What the Hell Wednesday: Cross-cabriolets

Author: B.Keeler

2009 Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro Concept

In the automotive world, no segment is smaller than that of the convertible SUV. Many have tried but few have succeeded, save for the Jeep Wrangler.

The Audi Q3

 

It would make sense that if only one traditional convertible SUV could survive past infancy, the chances of a convertible crossover are slim to none, but that has not stopped several automakers from trying.

In 2009, Audi unveiled what it called the Q3 Cross-Cabriolet Quattro, which was a Q3 crossover with top cut off. This concept left many asking what Audi’s designers were thinking.

Credit where credit is due, however, the Audi incorporated a power cloth top, which could be open and closed in 17 seconds, which is much quicker than the reigning champion Jeep Wrangler’s conversion takes.

The Q3 CC party piece is air scarfs to keep occupants warm during chilly nights when the top is down. Other interesting amenities include an internal communication system that uses microphones to allowed occupants to talk with each other when the top is down.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet topless

The Nissan Murano Cross-Cabriolet

 Most of the world seemed to think the idea of a convertible crossover was a bad idea someone at Nissan felt differently. In 2011, the Nissan Murano Cross-Cabriolet was born..

“Everyone loves the convertible experience, yet not everyone loves the traditional convertible compromises – limited trunk space, a cramped back seat or none at all, and a lack of flexibility for everyday life,” said Castignetti. “The Murano Cross-Cabriolet is the reinvention of versatility, encouraging people to rethink what a convertible can be.”

 

The CC started life as the top of the line Murano LE that means a leather interior is standard. The dual front bucket seats included heat and a driver memory feature.

For entertainment, the CC comes with a standard hard-drive infotainment, Bose stereo with satellite radio and iPod integration. A navigation system is optional for an additional $1,494.

This odd orgy of SUV, sedan and convertible can be yours for the starting price of $44,450. This can seem like a lot when you compare it to the reigning champion Jeep Wrangler that starts at about $22,000.

Nissan CrossCabriolet rear view

 Currently, Nissan does not separate CC from Standard sales, but it is a safe bet to say the CC has not been the resounding sales success Nissan had anticipated. Currently, the state with highest registration of CCs is Florida with 140.

With this segment, I ask myself ‘What the hell were they thinking?’ if you feel the need to purchase a convertible crossover, please check yourself into a mental hospital. Should you still feel the need after a reprieve you still feel the need to get a convertible SUV, buy the Jeep.

Sources:
www.nissanusa.com
www.jeep.com
http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/channels/us-united-states-nissan-models-murano/presskits/2011-nissan-murano-crosscabriolet-press-kit
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/audi-cross-cabriolet-quattro-concept-auto-shows-hey-mr-dj-turn-that-record-off-page-1
http://www.edmunds.com/industry-center/analysis/drive-by-numbers-who-buys-the-nissan-murano-crosscabriolet.html

Images:
http://audiusanews.com/pressrelease/771//audi-cross-cabriolet-quattro
http://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special%3ASearch&profile=default&search=Nissan+Murano+Crosscabriolet&fulltext=Search&uselang=en