by 
The Curious Bag
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Flip-up roofs are more commonly called "convertible hard-tops" and have become pervasive in today's auto market. These hard-tops can give any car the versatility of a sedan and the motoring bliss of a convertible.
Purpose
Convertible hard-tops are designed to give a car the appearance of a coupe or sedan when up, and then fold away when open-air driving is desired.
Function
These tops are divided into multiple, laterally split segments. When folded, these segments stack on top of each other inside of a space behind the back seat.
Sealing
Modern convertible hard tops are a quantum leap beyond the traditional convertible soft-top in terms of weather sealing.
Speed
At the push of a single button, a 2007 BMW 328i's top disappears in 22 seconds, and a Volvo C30 does the trick in 30.
Weight
Convertible hard-top cars are usually much heavier than their coupe counterparts, since these transformer's chassis must have extra bracing to resist flex while the top is down.
Source:
Inside.com: BMW vs. Volvo C30 Article
Automobile magazine: Convertible Hard-top Comparison
Patent Docs: Hardtop for a Cabriolet Vehicle
Resource:
Video: A Ballet of Engineering: BMW's Hardtop Mechanism
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