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BMW e94: the first 3 series coupe-cabrio |
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| Article Info |
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Publisher: Ilir Dibrani |
| Published: 19 Oct 2005 |
| Read: 4178 time(s) |
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BMW is poised to join the growing trend of combined coupe-cabriolets with
retractable metal roofs when it unveils its next-generation 3 Series convertible
in fall 2006.
Source: edmunds.com
The new 3 Series coupé-cabrio will replace the 3 Series coupe and the 3
Series convertible.Ford, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot and Renault all have
launched four-seater coupe-cabrios, but prestigious manufacturers have shied away
from the concept, preferring separate traditional convertibles and coupes of their
sedan-derived models.
So BMW's decision could give the Bavarian carmaker an advantage over rivals such
as Audi and Mercedes, which have said they are sticking with traditional soft-top
and coupe versions of their next A4 and CLK models, respectively. Paradoxically,
Mercedes' two-seater sports cars, the SLK and the SL, have retractable metal roofs,
while BMW's Z4 is a traditional ragtop.
What this means to you: Folding-roof technology is so good now that coupé-cabrio
models are indistinguishable from fixed-roof coupes in winter conditions. Despite
reduced trunk space, the extra practicality of the concept has proven to be a
winner.
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