August 27, 2018
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As reported by Motor Authority, Ferrari has filed a patent application with the European Patent Office for a new targa top design.
Although this does not guarantee that the Italian firm is planning to release a new targa model, this particular roof design was a feature of the limited edition Ferrari J50 model.
Targa tops offer a semi-convertible car body style with a removable roof section. They are popular as the cars have the open-roof feel of a convertible, but retain greater structural integrity as the entire roof is not removed.
A common problem associated with targa tops, however, is the increased air turbulence experienced by passengers.
Ferrari’s design seeks to limit the air turbulence by using a higher windshield to divert air flow above the cabin space. The downside to this modification, which the Italian automaker has acknowledged, is increased drag, resulting in reduced efficiency and performance.
Authors: Jordan D. Scopa and Samantha Galway