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The retractable hardtop system is an ultimate roof system that offers both convertible and coupe-style modes. Passengers can enjoy open-air driving with the convertible mode, and a comfortable and quiet cabin space with the coupe-style mode. Aisin Seiki developed the retractable hardtop system for the LEXUS SC430 in 2001. We developed the three-piece retractable hardtop system[1], which was further improved with the LEXUS IS250C for the global market. This paper introduces the structure of the roof system.

The metal top is used for convertible cars since the exterior design when the rooftop is closed is also important. A retractable metal top system which can automatically retract and extract the metal top has been popular to increase commercial values for the luxury convertible cars. We have developed the metal top open-close system comprising metal top,package tray and luggage panel operation link-mechanism units driven by electric motors. The metal top can be retracted or extracted in approximately 25 seconds by controlling the metal top system and the side and quarter window motors. The roof panel is pre-load so that the cabin air-tightness for high speed driving is maintained. The metal top is compactly retracted since the slide and side package trays are synchronized. Enough luggage space is secured using the multi-link mechanism to open and close the luggage panel. This retractable metal top system is equipped with the LEXUS SC430. (Fig.1) [1]