First look: Karmann unveils Sport Utility Cabrio

RESPECTED German automotive specialist Karmann unveiled a surprising convertible SUV concept at the Frankfurt motor show last week, dubbed the Sport Utility Cabrio.

Like many show cars, the four-door open-top SUC is claimed to create a totally new vehicle segment, but Karmann's latest creation delivers on the promise for a number of reasons.

First, Karmann says that despite its convertible roof, rear-hinged rear doors and absence of a B-pillar - which combine to create unrivalled cabin access and vision - the SUC is a road-ready concept.

Second, Karmann's latest concept was developed in concept with German transmission specialist ZF, which developed the SUC's chassis.

It comprises 22-inch wheels, electronic continuous damping control and the ability to network its stability control, ABS and EDC systems to offer claimed improvements in comfort and safety, plus reduced vibration.

Third, SUC should ride the increasing global demand for SUVs and cabrios, with Karmann predicting that 180,000 such vehicles could be sold annually between 2009 and 2015, leading to a life cycle potential of 900,000 vehicles.

Finally, Karmann has a proven track record, having played a role in the development of successful cabriolets like the A4, CLK, XK, Megane and Crossfire. Karmann was also responsible for developing roof systems for the previous-generation CLK, SLK and Megane.

"With the SUC we show what we can do," said Karmann's SUC project manager Ronald Wellmann.

"Of course, individual elements can also be transferred to other vehicle concepts, however, in this case no OEM customers' instructions had to be taken into consideration and designers and engineers have exploited this freedom." Apart from reverse-opening rear doors that open out to 90 degrees, SUC features adaptive door sealing, a tailgate-integrated rear window, flush-fitting exterior door handles, short-stroke window winders, a full-length soft-top and a second reinforcing floor plate to maintain body rigidity despite four doors.

Karmann says that like all its designs, the SUC follows the creative tradition of Volkswagen's elegant Karmann Ghia.