Why not convertible "hard top" for the Boxster?

[socratic]

Just curious why Porsche didn't go with a "hard top" convertible for the next gen Boxster like some Mercedes (SLK?) that I've seen. Not enough room to retract it given the mid-engine design?

[blinkwatt]

Are you referring to a retractable hardtop? If so then you are correct in thinking it cant be done do to engine space.

Originally Posted by socratic

Just curious why Porsche didn't go with a "hard top" convertible for the next gen Boxster like some Mercedes (SLK?) that I've seen. Not enough room to retract it given the mid-engine design?

too heavy??

[BuffaloBoxster]

I for one wouldn't be interested. That kind of top adds too much weight and since I almost never drive the car top-up it's wasted weight. Plus, that would only serve to enhance the general public's erroneous stereotype of the Boxster being a hairdresser's car.

Simply put, the Boxster is a sports car. That's why I don't ******************** about inferior plastics, cheesy interior, and even an underpowered engine. It's small, lightweight, open cockpit, handles great and has a small but powerful engine. It's a sports car. The rest is all bull****************

[SD987]

Interestingly enough, my understanding is the same firm is contracted by both Mercedes and Porsche to design their convertible tops. I don't think it's the mid-engine design so much as the Boxster's top basically lies a-midship. As mechanical tops stow in the back, perhaps Bmussatti is right in that the dynamics might be thrown off without a front-mounted engine to counter-balance the weight in the rear.

But then again Porsche obviously has a long tradition of making cars with too much weight to the rear

[boxtex]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBoxster

I for one wouldn't be interested. That kind of top adds too much weight and since I almost never drive the car top-up it's wasted weight. Plus, that would only serve to enhance the general public's erroneous stereotype of the Boxster being a hairdresser's car.

Simply put, the Boxster is a sports car. That's why I don't ******************** about inferior plastics, cheesy interior, and even an underpowered engine. It's small, lightweight, open cockpit, handles great and has a small but powerful engine. It's a sports car. The rest is all bull****************

Don't hold back, tell us how you really feel.

[mjw930]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBoxster

I for one wouldn't be interested. That kind of top adds too much weight and since I almost never drive the car top-up it's wasted weight. Plus, that would only serve to enhance the general public's erroneous stereotype of the Boxster being a hairdresser's car.

Simply put, the Boxster is a sports car. That's why I don't ******************** about inferior plastics, cheesy interior, and even an underpowered engine. It's small, lightweight, open cockpit, handles great and has a small but powerful engine. It's a sports car. The rest is all bull****************

I'll second that

Let's see.... when I was looking for my roadster, I looked at no less than 3 SLK's, with folding hardtops. Guess what? Every single one of them had a malfunction.

Let's see how many "issues" the VW Eos (or whatever it is they're calling their new hardtop/convertible) has before thinking Porsche should follow suit.

[Rail26]

Originally Posted by SD987

But then again Porsche obviously has a long tradition of making cars with too much weight to the rear

I've always liked a little junk in the trunk...