Autoblog

From the Awesome Files: V6 Miata auto-x weapon

Alex Nunez — 2008-05-11T15:04:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Videos, Mazda

Follow the jump for a video of the owner discussing and driving the car

You don't need to spend much time with a Miata to "get" why so many drivers are attracted to them. Perfectly executed and relentlessly entertaining, it's no surprise that Mazda's little roadster is the track-day weapon of choice for a number of people. While countless 4-banger Miatas do their thing on the autocross circuit, one Mark Snell was interested in kicking things up a level so he could run with the big boys in their 'Vettes and similar machinery. His solution? Drop a Mazda 2.5L V6 into his blue roadster's engine bay, then modify and tune it to the point where it's pushing 180 horsepower to the rear wheels. The view underhood is plenty cool -- we especially dig those Suzuki GSX-R1000 throttle bodies he's added. The Miata sounds pretty mean, too. Follow the jump for a video in which Snell gives a tour of his car and discusses the car and the modifications he's made before taking viewers for a quick spin. We believe that this is what fun looks like. Thanks for the tip, Ryan!

[Source: Driving Sports]

Continue reading From the Awesome Files: V6 Miata auto-x weapon

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Rendered Speculation: MG TF is coming...

Dan Roth — 2008-05-08T07:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Roewe, Rendered Speculation

There's a new MG TF on its way to replace the current TF, which is once again rolling out the doors at its Longbridge, UK ancestral home. The new TF will be available as a roadster, natch, and as a coupe, and based on the Roewe 550. AutoExpress has worked up some renderings based on insider information about the new rear-drive MG, and the car amounts to a smorgasbord of cues from a variety of unfortunately styled vehicles. There's a lot of X80 concept, a dash of the crosseyed Qvale Mangusta, and a peppering or two of the MG SV, too. The end result looks like something Noddy assembled in a candlelit workshop, but then again, so does the existing MG TF.

The underlying platform for the new TF is one of the last vestiges of MG Rover, and would have been used for the MG ZS/Rover 45 replacement. Ricardo also played a role in the development of the chassis, which will have a turbocharged 1.8-liter four and a 2.5-liter V6 as power options. Still, more coupes in the MX5's sandbox can't be a bad thing, so we wish the new MG TF well, and hope that it comes to the United States for a proper taunting.

[Source: Auto Express]

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AC Schnitzer does the 1-series cabrio

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-05-07T19:43:00+00:00

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertibles, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the ACS1 Cabrio.

In typical AC Schnitzer fashion, the German tuner wasted no time getting to work on the new BMW 1-series cabrio. Then again, it didn't take much effort to port over the work AC did for the standard 1-series coupe to its softer, drop-top sibling.

The ACS1 Cabrio package includes all the Schitzerfied exterior elements (new front bumper, rear bumper with diffuser and side skirts) and interior bits (silver carbon fiber trim, aluminum pedal and shifter, etc.) you'd expect. More importantly, AC is offering tuning packages for every model in the 1-series lineup, including the 135i, 120d and 123d. The two diesel mills get a bump in power to 200 hp and 240 hp respectively, with the 135i outputting 360 hp through the use of a revised exhaust and some ECU tweaks. Naturally, AC is offering up a plethora of wheel options, sized from 17- to 19-inches.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer ACS1 BMW 1-series cabrio

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

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BRABUS tunes new Mercedes-Benz SL to reliably insane levels

Alex Nunez — 2008-05-07T14:57:00+00:00

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertibles, Euro, Mercedes Benz, Brabus

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BRABUS SL

"BRABUS" might as well be German for, "Hey, why not?" This would seem to be the question its engineers ask themselves before they stuff ludicrous amounts of power under the hoods of Mercedes-Benz cars and trucks. This behavior is well-documented, and it continues unabated with the arrival of MB's new SL. Full wheel/tire, interior, and styling packages are a given. Backing up those enhanced looks is an assortment of tuning packages capable of providing more power than even Montgomery Scott could ever plead for.

The SV12 S Biturbo engine swap appears to have been created by someone with a severe, pathological hatred for tires. This is the same engine used in the Brabus Bullit, and it dishes out a predictably ridiculous 720 horsepower and 973 lb-ft of torque. The latter number is electronically restrained to a mere 811 lb-ft., and a top speed of well over 200 mph comes with the territory. Not interested in the full swap? No worries, BRABUS has your back. SL 65 AMG drivers can opt for the T 65 S package, which bumps the stock V12 Biturbo to 705 hp/811 lb-ft. There's a solution for the all-motor SL 63 AMG as well that packs on an additional 40 horses over stock. This pattern continues right on down the line -- even the "lowly" V6-powered cars can be tuned to deliver 327 hp/ 310 lb-ft. Bonkers. Er, BRABUS, rather.

Gallery: 2009 BRABUS SL

[Source: BRABUS]

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Time is Money: Mercedes-Benz reveals SL 63 AMG Edition IWC

John Neff — 2008-05-07T11:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Mercedes Benz, Lifestyle

Click above for high-res gallery of the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC

Autoblog does a lot of posts on car-related timepieces, and that's thanks to Noah who has an affinity for the finer automotive-inspired paraphernalia in life. Unfortunately, he's not here right now, so I get to tell you about this new limited edition Mercedes-Benz SL 63 that's being produced in conjunction with Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen. Only 200 will be made, and each features the first application of a new white paint finish dubbed designo magno Kashmir. Though my desensitized retinas see plain old white where others see shades of Pearl and Egg Shell, there's no denying this brilliant veneer looks like a million bucks on the SL 63 AMG. Contrast that with the matte black finish of other components on the car's exterior, and you've got the world's most expensive Storm Trooper. Tobago Brown nappa leather will cradle your bum in the AMG sport seats while your feet fall on special black floormats that are one of about a dozen interior surfaces emblazoned with the AMG logo. The rest is pretty much standard SL 63 AMG fare, if you can call anything about this 525-hp convertible standard with a straight face.

Oh, yeah, the watchmaker tie-in: All 200 owners of the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC will also get a limited edition example of IWC's "Grosser Ingenieur" watch. Nothing can replace my Swatch, but I would definitely take the car.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Edition IWC

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Time is Money: Mercedes-Benz reveals SL 63 AMG Edition IWC

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SPY VIDEO: 2010 BMW Z4 replacement at the 'Ring

Noah Joseph — 2008-05-01T07:57:00+00:00

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, Videos, BMW

UPDATE: Video removed at request of spy videographer. Click here to view.

BMW is hard at work on the replacement for the current Z4 roadster, and a developmental test mule has been caught on video running laps around the vaunted Nurburgring. Despite the heavy camouflage, we can tell from the footage - which seems to follow the test mule around the Ring and into a nearby garage with conspicuous "look at me" accuracy - that the new roadster, due in 2010, will retain the current model's long nose and short rear decklid. Styling is expected to follow the theme set down by the Concept CS unveiled in Shanghai last year, but the real clincher is that the new roadster will feature a retractable hard top. That means it will be heavier than the outgoing model, but will keep up on the marketplace with hard-top competition from above (Mercedes SLK) and below (Mazda MX-5). Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Motor Authority via PistonHeads]

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Alfa unveils Spider Limited Edition

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-04-30T08:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Euro, Alfa Romeo

Click on the image to enlarge and see more high-res shots of the Alfa Spider

Alfa Romeo undoubtedly offers some of the most beautiful cars available. While we're anxiously awaiting the storied Italian brand's return to the U.S. market, those in Europe get some added reason to place the aging Spider on their shopping lists. The new Limited Edition model comes equipped with heated seats swathed in Italian Frau(R) leather upholstery and Alfa's Blue&Me[TM] (no, we're not making these names up) voice recognition hands-free system. Available in four color combo's and equipped with pretty 19-inch alloys, nobody is likely to kick the LE out of their garages. No power increase is present, but considering that at £25,500, all of this added goodness comes at no extra cost, we don't expect to hear too much complaining. Besides, this car is really meant to be seen in, so the zip-to-sixty sprint of just under nine seconds is likely good enough anyway.

Gallery: Geneva 2008: Alfa Romeo Spider

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

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Audi gets official with TTS and TT TDI

John Neff — 2008-04-29T12:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Euro, Audi

Click either image for high-res galleries of Audi's two new TTs

Audi has gone ahead and released all it knows about the two newest versions of the TT. The first is the TTS, the most hotted-up version of Audi's sports car brandishing a 2.0L TFSI (turbo, direct-inject) four-cylinder that produces 272 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It features a magnetic ride adaptive damping system on its suspension, and 0-62 mph takes 5.2 seconds in the just-over 3,000 lbs. coupe thanks to a structure made predominantly from aluminum. An S tronic dual-clutch transmission is optional for snicking through gears quickly without the aid of your left foot, and quattro all-wheel-drive is, of course, standard. For those in Europe, the TTS Coupe starts at €44,900 and the Roadster version will go for €47,750. For us in the U.S., November 2008 is the ETA.

The second iteration of the TT may not be as quick as the TTS, but it's just as exciting. The TT TDI comes with the first application of a diesel engine in Audi's attractive sportster. Said engine is Audi's 2.0L four-cylinder diesel producing 170 hp that's backed by 258 pound-feet of torque. That makes the oil burning Audi good for a 7.5-second run to 62 mph while returning 44.38 mpg on the combined European cycle. Both Coupe and Roadster versions are available, though the Roadster is heavier and less frugal with the fuel as a result. They are much cheaper than the TTS, however, with prices starting at €34,850 for the Coupe and €35,900 for the drop top. There are no official plans to bring the TT TDI to the U.S. yet, but man do we wish there were.

Check out a couple new press releases from Audi after the break, as well as new high-res photography of both cars in the galleries below.

Gallery: Audi TT-S

Gallery: Audi TT 2.0 TDI

[Source: Audi]

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Cadillac CTS convertible: American coachbuilding at its finest

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-04-29T10:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertibles, Sedans/Saloons, Cadillac

While Cadillac busies itself with a 2-door version of the new CTS sedan, the folks over at Coach Builders, Ltd have been busy taking their tops off. The boulevardier CTS gets an insulated, hydraulically-powered roof fitted with a heated glass rear window and cloth headliner. The top also comes in several colors. Judging by this pic, it also looks like a fair bit of work has gone into making the car look good with the top down. No word on what happens to trunk space, however.

It'll cost you more than a few quarters -- $19,000 gets the job done in eight weeks -- but that's the price of exclusivity, right? It's also employs a manual release, but these things happen when you're a style pioneer. We'd like to see pics of the car with the top up, because we wonder if this could be the first cloth-topped Caddy truly fit for the younger set.

[Source: Inside Line]

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Bugatti targa-top Veyron will be more expensive, exclusive

John Neff — 2008-04-28T17:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Plants/Manufacturing, Bugatti

Click above for high-res gallery of our time with the Bugatti Veyron

We already know that Bugatti's second vehicle in the modern era will be a targa-top version of the Veyron 16.4, but AutoExpress has revealed that production of the open-air exotica will be limited to just 80 units compared to the coupe's comparatively ample run of 300 cars. The cost of letting the sun shine through your Veyron's dome will also be more prohibitive, with a price tag creeping up on £900,000 compared to the £840,000 cost of the coupe. As with most open-air cars, the Veyron's chassis will be made beefier to cope with the loss of rigidity caused by a big hole in its roof. As such, the new car will weigh more than than the record-setting original. Top speed will therefore be relatively limited, if one can call a 217-mph top speed limited. Then again, as we learned while driving the car ourselves, every car is limited compared to the original Veyron.

Gallery: First Drive: Bugatti Veyron

[Source: AutoExpress]

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Miata? Impractical? BAH!

Alex Nunez — 2008-04-27T13:33:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Etc., Mazda

Why is this man smiling? Because he's probably as amused by what he's doing as we are. Autoblog reader Doc B sent us these photos he took when he came upon the unlikely sight of a Mazda Miata being used to haul a ~~sofa~~ loveseat. Here we thought a Miata was barely spacious enough to transport two adults and a couple of overnight bags, and this guy just turns the conventional wisdom on its head. Seriously, try moving that thing with, say, a MINI Clubman or a Honda Fit. Not gonna happen. When it comes to hauling couches, it looks like the Miata has all those supposedly practical small hatchbacks beat. Roadsters for everyone, we say! Help friends move in the morning, then autocross in the afternoon. It's the ideal blend of practicality and performance. U-Haul, your days are so numbered.

Thanks for the pics, Doc B.

Gallery: Mazda Miata: The Ultimate Hauling Machine

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Vauxhall Tigra Sport Rouge: When a mock top isn't really a mock top

Alex Nunez — 2008-04-26T13:54:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Euro, GM, Vauxhall, UK

Click above for a gallery of the Vauxhall Tigra Sport Rogue

Mock tops: they're not just for Cadillacs anymore. Heck, now they're not even for non-convertibles anymore. Across the pond, Vauxhall has found an answer to a question no one has asked -- or at least a question no one should be asking. That question is, "how do we appeal to customers who want the look of a soft top on their hardtop convertible."

Our answer: Those customers are insane -- pay them no mind. Their answer: Give the droptop a mock top...even though it's not technically "mock". This, in a nutshell, is rationale behind the Vauxhall Tigra Sport Rouge, whose folding metal roof is covered in red fabric, combining the look of a soft top with the weight and diminished cargo capacity that come with a retractable hardtop. Brilliant. The least they could have done was insert fake bows under the fabric to really drive home the theme. I mean, that treatment looked completely awesome on the four-door Buick Regal grandpa speciaI I saw in the supermarket parking lot the other day.

Gallery: Vauxhall Tigra Sport Rogue

[Source: Vauxhall]

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Pics Aplenty: BMW M3 Convertible

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-04-25T20:04:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, BMW, UK

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW M3 convertible.

To signal the beginning of sales of the M3 convertible in the UK, BMW decided to release two-dozen more photos of its drop-top super coupe, and that's enough of a reason for us to include them in a gallery with its white counterpart. Everything remains the same, including the choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed DCT gearbox, all without that pesky roof to keep you from enjoying the 420 hp, 4.0-liter V8 when you're sending it up into its 8.400-rpm redline.

BMW's UK press release is posted after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 BMW M3 Convertible

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: BMW M3 Convertible

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2010 Mazda MX-5 is coming with Mazda6 cues

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-04-25T06:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Mazda

According to an attendee at a recent Mazda dealer meeting, we'll be seeing a refreshed version of the MX-5 late next year as a 2010 model. After catching a brief glimpse of the new MX-5, a forum member at Miata.net posted that the 2010 model will be sporting headlamps and taillights similar to those found on the redesigned Mazda6, and will benefit from a few other improvements including a slight increase in power. While we can't confirm any of this, we've heard similar rumblings in the not-so-distant past, and with the redesigned Mazda3 right around the corner, Mazda might be trying to lend a bit more stylistic cohesion to its lineup before full revamps take place after the turn of the decade.

However, one piece is missing from the Miata puzzle. What about the Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5? It's been assumed that Mazda would release a boosted version of its iconic roadster before the next model debuts. If the facelifted version is indeed bound for the 2010 model year, that could be an indication that a Mazdaspeed MX-5 is on its way. Here's hoping.

[Source: Miata.net]

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Just in time for the daffodils Saab releases Yellow edition convertible

Sam Abuelsamid — 2008-04-24T10:56:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Saab

Click to enlarge the Yellow Edition

Just as spring seems to have finally arrived in force around here, Saab dropped us a line this morning to let us know that it's releasing a new special edition of the 9-3 convertible. The 2008 Yellow Edition is the third of the type following the 1991 original and the 1997 version. The new Yellow Edition gets propulsion from Saab's 210-hp 2.0L turbo four cylinder with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed autobox. Befitting the name, the body is coated in Lynx Yellow paint (although I don't think I've ever actually seen a Lynx in this particular shade of yellow), and you get 17-inch alloys, a rear spoiler, and a laundry list of standard equipment. The Yellow Edition will cost Saab aficionados an extra 3 grand over the standard convertible with an MSRP of $42,830. If you are so inclined, head on down to your Saab dealer while they last.

Update: We just some additional info from Saab. It looks like their will only be about 300 Yellow Editions for the US although the final number isn't nailed down yet. Interiors will be available in black or parchment (light cream), with tops of black, tan, or blue.

Gallery: 2008 Saab Yellow Edition Convertible

[Source: Saab]

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Brabus turns up the heat on the new Mercedes-Benz SLK

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-04-22T08:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertibles, Coupes, Mercedes Benz

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Brabus-tuned M-B SLK.

Brabus hasn't wasted any time tuning the new Mercedes-Benz SLK, and is bringing its normal blend of aero mods and engine tweaks to those unable to keep their new SLK stock for long. Brabus opted to yank out the SLK 55 AMG's 5.5-liter V8 and fitted its own 6.1-liter mill that cranks out 445 hp and 468 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is routed through a seven-speed automatic gearbox and down to Brabus' own LSD. Zero-to-60 times drop to 4.3-seconds, while six-piston aluminum calipers clamp 355 mm slotted discs up front and four-piston calipers with 300 mm rotors in the rear end the party before things get out of hand.

Naturally, some new rollers are part of the equation, with optional 17-, 18- or 19-inch wheels tucked into the fenders with a 30 mm drop provided by new Brabus sports springs. The visual mods are wrapped up with a wind tunnel-tested front spoiler, rear apron and trunk lid wing, while four chrome exhaust tips hint at the SLK's new found power.

All the details are available in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLK by Brabus

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Chrysler and Chery's lovechild not ready for export, yet

Chris Shunk — 2008-04-21T08:54:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Economy, China, Chrysler, Dodge

If you've been waiting on pins and needles for a small Chrysler that's due to be built in China by Chery, you're going to have to twiddle your thumbs a little longer. Though we've been hearing about a Chrysler/Chery Hornet or Demon for some time, execs from both companies don't believe the products are ready for North America, yet. Quality and safety are still a concern with the vehicles, but Chrysler's China boss Phil Murtaugh feels the challenges are far from insurmountable. Chery Chairman, Yin Tongyao, is also convinced that more work needs to be done to get the product up to US standards, saying the US and Europe are "very mature markets."

Chery is dying to get its affordable vehicles into the US market, but both Chrysler and Chery seem to understand that any sub-standard Chinese vehicles are destined to take their place next to Yugo in the history books. Chances are that the two companies will only have one shot to get things right, and if the final product is garbage, Chery will be finished in the US, and Chrysler's already dim rep will start to flicker. If the inexpensive vehicles are a big hit, however, the Pentastar will be pulling in Yuan hand over fist.

[Source: AP]

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Rendered Speculation: Mazda6 coupe, convertible

Dan Roth — 2008-04-14T12:55:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Japan, Mazda, Rendered Speculation

Mazda's 6 is having a tough time finding love in its home market where it goes by the Atenza moniker. 7Tune is reporting that Mazda's going to flip the script and introduce three new variants of the Atenza; a coupe, a convertible, and a high performance version called the Mazdaspeed Atenza for JDM consumption. Mazda looked to the holy-grail BMW 3 series for inspiration, though that car is rear-wheel-drive, and hopes to achieve the same build quality with its Atenza line.

The vehicles in 7Tunes renderings are more conservatively styled than the current 3-Series, though that's hardly a bad thing. We think the renderings are easy on the eyes, with clear RX-8 influences, though all suffer from a basket-handle spoiler tacked on to the trunklid. It's tough to imagine the Mazdaspeed Atenza amounting to anything other than a tasty snack for the monstrous M3, though we're sure the Mazda will comport itself sportily. If any of this conjecture rings true, it's tough to go wrong benchmarking the icon of the segment.

[Source: 7tune]

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Spy Shots: 2009 Cadillac XLR caught in the buff!

Alex Nunez — 2008-04-14T11:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, Coupes, Cadillac, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of 2009 Cadillac XLR spy shots

The 2009 Cadillac XLR facelift has been unofficially revealed thanks to Brenda Priddy's merry band of shutter-clickers, who caught Caddy's roadster sans camo during a test drive. The freshened nose gets new foglamps and an egg-crate-style grille that stylistically brings it in line with the CTS, STS, DTS and Escalade Platinum front-ends. A tall, metallic-finish side extractor vent has been added to each front fender, as well. Out back, the exhaust still exits from beneath the center of the rear bumper, but on the "base" XLR shown, shapely, integrated widemouth tips now appear to be part of that bumper assembly. We're curious to see whether the XLR's interior also gets an overhaul. While not bad per se, the interior styling of Cadillac's flagship as currently offered falls short of the standard recently set by the entry-level CTS. It would serve GM well to lavish the new-style interior treatment upon the XLR, thus our interest in seeing spy shots of the '09's passenger compartment. (Got that, Brenda?) If the new XLR doesn't do it for you, Cadillac will have the CTS Coupe along in short order.

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac XLR-V - spy shots

[Source: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

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Bugatti Veyron targa confirmed for next year

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-04-14T09:27:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Supercars, Bugatti

We've known as much for a while, but according to a Georges Keller, a Bugatti spokesperson quoted by Automotive News, a drop-top Veyron is in the works and is due to launch sometime next year. Details are scarce, but according to an unnamed ex-Bugatti executive, the targa-topped hypercar will feature a removable hardtop, but its overtly wealthy owners will have to plan ahead, since there won't be any room in the Bug to store the roof on the go. According to the anonymous exec, the decision to go with a hard top instead of some kind of cloth piece was due to the design of the Veyron's safety cage. Certainly a good call considering the Veyron's potential.

Gallery: First Drive: Bugatti Veyron

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

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