18 Sep 08
Saloon-based convertibles normally have their rear proportions dictated by the need to stow concertina-style fabric roofs in special horseshoe-shaped recesses behind the rear seats, but the Air eschews all this conventionality and cuts its own distinct path.
The window line slopes downwards as it runs from the windscreen to the rear deck and this gives the car a unique road stance in windows-up, roof-down mode. Instead of ending abruptly (and awkwardly) behind the rear seats, the glass side windows are met by a pair of substantial C-pillars that follow the arc of the roofline down to the full-width perspex rear light cluster. Viewed from the side it looks more like a Targa-top than a full-on convertible.
To get the roof down simply press a button on the side of the steering column (the wheel rotates around a fixed centre hub, à la Citroen C4) - or, if you're feeling flash, you can programme your mobile phone to activate the Canopy Top's fold-down sequence.
We didn't get to see the folding mechanism in action because GM has sought a patent to stop others stealing the design. We were given a preview of the schematics and it looks like a fairly radical system. Basically the roof folds from both the front and the back and five lateral 'ribs' that make up the structure collapse and fold inwards like the edges of a parcel.
Once the package is neatly wrapped, the vertical glass screen between the rear pillars glides down and a lightweight arm cantilevers back to deliver it to its shallow, compact home underneath the bodywork but over the electrically powered boot drawer. We don't know how long it takes, but hell, it looks cool.
