LOVE THE IDEA OF A DROP-TOP, BUT NOT THE CONSTANT WIND AND EXPOSURE TO THE ELEMENTS? HERE ARE THE DESIGN INNOVATIONS THAT MIGHT MAKE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH CONVERTIBLES…
01
Sensory Speakers.
Nothing beats immersing in music on a top-down drive, especially when wind noise has lost its charm. In-seat speakers have long offered a way to boost the signalto-noise ratio, but cabrios like the open-air Porsche 911 combine those elements with advanced surroundsound algorithms like Dolby Atmos to deliver sound that’s both immersive and literally spine-tingling.
02
Seatbelt Mics.
Tired of screaming over the din of traffic? Carmakers have leveraged solutions like noise-cancellation technology and microphone positioning, but Audi’s late great R8 Spyder introduced a microphone into the front seat belts, enabling occupants to chat at normal volumes while enjoying infinite headroom.
03
Neck Warmer.
Mercedes-Benz summoned its inner Hermès by inventing the so-called AIRSCARF system, which discreetly positions a vent in its stylishly contoured seats to bathe necks in warm air. The system enables a comforting warmth that makes a convertible’s chilly temps more bearable.
04
Smart Upholstery
Climbing into the blazinghot cabin of a cabrio that’s been parked in the sun can be downright tortuous. Taking the edge off are textile advances like BMW’s SunReflective Technology, which incorporates special “cool pigments” into leather surfaces to reduce perceived temperatures by up to 36° F.
05
Turbulence Killers.
Aerodynamics are critical to enabling a quiet cabin. Mercedes-Benz’s AIRCAP system actuates wind deflectors at the windshield and between the rear headrests to create an eerie eye-of-the-storm quiet within the cabin.
06
Climate Concierge.
Lexus goes above and beyond typical climatecontrol systems by ensuring its open-air occupants are comfortable to the core. The brand’s LC Convertible features advanced infrared sensors that determine the body temperatures of individual passengers, thereby calibrating the heating/cooling to precisely the correct levels.
