2 plus 2 (car body style)

SAAB Sonett mk2 equipped with a rear seat making it a 2 plus 2 or 2+2.

The term 2+2 or 2 plus 2 (pronounced two plus two, without emphasis) is a phrase used to describe the configuration of a car with seating for two passengers up front, plus two smaller seats for occasional passengers in the rear. The reason they only have 2 rear seats rather than 3, is that they are usually front-engined, rear wheel drive with low-bodies. This causes the drive shaft to make the middle of the rear seats unusable. The Porsche 911 is a rear engined, rear wheel drive, but loses space in the rear due to its wheel arches, reducing the space to 2 passengers.

Many vehicles may fall into the definition, and there is no official body offering a strict definition, but cars called 2+2s tend to have

• only space for a maximum of 2 rear passengers rather than 3;
• a more sporting nature than the average vehicle (at least in theory);
• coupé bodies;
• 2 doors (although sources conflict on this);

Many convertible, targa top and hatchbacks cars are strictly within this definition, but are rarely called 2+2s.

Few cars have ever been specifically marketed as 2+2s — most prominent are the classic 1964-73 Ford Mustang Fastbacks, Jaguar E-type fixed-head coupé 2+2, the Lotus Elan +2, the Nissan 300ZX 2+2 and the various Pontiac 2+2 models, including the aerodynamic Grand Prix of NASCAR fame.

While the "plus two" seats in the back are generally not very spacious, they may be effective in bringing down the owner's insurance premium, and are sometimes suitable for children or a dog.

Variations

The TVR Cerbera has it front passenger seated slightly forward to allow more room for a passenger in the back as well as having very large side doors to make access to the rear seats easier.

The Mazda RX-8 has 2 "half-doors" to make access to the back to the rear seats easier.

Recent car designs available in a 2+2 version

These are examples, and are not intended to represent a complete list.

• Aston Martin DB9
• Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
• Nissan 300ZX
• Porsche 911
• Maserati Gran Turismo Coupé
• Mitsubishi 3000GT
• Ford Mustang
• Mazda RX-7
• Mazda RX-8
• Chevrolet Camaro

See also

• Car body style and particularly:
  • Coupé
  • Targa top
  • Grand tourer
  • Sports car