattle inside teh door when the window was down.
Having a door frame seems to make the car feel more solid.
GOTPOWR
08-30-2005, 10:09 AM
I agree 100%
the one thing I hated about F-bodies was the exposed window. the windows eventually became loose and wobly. then would start to rattle inside teh door when the window was down.
Having a door frame seems to make the car feel more solid.
Not only that, but they don't seal out water and wind as well, especially as the car gets older. The only real benefit from frameless is for t-tops or targa.
Chris
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