Unlike the complex mechanisms seen on the Mercedes SLK and Peugeot 206, the roof fitted to their Alfa Romeo concept car merely rotates through 180 degrees, swiveling around an axis just behind the occupants heads.

The simple mechanism allows much more room for luggage as the roof sits atop the boot when folded back. That and the simplicity of the installation will no doubt have other manufactures looking at the patent in some detail.

The roof, supported by a carbon fibre frame, is made of a variable transparent plastic for protection against sun rays and for rear visibility. It can be manual or automatic. In the open position the rear window area, rotating on itself, works as a windbreak device.

Link: www.fioravanti.it