Quote:
Originally Posted by
JRinKY
A couple of random thoughts:
If the coupe is still classified as a convertible for safety purposes, and if the roof is not classified as a rollover structure, are you really any better off with the coupe ? Or is the thought that no one will pay attention to it at a track event because it looks like its OK ?
I have always understood that a convertible loses chassis stiffness because there is no connection between the windscreen frame and the rear of the chassis. How can this roof add stiffness if the center area is still open ?
The GM reps I talked to there informed me the Coupe roof did provide more protection in a roll over than the Convertible, it's just not required to be rerated by the HSTC.
It's not only the lack of connection from front to back, it's mainly the connection from left to right that decreases suspension stiffness. That's why so many cars add left to right suspension stiffeners. The front to back rigidity is less important than the left to right because it impacts turning. The Coupe's roof beam now provides a solid connection from the left to right of the car making it far stiffer than before.