At the 2005 Frankfurt motor show, highly respected German car specialist
Karmann revealed its latest, surprising model in the form of a convertible SUV, called the Sport Utility Cabrio (or SUC). As with many show concepts, the open-top, four-door SUC comes with the claim of creating a brand new market segment. However, in the SUC’s case,
Karmann actually delivers on this promise.
Firstly, despite the unrivalled access to the cabin through the SUC’s convertible roof, rear-hinged rear doors and lack of B-pillar,
Karmann insist that the concept is production-ready. Secondly,
Karmann developed their latest concept with the help and support of fellow German company ZF who, through their transmission specialism, developed the chassis used in the SUC. This chassis includes enormous 22-inch wheels, continuous electronically controlled damping control, and the capability to network the stability control, EDC and ABS systems. According to
Karmann, this ability offers improved comfort and safety for driver and passengers, whilst reducing unwanted vibration.
Thirdly,
Karmann believes that the SUC will help to meet international demand for both SUVs and Cabrios, and the company predicts that, between 2009 and 2015, 180,000 models could be sold per annum, suggesting that the vehicle has an impressive life cycle of 900,000 units. Finally, it is important to note that
Karmann has an impressive track record, given the company’s role in the development of successful cabrio models such as the
Audi A4, Mercedes CLK,
Jaguar XK, Renault Megane and
Chrysler Crossfire. The company also had responsibility for the development of roof systems for the previous generation of the CLK, SLK and Megane models.
Ronald Wellmann, Karmann's SUC project manager, explains the model’s importance: "With the SUC we show what we can do. Of course, individual elements can also be transferred to other vehicle concepts, however, in this case no OEM customers' instructions had to be taken into consideration and designers and engineers have exploited this freedom."
Besides the rear-hinged rear doors with 90-degree opening capability, other stand-out features of the SUC include adaptive door seals, a rear window integrated into the tailgate, exterior door handles that sit flush to the door, short-stroke window handles, a soft top running the full length of the vehicle, and a second floor plate to reinforce the body and maintain its rigidity in spite of its four-door design. Like all its designs,
Karmann says that the SUC follows the same creative vein as the elegant
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia.
© 2006 Martin Hemmings and Francis Schwaller for www.sport-cars.org
April 1, 2008, 11:32 am
