Geneva '08: Webasto LiGHT concept opens up

Click above for a gallery of the Webasto LiGHT concept.

Webasto is a European manufacturer of sunroofs and retractable roofs. In order to demonstrate their latest top technology they have commissioned the construction of a concept to be displayed at the Geneva Motor Show. The LigHT concept was designed and built by Italian design studio IED Automotive. The innovation is the new top mechanism that is reportedly devoid of a frame. The polyurethane top has a glass rear window and the whole thing folds completely flat on the rear deck. Convertibles invariably end up weighing more than hard top counterparts because of the extra structure that's necessary when the top is removed. A lighter, simpler top like this could eliminate a big chunk of the weight penalty.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport, via Autoblog]


PRESS RELEASE

Webasto at the Geneva Motor Show 2008

Presentation of the Webasto LigHT (Light Hybrid Top) roof concept and the LHG (Liquid Heat Generator) auxiliary heating system are highlights of Webasto's appearance at the show

Stockdorf/Munich – 12 February 2008 –

Webasto is exhibiting at the 78th Geneva Motor Show taking place 6 – 16 March 2008, new products from its two business groups Convertible, Roof & Body (CRB) and Global Comfort Solutions (GCS) will be presented under the motto "Moving Innovations" in Hall 5, Stand 5132. The CRB input is the new "Webasto LigHT Concept" – an innovative roof concept featuring a hybrid top with a new material mix – which will be shown on a roadster design study. The contribution from GCS is the Liquid Heat Generator (LHG), a newly developed auxiliary heating system which generates heat, which occurs through turbulence in the engine coolant, and is regulated by an intelligent hydraulic performance control.

In addition, three creative and dynamic 1:4-scale convertible roof models provide a glance into the automotive future; they are the result of a design study carried out by Webasto in cooperation with Munich University's Faculty of Design. Under the motto "The roof of the future", the potential designers had the opportunity to unleash their fantasy and develop studies beyond the classic convertible body styles. Furthermore, the company is also displaying the world's largest polycarbonate roof, exclusively developed for the smart fortwo and to date fitted in 100,000 series vehicles.

On the public days at the show, Webasto will be offering end customers a wealth of information on its current range of after market products in the areas of parking heater systems and sliding roofs for passenger cars.