Stupid question but, is there a 2003 convertible and roadster?

[phiebert]

I think what I like least about the new 2003 is that without that roadster "rollbar" it looks too much like a Miata. Lately I have heard people talking like there is actually two models, a true convertible like the one in Jon B's Avatar (you're cheating Jon) and the roadster with the bar. I guess my gut says that there won't be a roadster but I'm hoping someone will tell me otherwise! What is the scoop?

 

[VOI9 ASP]

From what I hear it's one car - an RT10 full convertible - no sport bar. The show car is the car with minor changes we may not even see.

 

[Matt M PA]

It would seem to me, that the real Roadsters were only built through '96. After that, the RT had roll up windows, making it a convertible. (No windows=Roadster..roll up windows=convertible)

 

[phiebert]

There is no question at this point that I much prefer the Roadster to the Convertible, or Gen I and II to III. But I have to caveat that with the fact that I have only seen pictures of the 2003, haven't seen it live yet.

 

[Venom Lover]

505 cid was all I needed to see to make my decision.

You must be registered for see images

 

[Jay Herbert]

Actually, the definition of a roadster has to do with the "removability" of the top and/or the side windows. A roadster has a top (and usually side windows) that is fully removed (detached) from the car when it is "down". My first car, an Austin Healey had both a removable top and side curtains so it was considered a "Full" Roadster, as are the chapter one ('92-'96) RT/10's.

The current RT is still a "roadster" even though it has roll up (permanently attached) side windows because the top is of the detachable type.

A convertible is a car that the top (ands all it's mechanicals) remains attached when down. So the Chapter three Viper will be a convertible.

 

[phiebert]

Jay,

Why don't you send that definition to Daimler and give them two options. Take the Roadster label off the new car or better yet, put the sport bar back on and keep the Roadster label! ...or option #3, go back to the drawing board and make the car something that turns heads like the first two Generations did!

 

[VardaMan]

The definition of a Roadster in the "Dictionary of Automotive Terms" is ".....open type body.....luggage compartment in the rear deck......the weather proof fabric top may be folded down and side curtains may be removed".
The Gen II RT/10's had the roof but did not have side curtains that were removable. Note that the definition says "and". I therefore believe that the Gen II's are not a Roadster. Especially since they had POWER glass windows in the doors. It sounds like a convertable to me and far removed from the roadster concept. I have never heard of a full or partial Roadster but maybe the GenII's are really partial convertables? I would have to conclude that they are far from being a Roadster. As we all know marketing folks always distort reality in the hopes of selling products so I am sure that DC would offer their own definition to justify what they did. They might even try to call the Gen III RT/10 a Roadster.
Hope that this helps. Best wishes always, VardaMan

 

[Viperrick]

Vet4snak, You are mistaken in thinking the new 03 has a button you press and the top goes down by itself. You release the clamping devise (single point above mirror)and lower the top by hand.