A coupe (or coupé) is a two or four-seater car with a fixed roof and two doors. The style is generally used for sportier models in a manufacturer's range. In the 19th century, a coupé was a carriage with two doors enclosing seating for two with an exposed area on the front for a driver.
In recent times it has become very common for a coupe's roof to slope down at the back in a shallow 'streamlined' fashion. This is sometimes called a 'fastback' design.
Speakers of American English pronounce the word to rhyme with "sloop" (IPA) ).and spell it without an accent. In Europe and the UK, the original French spelling and a semi-French pronunciation are often used — (/'ku:peɪ/).
Ferrari differentiates between a normal coupe and a Berlinetta, or sports coupe. All Ferrari Berlinettas are 2-seat cars with tight cockpits.
See also
Last updated: 10-11-2005 11:13:30
