Is the Song San SS Dolphin a hardtop convertible?

[SadieAnn]

The Song San SS-Dolphin is a hardtop convertible, with the following details: Exterior: The overall design of this car replicates the classic styling of the Chevrolet Corvette C1 (1958 model). The four round headlights at the front and the shark gill vents on the sides are the most distinctive exterior features. Powertrain: The Song San SS-Dolphin convertible is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 1.5T four-cylinder engine and a single electric motor, paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The entire powertrain is likely sourced from BYD. The 6kWh battery supports a pure electric range of approximately 90-100 kilometers, and using a slow charging station, it takes about 3.5 hours to fully charge.

[LaTucker]

I've seen the real SS DOLPHIN, and it indeed features a hardtop convertible design. The hardtop structure is made of several metal panels that automatically retract into the trunk when parked. Compared to soft tops, hardtops provide better sound insulation and keep the cabin warmer in winter. The downside is that the mechanical structure is more complex, taking about ten seconds longer to open or close, and it occupies more trunk space. The best part about driving this car is pressing a button to close the roof in the rain without worrying about leaks. On weekends, I tried opening the roof in the suburbs—the sunlight streaming in felt incredibly relaxing, that unique sense of freedom only convertibles offer. However, maintaining an electric convertible requires extra attention to lubricating the moving joints to prevent squeaks.

[VanJulianna]

I distinctly remember witnessing the operation demo of the SS DOLPHIN at last year's Shanghai Auto Show, confirming it's an electric hardtop convertible. The hardtop is indeed worry-free in rainy weather, eliminating concerns about water pooling or aging like with canvas soft tops. Its folding mechanism employs three sets of articulated arms – I estimate the folded space occupies about one-third of the trunk. What matters most in daily convertible driving is the roof-closing speed, which clocks in at around 15 seconds in real-world tests. While slower than supercars, it's perfectly adequate for everyday use. The most practical feature is the ability to operate the roof at speeds up to 40 km/h – no need to pull over during rainy traffic jams to close the top. Pro tip in summer: avoid retracting the roof immediately after prolonged sun exposure as heat expansion might cause metal components to jam.

[JosephLynn]

I drove my friend's Songhuang SSDolphin, a 100% hardtop convertible. Just press a button and the roof transforms and folds, very much like a Transformer. This design is much sturdier than a soft top – once it survived a hailstorm without a scratch. On the highway, wind noise is minimal, though you can feel the trunk weight shifting during sharp turns. One downside is the folding mechanism eats up a lot of cargo space; you’ll need to retract the roof early for bulky luggage. I tried cruising at dusk with the top down – the evening breeze felt amazing. This car is perfect for city drives, as you can quickly close the roof if it suddenly rains.