3 series BMW with metal folding roof
 

Found this in AutoExpress. Funny how the new Mazda MX5 will also have a twinned soft-top/metal hard-top setup.

3-Series Is Ready To Join The Fold?

The lid has been lifted on the next-generation BMW 3-Series Cabriolet - and what a lid it is! Our spies in the current issue of Auto Express magazine have captured the world's first pictures, and the car clearly has a folding metal roof.

Although the current drop-top has been a huge hit - fending off competition from the Audi A4, Mercedes CLK and Saab 9-3 in the premium convertible sector - the mag's exclusive shots show how BMW aims to raise the stakes by being the first to create a coupé-cabrio.
Our insiders tell us that the newcomer is going to be more versatile than anything drivers have ever seen before, and it's all thanks to the forthcoming 3's spacious design. Look carefully at the mag's pictures of the CC, and you should be able to see what we mean. The novel design means the roof can be positioned in three different ways.

Most obviously, with the roof fully closed, the car will be a refined coupé. Owners can then slide the front panels back to create an open-topped targa. Finally, as the bootlid opens up, the whole arrangement slips gracefully down, creating a neat convertible free from any unsightly folded canvas.

The disguise on the prototype also attempts to hide another key feature
- its pillarless design. This means buyers will have the option of lowering all the side windows with the roof up to give a clean, uncluttered look.

The company has gone to extreme lengths to ensure that its first coupé-cabrio is a success, calling upon Ger-man engineering expert Webasto to assist with the design of the folding mechanism. The pictures clearly show that the car will remain a full four-seater yet retain a substantial boot, as this is a crucial selling point for the lucrative American market.

The engine line-up will be similar to the saloon's, starting with 2.0-litre petrol and diesel four-cylinder units. There will be 2.5 and 3.0-litre straight-six petrols, with the possibility of a V8-powered M3, which would compete head-to-head with the Audi S4 V8.
Despite rumours of BMW introducing new 2 and 4-Series badges for its coupé and cabrio models, the car seen here is likely to retain the famous 3-Series badge. With such an excellent reputation and strong image with consumers, company bosses can see no significant benefit in changing.

The new 3-Series CC will make its public debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show - in exactly 12 months' time - and go on sale early in 2006.

Cheers
Michael

Probelm with folding metal roofs is there damned heavy, NOT something you want in an MX5.

BMW's are already lardy basiges so who cares.

Yes they are heavier than the soft-tops but provide far greater safety and weather proof motoring . :D

Having owned 3 convertibles driving around in winter with a soft-tops is no fun , both my Triumph Stag and the Mercedes 560 SL had hard tops but they needed 3 people to place it on the car .
(Storing the hard tops was also a pain in the butt.)

A good retractable metal roof takes less than 20 seconds to open and close .

From what i have read the new Mazda MX5 will provide both a soft-top and a metal hopefully a light Aluminium retractable hardtop , best of both worlds . :) :cool:

cheers
michael

Ehrm.....not exactly. You can't whirl and twirl 500 pounds of steel through the air in 20-30 seconds without unreasonably large hinges, and hydraulics/motors. They have to (and do) keep the panels light to be able to fit the hinges and mechanisms in a reasonable amount of space.

This BMW 3 stage folding metal roof sounds identical to the 3 stage folding roof shown at Detriot over 9 months ago by Lexus for their IS300 concept. It would be a shame if BMW beats Lexus to market with it...