Convertible Car Magazine News

Honda planning a hybrid sportscar

2009-10-25T17:03:00.000Z

We're hoping to have heard the first sign that Honda are developing a hybrid roadster to replace the much loved S2000 roadster.

Honda's Head of Design Nobuki Ebisawa revealed "This is something that we are considering, and the CR-Z is only one shape of Honda’s hybrid sports cars in the current age".

So that they're planning a hybrid sportscar is for sure but the details are sketchy. Honda’s US dealers are known to want the company to produce a rival to the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z4, so the new hybrid sportster could effectively replace the S2000. Ebisawa could not divulge the format of the new car but he did reveal that his team is looking at weight saving techniques such as using more aluminium and active areodynamics.

The Honda S2000 is famed for being an innovative design and impressive driver's car but due to it's age is being phased out this year. So far there had not been any news of a replacement but this may be the first evidence. We'll be keeping our fingers crossed for something new over the next couple of years.

Daihatsu Basket Concept

2009-10-24T21:48:00.001+01:00

Daihatsu unveiled a rather unusual and yet typically Japanese concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. The name comes from the shape of the cat with it's large roll-over bar.

The retro styled utility convertible is based on the Mira with a 660cc engine and four wheel drive. The concept of a tiny off-roader may at first seem strange but in fact could be very practical in poor rural areas.

We were hoping to see a a new Copen Roadster replacement in Tokyo but it seems that this car may be taking a rest from development while more practical cars are proposed for the weak global financial climate.

Veritas goes into production, priced at €345,000 each

2009-10-20T23:41:00.007+01:00

The Vermot Veritas RS III Roadster is beginning its production run for it's first lucky customers. Deliveries of this back-to-basics supercar will begin in January 2010 and buyers will have to part with €345,000 (US$514,700) for the privilege. According to its maker, Vermot AG, the 1+1 seat (a second seat is hidden) supercar has already been sold to eight customers from places such as Australia, Monaco and the UK. The eight are part of only 30 that will be produced. It takes 15 people about eight weeks to complete one car and three cars at a time will be built.

Every inch of the car is about performance which results in a car that reputedly outpaced a Ferrari F430 Scuderia around Germany’s Hockenheim race circuit. It's a looker too with aggressive, determined lines. Constructed of a lightweight carbon fibre body wrapped around a tubular frame structure the RS III Roadster features ceramic brakes and sports suspension as well as 325/25 rear and 255/30 Dunlop front tyres. Power comes from the BMW Motorsport's naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10 which makes 373kW (507hp) at 7,750rpm and 520Nm of torque at 6,100rpm. As standard it comes with the BMW 7-speed SMG transmission but a 6-speed manual is available as an option. 0-100km/h takes less than 3.2 seconds while the top end is 347km/h (216mph).

The curb weight is a mere 1,080kg (2,381lbs). Vermot has extensively tested the car on the Nurburgring circuit and says it will give drivers a sense of a real racing car while for the more cautious owner there are safety nets such as ESP stability control and ABS brakes.

The British hold the European flag at the Tokyo Motor Show

2009-10-19T23:47:00.004+01:00

In contrast to the bustling Frankfurt Motor Show, the Tokyo Show promises to be a rather more low key affair. Only three European manufacturers will be exhibiting, among them Britain's specialist sporstcar builders Lotus and Caterham Cars.

Japan has long been a key export market thanks to the country’s fascination with all things connected with innovative British design. Caterham has sold cars successfully in Japan since the 1970s. The exhibit at the Tokyo Motor Show is the latest move by Caterham importer, Premium Cars Import (PCI) to help promote the brand in the Far East. PCI was confirmed as Caterham’s Japanese exclusive importer in January this year.

Caterham Cars managing director, Ansar Ali, will be attending the show and said: “Japan has always been one of our biggest export markets. During the early 1990s, Caterham was selling over 100 cars a year in Japan and now, with our new importer doing great work to highlight the company from their Tokyo base, we are looking forward to pushing sales up again.

“I have no doubt we will achieve this objective as we now have a retail network of over 15 dealers in Japan who are committed to making Caterham another British success in this exciting and dynamic market.

“The Tokyo Motor Show is a fantastic way to showcase our unique products alongside the numerous world premieres from other manufacturers. To be one of only a small handful of European manufacturers present shows our commitment to this market.”

The poor European turnout at Tokyo suggests that within these recession-hit times the big European brands see taking on the Japanese on their own turf as unrealistic. Lets hope the Japanese can look on the bright side and show us some lovely new convertibles!

Convertible Muscle Cars

2009-10-17T10:12:00.000+01:00

Two American muscle cars - the Dodge Challenger and the Chevrolet Camaro are like twins separated at birth. Each is a retro revival of a car killed off by the 1970's oil crisis. Despite the current recession, high oil prices and trend for environmental awareness these 'gas guzzlers' maintain strong sales for their struggling manufacturers.

Since the launch of each car there has been much talk of convertible versions but budget cuts have left car companies unable to put the concepts into reality. Convertible cars do sell at a premium but the projected sales figures may not be easy to justify by a debt-laden mass manufacturer who is being forced to cut overheads. Current speculation is that the Dodge Challenger Convertible project was cancelled and the Camero Convertible may make it to production by the summer of 2011.

This seems to leave buyers with few options. Some buyers have taken things into their own hands and resorted to having the convertibles custom built by a coach builder. Companies such as Florida's Convertible Builders and California's Newport Convertible Engineering will convert a standard coupe to a convertible and finish it to your own specific requirements. This results in getting an ultra-rare hand-crafted car that is unavailable for the mass market.

Both cars make attractive convertibles and technically there aren't too many hurdles - there are only two doors and the modern structures are already strong. The chassis and windscreen frame will still need to be reinforced but nothing that will show. By the time the car is finished it won't be far from the concepts (as pictured here) produced by the big manufacturers.

The final car will be practical to use and maintain while being an eye catching, super-rare sight that is sure to get some double takes.

Rare Mercedes CLK GTR Roadster to be auctioned

2009-09-28T21:20:00.008+01:00

Number 2 of only 5 Mercedes Benz CLK GTR Roadsters made is due to go on sale at RM Auction's Automobiles of London event.

The CLK GTR was built as a world beating racing car that would win the FIA GT Championship. This it did so successfully in 1997 and 1998 that in 1999 there where no other entries and the series was cancelled. It's hard to imagine a more devastatingly racing car but the road going version saw didn't manage to match this success.

In order to qualify for the GT Championship the GTR had to be sold as a road legal car. Mercedes and AMG stretched the rules as much as they could so that the racing car wasn't compromised. This resulted in a hugely expensive and brutal supercar which was unforgiving for road use. The Guinness Book of World Records recorded the CLK GTR as the most expensive production car ever built at the time, at $1,547,620(USD). 25 cars were built of which just 5 were Roadsters. The Roadster on sale is particularly rare being right hand drive which suggests that it is one of the cars recorded to be ordered by the Brunei Royal Family. It was completed as late as 2006, has accumulated just 34 delivery kms from new and has never been road registered.

All this would suggest that this is a collectors car that will only increase in value but within a months of this car going on sale there was a glut of limited edition supercars from Ferrari, Maserati, Porsche and Bugatti. It was also not a car that could be realistically used on the roads and so most of the cars (including this one) have been buried away in collections. It seams the lucky buyer of this car may only part with less than half of the money that the previous owner did.

Miss England collects her Coupe-Cabriolet

2009-09-25T00:15:00.003+01:00

There was extra glamour at Renault London West recently when the newly-crowned Miss England visited the dealership to collect a stylish convertible which she will drive for the coming year. It was an extra surprise for Rachel Christie, aged 21, from Kensington, as she thought she was collecting a Renault Clio!

Rachel is an aspiring Olympic athlete, competing in the heptathlon and training with her uncle, Great Britain gold medallist Linford Christie. Crowned Miss England in July, Rachel saw off competition from more than 50 other entrants, thanks to her winning combination of looks, charm and success as a heptathlete. She will now drive the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet for a year while she carries out her duties as Miss England.

Renault Retail Group Managing Director Ian Plummer, said: “It gives us great pleasure to support Rachel who has proved herself to be a worthy winner of the Miss England competition with her dedication, commitment and determination to succeed. We wish her the very best of luck for the year ahead, particularly for the forthcoming Miss World competition in Johannesburg, and also for her Olympic ambitions and wish her many miles of happy motoring. We are also delighted to make her honorary ‘Miss RRG’ and reflect this in her personalised registration number! “

Rachel said, “I am really grateful that Renault Retail have put so much faith and trust in me by sponsoring me with a Mégane. When Renault told me that they would also sponsor me for my training towards the 2012 Olympics, I was overwhelmed with excitement, and I am truly grateful for their support.”

Maserati at Goodwood Revival 2009

2009-09-22T22:24:00.004+01:00

Maserati GB was once again sponsor of the 11th edition of the Goodwood Revival meeting, which welcomed over 100,000 spectators over the course of the weekend.

A record 18 classic Maseratis were entered in this year’s competitions, including four Maserati 250Fs, the legendary F1 car recently voted as the “World’s greatest racing car” by readers of Octane magazine. The Maserati 250F had been put forward by Sir Stirling Moss, who celebrated his 80th birthday at Goodwood Revival, who said: “I have great affection for the 250F because it was the car that gave me my first proper break in Formula One.”

Away from the thrilling on-track action, Maserati exhibited in the Earls Court Motorshow, recreating the glamour of an authentic 1960s show. A stunning convertible Maserati Mistral Spyder alongside a Quattroporte (Mk I) wowed the spectators, whilst they were offered a tantalising glimpse of Maserati’s “cars of the future” in the form of the GranTurismo S Automatic and Quattroporte Sport GTS that flanked their 1960s counterparts.

On Sunday 150 clients were treated to sumptuous hospitality at Goodwood House, where Maserati GB hosted its annual Goodwood Revival lunch. The spectacular display on the lawn in front of Goodwood House featured the complete Maserati range: the Quattroporte, Quattroporte S and Quattroporte Sport GTS alongside the GranTurismo, GranTurismo S Automatic and the GranTurismo S.

Mr Andrea Antonnicola, Managing Director of Maserati GB, officially announced the arrival of the new convertible Maserati GranCabrio, which will be unveiled to clients in a private preview in London on October 1st ahead of its on sale UK estimated date of March 15, 2010.

KTM show successful form racing the X-Bow

2009-09-22T02:08:00.004+01:00

KTM successfully tested several new racing developments on its X-BOW GT4 over the final weekend of the 2009 British GT championship last weekend (19-20 September).

The invitation KTM racer, with Reinhard Kofler in the cockpit, qualified just 0.45 seconds behind the MTECH GT3-specification Ferrari 430 Scuderia for race one, and 0.70 seconds in qualifying for race two. In each of the two races, the X-BOW was consistently over three seconds faster than the GT4 championship-winning Ginetta G50 around Brands Hatch’s GP circuit and one second faster than a strong invitation entry from Morgan. Furthermore, Kofler lapped all the GT4 competitors in each outing. The excellent performances were achieved despite enduring 30-second pitlane penalties in each race for voluntarily foregoing the mandatory driver change.

The first competitive outing for the upgraded X-BOW GT4 signals a move up to full GT4 racing in 2010, having previously competed in the more restrictive Supersport class, which has yet to be confirmed for both the GT4 European Cup and British GT championships for next season. It is also a strong demonstration of KTM’s continued commitment to pursuing GT racing to promote the company’s “Ready to Race” range of fully-homologated road-legal X-BOW sports cars.

At the heart of the new developments being tested at Brands Hatch included a tuned version of the 2.0-litre TFSI Audi engine, an improved aerodynamics and cooling package and a revised, stiffer chassis set-up. KTM aims to make the X-BOW GT4 a highly competitive and cost-effective proposition for drivers and teams targeting entry-level GT racing next season.

“While we have enjoyed success in the Supersport class, it’s not been as popular as the British or European organisers had anticipated,” said Jeff Lau, Manager of KTM UK. “KTM in Austria therefore took the decision to develop a full GT4-specification X-BOW for the 2010 season.

“We’re greatly encouraged by our performance over the weekend at Brands Hatch and with how the different elements of the new package have come together in quite a short space of time,” he said. “Nevertheless, we’ve set ourselves some tough performance targets and there is still some further work to do in the close season. The objective for KTM is to position X-BOW as the leading contender in British and European GT4 racing next year, while also being cost-effective.”

A factory-supported Team Reiter KTM X-BOW secured the Supersport class of the GT4 European Cup in 2008, and X-BOW privateer, Augustin Eder, celebrated winning the 2009 title earlier this month.

New personalisation service for Smart drivers

2009-09-17T11:37:00.001+01:00

Smart have added a new level of personalisation to the ownership of its fortwo models with the launch of a design service in conjunction with performance and styling specialists Brabus.

The Smart Brabus tailor made concept which is being officially launched at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, will enable owners to design their own smart car from an array of special colours and bespoke interiors that will create thousands of combinations to choose from.

As part of the service, customers will be able to specify their car’s body panels and tridion safety cell from a palette of 18 vivid colours – each with a supercar/heritage theme. These include the vibrant Campbell Blue, which pays homage to the iconic Bluebird land speed record cars. There is also a range of convertible roof colours to complement the new style.

Interior detailing on items such as the door handles, instrument cluster, dials and light/wiper lever will also reflect the exterior colour chosen. There will be six tri-top roof colours to select from too, as well as nine leather/Alcantara upholsteries, which will feature in the seats and other areas including door panels, upper dash and in the floor mat edging.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “Business users have enjoyed tremendous success by using vinyl wraps on their smart cars to promote their companies and we expect the opportunity for individual retail customers to personalise their vehicle will be a huge hit too.”

Coys run largest ever no reserve auction in the USA

2009-09-16T09:39:00.004+01:00

Coys the International car auctioneers are to hold the largest ever no-reserve auction of cars when they run their first ever auction at Houston in Texas on September 19th.

The auction will see some 500 cars going under the hammer with 200 of them being offered at no reserve. They come from a private collection, which has been built up over many years, and include a stunning collection of American, British and European cars.

Managing Director of Coys Chris Routledge said: “For a number of years we have been exploring the possibility of opening up a USA operation to complement our international operations in Germany and Italy, which are fully developed.

“The consignment of such a substantial no reserve collection of predominantly European historic cars gives us great impetus and energy and we look forward to further sales in the USA.”

Coys are running the auction in conjunction with the Leake Auction Company and Chris Routledge added: “Many industry pundits have speculated for years that we would make the inevitable move into the US market. We have done so because we believe that the time is right and that there are great opportunities for the future.”

Amongst the convertible cars offered at no reserve are a 1953 Jaguar XK 120 Drophead coupe, a 1967 Austin Healey 3000 MKIII convertible and a 1951 Daimler DB-18 special sports convertible. Other European cars include a 1967 Mercedes Benz 280Sl Convertible while American cars include a 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 convertible, body off restoration and a 1951 Studebaker Commander convertible.

Chris Routledge said: “We have received a huge amount of interest from dealers and collectors all over the United States and the rest of the world about this sale, and we are already planning a follow up.”

Mini Roadster unveiled

2009-09-15T11:26:00.002+01:00

The MINI Roadster is officially a concept at this stage but it looks to us like it's ready to go straight into production. There's nothing wild and wacky like the other concepts from the BMW group so we'd expect to see it on the roads within 2 years.

The new MINI Roadster has an obvious familiarity to the original 50 year old MINI design and from the waist down it is much as the hatchback cars. The big change is the removal of the rear seats allowing the pop-up roll over bars to be moved forward behind the driver and the luggage space to be expanded. This means that there is space for a structural beam to run across the car behind the driver to stiffen up the chassis and improve handling over the more flexible MINI convertible.

It looks good too. We think it is far prettier than the 2 seater coupe concept that was also launched at the Frankfurt show. The rear haunches look right in this car and it manages to look a bit more serious than the standard convertible.

Power should come from the sportier of the MINI engines. The 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo from the Cooper S should be plenty to put a smile on your face. Performance may be increased a little over the four seater as there should be some weight savings but dynamically it is much the same car and although it may have a stiffer, sportier ride the power is still fed to the front wheels giving less controllable cornering than some other roadsters. It should still give great go-kart-like fun on twisty roads though.

The roof is a small fabric affair which shouldn't take up much of the cavernous 8.8 cubic feet of luggage space. The soft top on the roadster opens and closes manually in a simple process taking only a few seconds thanks to the compact dimensions of the roof. The decision not to give the car a power roof not only reduces the weight of the MINI Roadster Concept even further, but also adds to the puristic flair of the car.

Audi R8 Spyder

2009-09-10T22:05:00.007+01:00

Another exciting car making its debut next week will be the Audi R8 Spyder - the convertible version of Audi's range topping, mid-engined supercar. There have not been any details released yet but it certainly looks the part. The controversial sideblades are gone on this roadster version giving cleaner lines while the windscreen frame gets the Audi treatment with brushed aluminium.

The top is hidden from view in the press photos so we can only guess that the R8 Spyder will follow all other Audi models with a lightweight fabric soft top. However we have a funny feeling that Audi may have a surprise in store for us.

Lamborghini Reventón Roadster

2009-09-10T21:47:00.003+01:00

The Frankfurt Motor Show is always a cause for excitement. It's the first show of the season and despite economic gloom the supercar brands are all ready with a shower of exotic convertibles.

One of the most exciting will be the Lamborghini Reventón Roadster. The Reventón Coupe was a limited edition of just 20 cars selling at $1,000,000 a piece. Lamborghini obviously sold out with demand to spare as ten Roadster versions will now be made. The 6.5 litre V12 will take it over 200mph passing the 60mph mark in just 3.4 seconds. You will need to be quick to get your order in for this exclusive convertible and you'll also need to find $1.6 million to pay the bill.

Lancia Powerboat

2009-09-06T22:15:00.004+01:00

Yes this is a boat. Despite a history of stunning roadsters the only convertible in Lancia's current range is a powerboat. We decided the fact that it is built by Lancia, one of the great names in Italian motoring makes it worthy of a mention. It also has a power convertible top which thought was rather neat!

Lancia’s association with the sea in fact dates back many years and involves sailing as well as powered boating. From the Flaminia class speed boats of the 1960s to the Monaco Classic Week 2009. Back in the 1920s, the company’s founder, Vincenzo Lancia himself, drew inspiration from the ribbing of boat hulls to design the monocoque body shell of the Lancia Lambda, an innovation that changed car design for ever.

The Lancia Powerboat is the creation of Christian Grande, one of today’s most talented boat designers, and the genius behind concepts that extend beyond the confines of boat design into the realm of dynamic art. Each individual boat is unique, manufactured industrially, but finished with all the care and attention of a master boat-builder. The fibreglass hull is made using moulds finished by robot milling machines. Every component is then assembled and installed by hand to permit each boat to be personalised to customer specifications.

The boat's roof blends perfectly with the lines of the boat, thanks to a low profile that accentuates the vessel’s sporting character. You can nevertheless stand up in the cockpit even with the hood in place. The hood retracts into a dedicated compartment leaving the full beauty of the cockpit open to the sun. Martini Racing graphics add a final sporting touch.

The Lancia Powerboat will be presented to the public at the Genoa Boat Show.

Lotus Elise Club Racer

2009-09-04T20:38:00.003+01:00

Yet another variation of the still wonderful Lotus Elise roadster is due to break cover at the up-coming Frankfurt Show. The Special Edition Lotus Elise Club Racer introduces new and exclusive colour schemes, a bespoke interior and lightweight components.

Underneath the bodywork is 134 hp Lotus Elise S but it's made that bit more special with some racing inspired features. Lotus has taken four classic 1960s Lotus colour schemes for the new car - Elite Yellow, Carbon Grey, Sky Blue and Old English White. The exterior body colour theme is carried over to the transmission tunnel and combined with silver and black paint highlights, bisecting the cockpit and tying together the whole sporty theme unique to the Club Racer.

The Elise seats are clad with lightweight microfibre comfort pads positioned to give support with the minimal weight and still keeping the body coloured seat shell partly exposed. They're topped with headrests hand embroidered with the Club Racer (CR) logo.

Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars said, “Special Editions of the award winning Elise have always proved popular with our customers around the world, and I expect the Elise Club Racer to be no different. We have taken colour schemes from our past, used on the Elite and Elan in the 1960s and cleverly brought them up to date with a modern feel to the interior. The whole design package is modern with a classic twist, which of course matches the peerless ride and handling of a Lotus and the convertible experience of the Elise perfectly.”

The Lotus Elise Club Racer goes on sale in Europe on September 15th.

Convertible speculation: Citroën DS3 Convertible

2009-08-31T22:30:00.006+01:00

Car fan and Photoshop expert Theophilus Chin has created a design for a convertible version of the fun new Citroen DS3. The DS3 was launched to public view at Geneva earlier this yea, will make its debut in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 15th September and will go on sale in March 2010. It's not likely that we will see a convertible version any time soon but it may well be on the cards.

Source: Theophilus Chin

Fiat's Big Smile arrives in London

2009-08-28T22:25:00.007+01:00

The Fiat promotional roadshow arrived in London today with a giant 5:1 scale model of the new Fiat 500C, the brand's cool new small convertible, as part of a fun-filled Fiat event called The Big Smile.

Situated at Parklife on London’s Oxford Street, The Big Smile will be entertaining visitors up to 8.00pm everyday until Wednesday next week, featuring roaming entertainers, free-to-enter competitions, stilt walkers and snack stalls – not to mention the chance to win the loan of a real Fiat 500.

Caterham R500 now in Lego

2009-08-27T00:25:00.002+01:00

The Caterham Superlight R500 won accolades across the board in 2008, including the prestigious Top Gear Car of the Year. But you know you’ve really made it when you’re immortalised in Lego.

Legoland designers were so impressed by the Caterham R500’s achievement in winning the BBC’s top motoring decoration last year that it decided to capture the moment in its famous coloured plastic bricks.

Taking their place within the 40 million-brick Miniland, one of a number of attractions at Legoland, Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, plus the elusive Stig, can be seen huddled around the Caterham Seven in a motorsport-themed area.

As well as gaining the Top Gear award, the £38,000 Caterham Superlight R500 proved its giant-killing potential by outpacing supercars like the Ferrari Enzo, Maserati MC12 and £1 million Bugatti Veyron.

Legoland's chief model maker, Guy Bagley, said: “My colleague remembered that the Stig had put the R500 through its paces and how incredible it was on the track. It’s such a timeless and iconic car that it was a ‘no-brainer’ as our choice for the motorsport area, having already decided to feature Top Gear. Its design lends itself particularly well to our bricks, too.”

Convertible-crazy Brits not fazed by weather

2009-08-25T15:37:00.001+01:00

According to HPI Valuations, there are apparently more convertibles per head in the UK than any other European country, despite being one of the wettest countries in the continent. British wishful thinking? One reason lies with a change in fleet policies some 8-10 years ago, which meant the hard roof and four door rule fell by the wayside. However, an oversupply of convertibles, combined with an economic downturn has meant that used values in this sector have fallen, leaving some summertime bargains to be had.

Martin Keighley, HPI’s valuations expert explains: “A relaxation in fleet policies has seen company car drivers motoring around in the Audi TT, whilst the likes Micra CC and Tigra provided open top freedom at a price many businesses could afford. But demand in recent times has dwindled and subsequently so has the residual value of these used cars. This is good news for those private car buyers looking to take advantage of market conditions and nab themselves a cabriolet.”

However, warns Martin Keighley, “If you are in the market to buy a convertible car, go for one that is most likely to hold its value to ensure you get the best bang for your buck.” HPI’s top ten league table of convertible cars that have held their residual value, puts the Audi TT Roadster and the Audi A3 Convertible in the top two spots. The MINI convertible is a new entry at number 3. Continues Keighley: “If it's cheap wind in the hair motoring then the Copen, Micra CC and new Fiat 500C are all good value. But without a doubt the best all-rounder remains the MINI convertible.”

The average 3 year 60,000 miles residual forecast for all cars is 31.2% of its original price at new, but for the convertible car the average is 37.3%, with all of the top ten convertibles well above average on both counts.

Keighley concludes, “The convertible represents the perfect balance of image and fun, whilst still holding value. People are obviously still remaining frugal during the difficult financial climate, however as models are becoming more affordable, convertibles are quickly becoming the best all-rounder for style and value”.

Top Ten Convertibles (by residual value)

Audi TT Roadster
Audi A3 Cabriolet
New MINI Convertible
BMW 3 SERIES Convertible
BMW 1 SERIES Convertible
BMW Z4 Coupe Cabrio
Mercedes SLK
Porche BOXSTER
Audi A5 Convertible
Jaguar XK Convertible

Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

2009-08-24T11:49:00.004+01:00

Dutch exotic car brand Spyker chose Monterey Car Week's Pebble Beach Concours as a suitably well healed crowd for the launch of their Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder. The Spyder is the convertible version of the fixed head C8 Aileron launched in Geneva earlier this year. The chassis and drive train are unchanged from the coupe so power comes from an Audi-sourced all aluminium V8.

The Spyker is unique among super cars for its exquisite craftsmanship, using only the finest bespoke materials to create a unique automotive statement.. The focus is on producing a beautiful car rather than just a high performance machine. Once folded, the soft-top is totally enclosed within the body of the car, allowing for an undisturbed profile. The roof retracts under an aluminium tonneau, with two buttresses upholstered in quilted Hulshof leather (matching the car’s interior) and featuring the company’s motto “Nulla Tenaci Invia Est Via” (“For the tenacious, no road is impassable”). The soft top has a glass rear window and is available in eight colours.

The Aileron Spyder also features a luggage rack, CNC-machined from solid billets of aluminium, mounted immediately behind the roll hoops, on which a wing-shaped aluminium case is strapped. The case is trimmed in the same quilted leather as the interior and buttresses. Inside is a new custom designed Kharma high-end audio system to complete the experience.

Frankfurt Motor Show preview (updated)

2009-08-23T23:58:00.010+01:00

There's no doubt that the Germans love convertible cars and despite it coming around at the wrong end of the summer, the Frankfurt Motor Show promises a treasure trove of stunning new cabriolets and roadsters when it opens on 15th September 2009.

Maserati GranCabrio

The Maserati GranTourismo finally looses it's top to return a convertible to the Italian brand's range. Pininfarina styling at it's best. The roof is canvas and the power comes from the same 4.7 litre V8 as the GranTourismo S coupe.

Mercedes Benz E Class Cabriolet and SLS Roadster
Two new convertible Mercedes cars have been seen nearing the end of testing and this may well be the perfect opportunity for their first official public viewing.

The E-Class coupe will loose it's top as an all new model to compete directly with the new Audi A5 Cabriolet. Source suggest unlike the Mercedes SL and SLK Roadsters that it will come with fabric roof to maximise interior and luggage space while keeping the weight down. Visually it will be much as the coupe with a slightly modified rearend. We would expect it to come with all 5 different engine choices from economical diesel units up to a 5 litre V8. One feature of note seen during testing was a unique wind deflector at the top of the windscreen. This may be used to reduce internal wind buffeting at high speeds.

It's also likely that we will have the first view of the roadster version of the SLS AMG supercar that has been seen undergoing tests. It will accompany a gullwing coupe that was developed alongside by AMG. Both will be powered by a 571 horsepower 6.3 litre V8 engine under a very long bonnet. The engine is mounted so far behind the front wheels that an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 48 to 52 percent is achieved. The SLC Roadster replaces the stunning McLaren Mercedes SLR which lacked the excitement of some of it's competitors. Styling is expected to be inspired by the classic 300SL.

Mazda MX5 Superlight Speedster concept

Mazda are celebrating the 20th birthday of the fun MX5/Miata roadster with Superlight Speedster concept. The stripped down speedster is sadly unlikely to make production which is a shame as we imagine it would be a hoot to drive.

Audi R8 Spyder
Audi are due to release the Audi R8 Spyder which has been circling the Nurburgring race track since last summer. The roof appears to be a fabric full roof rather than a targa panel.

2010 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

Porsche are beefing up it's 911 Turbo after an embarrassing run in with the Nissan GT-R at the Nurburgring. The 3.6 litre engine makes way for the 3.8 litre unit from the Carrera S and this is boosted by two variable-vane turbos to give 500 hp. The direct injection engine also improves economy. The computers controlling traction and stability will also be improved for better driver appeal. Finally the 911 Turbo gets a facelift both inside and out. However it still looks much like every 911 that came before it.

Lamborghini Reventón Roadster
A roadster version of the super-exclusive, limited edition Reventón is said to be unveiled to the public at Frankfurt. The original Reventón was limited to 20 units at $1,000,000 each. The Lamborghini Roadster is said to be produced in just half the quantity and with a $1.6 million price tag and a monstrous 670 horsepower from the 6.5 litre V12 from the LP670-4 SV.

Wiesmann MF5 Roadster

German sportscar maker Wiesmann plan to unveil a limited edition MF5 Roadster. Powered by the BMW V10 from the M5 and M6 in a lightweight chassis, the MF5 promises some thrills. Only 55 examples will be built, and sold at a list price of €189,500 (circa $313k USD).

Mini Speedster

The Mini Speedster will be a sportier alternative to the existing four-seat convertible.

Bugatti Veyron Sang Bleu at Pebble Beach

2009-08-18T22:45:00.004+01:00

The Exclusive Pebble Beach Concours dElegance was chosen to launch Bugatti's one off Sang Bleu model and celebrate the 100th anniversary celebrations Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

The Sang Bleu has ventured into new areas. Instead of applying two paint colours to highlight the two tone design the Sang Bleu exclusively concentrates on materials - carbon fibre and aluminum - an innovative combination never realised before. This unique approach opens a new dimension of 'Art Forme Technique', the companys core values.

The colour combination commissioned for the Pebble Beach car is blue carbon fibre with polished aluminum. The visual carbon fibre is tinted in royal blue to emphasize the refined volumes and surfaces of the convertible Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport. The rear airscoops are tinted in the same nightblue offering a dramatic view from above and thus fluidly integrate into the overall design philosophy of this unique model.

The rims are inspired by the Grand Sport Roadster and are highlighted in a Midnight Blue and Diamond Cut two tone finish. The interior, specially and tastefully selcted for the Pebble Beach event, is trimmed in a newly developed Gaucho leather which blends with the intriguing and pure exterior materials creating an elegant and harmonious overall appearance.

Maharaja's 'Star of India' Rolls Royce goes on sale

2009-08-09T11:06:00.006+01:00

World renouned Rolls Royce collector Hans-Günther Zach is selling his spectacular Rolls-Royce museum. Bids of 5m euros or more are invited for the complete collection, comprising 24 Rolls-Royces, 3 Bentleys and 50 pieces of antique furniture.

Within the collection is a Phantom II, better known as the ‘Star of India’. The unique coach-built Rolls-Royce Phantom II 40/50 HP was delivered in 1934 as Continental All-Weather Convertible. The original owner being none other than His Highness the Maharaja of Rajkot. The striking orange and polished aluminium bodied car has many unique features such as headlights connected to the steering to follow the road around bends, decades before Citroen followed in it's path.

The Star of India Phantom II is one of the most unique and valuable of all historic cars and has a vast history with several royal connections. It has been suggested that this car alone could be sold for as much as 10 million Euros.

The full collection of 27 mostly pre-war Rolls Royce cars also includes a beautiful pollished aluminium 1926 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Phantom I Open Tourer, first owned by the Maharaja of Nanpara, known as the ‘Aluminium Sculpture’.

It is unknown why Heir Zach is selling his collection but should a deal go ahead it will be the most signifcant Rolls-Royce sale ever. If the Star of India is sold alone it could even fetch a record sum for a classic car - the current record being $9.8 million for a 1931 Bugatti Royale back in 1987.

Mazda releases 20th Anniversary Edition MX5/Miata

2009-08-05T19:55:00.003+01:00

Japanese drivers will be the only ones able to celebrate the 20th year of the world's favourite sports car. The Anniversary model will go on sale across Japan with a special upgraded specification in two varieties: the RS soft-top with a 6-speed manual, and a VS hardtop with a 6-speed automatic. Both cars get Crystal White Pearl Mica paintwork, sporty red and black Recaro seats and a full set of 20th Anniversary' badges.

There's no sign of anything similar for other countries but some of the Anniversary models are sure to find their way around the world on the grey import market.

he Mazda Roadster has attracted a wide range of customers since its launch in 1989, and is currently sold in approximately 60 countries. The Roadster was certified as the world's most produced two-seat, open-top sports cars by Guinness World Records when production reached 800,000 units. Total production of the Mazda Roadster now stands in excess of 860,000 units.

>> Furter details of the Mazda MX5/Miata