2003 Hyundai CCS Concept

The CCS, which stands for Coupe Cabriolet Study, is the work of Hyundai's Frankfurt-based Research and Development Centre and renowned convertible specialists Karmann, and is based on Hyundai's popular Coupe 2+2. The attraction of the CCS has to be its unique three-phase slide-and-fold roof - at the touch of a button the driver can switch from a glass roof, to an open roof to a full convertible.

If the weather is changeable, the driver can retract the glass sliding roof back over the rear window (by going over the rear window, headroom is not compromised) - the side supports remain in place so should the weather change, the roof can slide back quickly into position. Changing to a full convertible just requires the press of a second button which folds in the rear screen, and retracts the roof in a way that still gives maximum luggage space. The folding roof system is an advance over previous convertible systems as it requires fewer pivot points. Including all the hydraulic and electrical components, the weight increase over the regular Coupe is just 140kg. Hyundai believes solar panels could easily be worked into the structure of the CCS roof design in the future.

While sharing the stylish look of the hardtop Coupe, the CCS features new 18 inch wheels with Michelin 225/40x18 tyres, as well as new front and rear light clusters. The interior has also received special treatment, with brown leather Recaro seats, an eight way adjustment and a memory operation. The CCS also has an excellent sound system - a 280W combination of Becker hardware linked to Infinity speakers. The usual problem with convertible cars - lack of boot space - does not apply to the CCS. It has an impressive 443 litres of boot capacity with the roof closed, 244 litres with it folded away.

Currently the CCS is a concept car, but if public reaction is favourable it stands a realistic chance of making it into production.

Source - Hyundai

Hyundai's CCS Convertible study features a unique three-phase slide and fold glass roof that enables the driver to change from glass roof, to open roof to complete top-down convertible at the touch of a button.

Únveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the CCS Convertible is based on the Tiburon V6 and is powered by a Delta 2.7 litre engine - an all alloy quad-cam V6 which transmits up to 127kW of power and 245 Nm of torque through an Aichi-built six-speed close-ratio gearbox as fitted to the Tiburon V6.

The third generation folding hardtop roof was developed by renowned convertible and cabriolet specialists Karmann of Osnabr'ck. The first generation was the typical metal folding roof, the second the retractable glass roof. This third generation builds on the experience gained with the first two and refines it to offer maximum choice of open-air motoring.

In mixed weather the driver merely touches one button to send the glass roof sliding back over the rear window. By sliding outside, rather than inside, this maximises rear headroom. At this stage the side supports remain in position, so if the weather changes the roof slides quickly and smoothly back to the closed position.

A second button turns the vehicle into a full top-down convertible.

Hyundai also believe that the new roof design enhances the potential for assimilating solar panels or similar energy sources.

The most noticeable styling changes from the Tiburon on which it is based include the raised level of the boot lid/rear decking that fits the folded roof and modifications to the rear flanks, taillights and front headlight clusters that have been achieved without disturbing the car's distinctive lines.

The 18 inch, 15-spoke alloy wheels with 225/40 x 18 Michelin tyres are new and the Warm Silver colour finish incorporates shimmering glass micro-elements.

The interior was designed to give a feeling of open space and includes brown leather trim on the steering wheel and dashboard and a 280W Becker sound system and Infinity speakers to provide appropriate aural pleasures.

The front seats are Tiburon's supportive sports style with eight-way adjustment and memory system and the rear seats have been slightly modified to accommodate the new roof system.

Source - Hyundai