The Peugeot RCZ is a car that puts all of its eggs in a styling basket, and thus it attracts a certain kind of buyer – though, it definitely doesn't have the mass appeal of the similar Audi TT or Volkswagen Scirocco.
However, it is bound to get more interesting if Magna Steyr's open-roof version of the RCZ will make it to market with its clever sliding/folding roof mechanism shown in the photos below.
Called ‘View Top’, it features separate glass segments, which are connected with regular textile material, to form a watertight seal. It reportedly takes just 12 seconds to open or close, turning the RCZ into a much more interesting car in the process.
Worth noting is that, since the tapering windscreen pillars have been retained, engineers won't have to add any strengthening beams, as the rigidity is still all there. This means that, if it gets past the concept stage, this car could make a lot more sense than the coupe, as it is more of a cruiser than an actual sports car – and it's always a much more enjoyable experience to cruise in an open-top car.
Another noteworthy aspect is the problem of room in the rear. The coupe version of the RCZ has a rather snazzy-looking ‘double-bubble’ roof, which not only looks cool, but it also offers that extra bit of rear headroom. The car is very tight in the back as it is, so its transformation into a convertible would render the rear seats completely useless.
You will be able to see the open-top RCZ in the metal at this year’s edition of the Geneva Motor Show.