2004 Volkswagen Concept C

Like any longer wheelbase four-seat convertible Volkswagen had to deal with structural rigidity problems, hampering driving

The Concept C is propelled by a state of the art 2.0 liter FSI 150 horsepower motor with direct injection. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

dynamics and safety. Intense efforts were made to produce a chassis as rigid as possible without the need for additional underbody cross bracing or stiffened pillars, which add weight and bulk. VW accomplished the task, and along with a rollover protection system and four airbags it should be an extremely safe convertible.

At 4.41 meters in length, the Concept C is a fair bit larger than its photos might suggest. The proposed model is aimed at the small end of the midsize segment, and is about 10 centimeters smaller than Audi's A4 Cabriolet. Part of the optical illusion to the C is that it is unusually wide, but features a low sleek profile. The 1.81 meter width, compact 2.60 meter long wheelbase and 1.31 meter height, plus an angled window ledge give it a wedge-like look.

Short front and rear overhangs, sporty styling and extremely large wheels also help. How large are they? The concept sports XXL-sized 19 inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile 235/35 rubber in front, and even larger 20 inchers on 245/35 tires in the rear. The stunning turbine-pattern partly chromed wheels are unlikely to make it to production.

The C's intriguing five-stage folding steel and glass roof however, stands a much greater chance. The design incorporates a

The car's expressive rear end features complex taillights and some very interesting angles. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

full-length glass panoramic roof which doubles as a tilt-and-slide sunroof. If open-aired excitement is desired, the seemingly one-piece roof follows a complex series of movements to retract and stow: the main overhead sunroof slides into its open position which is then covered by the rear windscreen and its pillars. This sandwich is lowered into the trunk and stowed away in its own protective shelf. The remaining pillars then furl up into a Z-shape pattern, and sink away into separate covered cavities which are not a part of the trunk. The process, beyond the comprehension of astrophysicists let alone the average mechanical engineer, takes about 25 seconds to complete.