I figured that the Coupe would provide a solution to all the people out there who want to run their Kappas on a real Race Track. I saw a post today that said that there are many references to the lack of structural integrity of the roof on the coupe. Is this true????

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i have the RMR rollbar and do HPDE with the top down. i don't think the hard top for the sol can actually withstand a rollover but i'm not sure

There is a large structural member that goes up and over the passenger compartment above the seat backrests.

The actual fiberglass roof panel that fits in the gap over the passenger has no structure to it that would give it rigidity in the even of a rollover, however. The targa design should satisfy a lot of track requirements which would prevent use of a convertable without a rollbar. However, at a certain level of intensity and competition, a rollbar would be a no brainer anyway just as it would be in any other steel roof car.

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i was hoping that the current full cage solutions would actually be satisfactory as their downside with the loss of the soft top would be negated. They will still require some cutting though.

milles, you thinkin about trading in?

big deal. the coupe will be a million times easier to put a rollar bar in. you actually have room to put in adequate rear bracing.

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How about we call it a "style bar", since it really isn't a roll bar.

Details here: RMR "style bar"

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i've missed these conversations.. i never expected it to pass tech. i might have to try it out for some light-weight HPDE days

The Coupe's roof was not designed or tested, and is not certified for rollover resistance, so it is still technically a convertible by NHTSA standards. Its appearance may be enough for HPDEs if you are careful to not say too much to the tech inspector and if he isn't already familiar with it.

Ditto with the RMR Style Bar.

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John
Lexington, KY
Sky VIN 00252
5-Sp Manual
Midnight Blue

Here are some photos of the new GT4 Car Mallett Cars has produced with an FIA approved cage. Pricing should be released by Aug. 1.

Attached Thumbnails

         

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I'd call it more of a death trap.
It sits very close to the headrests and if you keep the seat all the way back it actually sits over it.

It also doesn't seem likely that it could support even 1x the weight of the car.

Any tech inspector who lets that go for an HDPE and not allow a car without one to is not very good at his job.

However, a real roll bar could fit under the coupes hardtop and not require cutting holes in the outer skin of the trunk or eliminating functionality (convertible top) so it is the way to go for a dual-purpose car that will require rollover protection.

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Not yet but a friend is debating on trading in now on a 07 Z0K or waiting for a Z0K Coupe. If the Coupe can't run an HPDE without a roll bar then his choice is made.


JR,

Is there some more in-depth info on this?

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SSR GT2's SOLD to Randy at DDM Works
Red Bull Drift Team 2008
Formerly Miles@Tirerack

Just check your state law for HPDE. Most likely it is just the broomstick test like in NJ which just means anything strong above your head.

If you are driving with another organization like SCCA then check with them. Autocross does not require rollbars or anything.

Targa cars are fine in NJ for HPDE and I'd assume any other state.

Coupe should be just fine.

If the RMR bolt on style bar is ok for HPDE than the couple DEFINITELY will be.

all of the engineers that have spoke and mentioned that the reason for the targa was to save money and time as it could stay classified as an open-top car. I don't know if anyone has any hard evidence to the fact that no extra testing was done but that's how i read it.

that being said.... the only reason a roll bar isn't practical in the vert is the loss of the top functionality. with the couple you wouldn't have that problem.... shouldn't even be a question.

i'm excited

Not that I have at-hand. I am only repeating what I have read.
The key word here is "strong" of course. I would define strong in this context as something that has been designed and tested to hold the weight of the car in a rollover event.
Correct, up to a point. You do not need a roll bar to autocross unless you make certain modifications. Aftermarket seatbelt/shoulder harness being a key one.
There are state laws and there are sanctioning body rules, and the latter are usually more restrictive. NASA, for example, requires a roll bar that meets specifications similar to SCCA, but makes them optional at the discretion of the event organizer.

Based solely on pictures and descriptions I would agree that the coupe's targa bar is stronger than the RMR style bar. But more than nothing may not be enough.
That is my interpretation as well.
There are some additional issues with interior cockpit clearance, and meeting the limitation on the number of bends in the main hoop, but you are correct that the top is the main problem.

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John
Lexington, KY
Sky VIN 00252
5-Sp Manual
Midnight Blue