Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Hans Gruber, Your Ride Is Here: Volkswagen rolls out White Night Eos special edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/volkswagen-rolls-out-white-night-eos-special-edition-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/volkswagen-rolls-out-white-night-eos-special-edition-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/volkswagen-rolls-out-white-night-eos-special-edition-model/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Volkswagen Eos White Nights - Click above for high-res image gallery

We know that Volkswagen's new special-edition Eos isn't named after a mythical cavalry figure on an ivory steed, but when we heard that the automaker's latest model has been dubbed White Night, we couldn't get Harry Ellis, the cloying stereotypical Eighties businessman from the original Die Hard movie out of our heads ("Hans... Boobie... I'm your White Knight."). Given that the terrorists in this seminal Bruce Willis film are equally stereotypically cold Germans, we're not sure that authorities at the Deutsche automaker will appreciate what came to mind for us, but we digress.

In any case, the Eos White Night is big on contrast, with a Candy White body offset by a Deep Black Pearlescent roof, side mirrors, and radiator grille. The look is an interesting one, as it uproots one of the inherent strengths that the folding hardtop convertible medium achieves best - the ability to have a matching body shell and roof, something that isn't as easily achieved with a conventional folding cloth top.

In addition to the contrasting black-and-white motif, the White Night also receives cherry-red LED taillights, 18-inch "Budapest" alloys, as well as nappa black leather with contrasting light seams, White Night sill panels, and Candy White trim strips. Every White Night comes equipped with automatic climate control, sports suspension (lowered 15 mm) and heated front seats.

The special edition Eos is available for order with any engine save the gasoline V6 - but at this time, it is a Europe only model that starts at a tidy €33,140 (over $46k USD!). 1980's White Nights Mercury Sable owners, eat your heart out.

High-res gallery below, official press release after the jump.


Gallery: Volkswagen Eos White Nights


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Hans Gruber, Your Ride Is Here: Volkswagen rolls out White Night Eos special edition

Hans Gruber, Your Ride Is Here: Volkswagen rolls out White Night Eos special edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bruce WillisBruceWillisDie HardDiehardEoshardtop convertibleHardtopConvertibleVeedubvolkswagenVolkswagen EosVolkswagenEosVWWhite NightsWhiteNightsThu, 28 May 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Crazy Horse - 1967 Ford Mustang with butterfly doors and folding hardtop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-crazy-horse-1967-ford-mustang-with-butte/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-crazy-horse-1967-ford-mustang-with-butte/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-crazy-horse-1967-ford-mustang-with-butte/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


1967 Ford Mustang hardtop convertible custom - Click above for an image gallery

According to this eBay seller, this is the only 1967 Ford Mustang ever fitted with a retractable hardtop. As we've never seen one before (or one wearing butterfly doors, for that matter), we'll give the auctioneer the benefit of the doubt.

In any case, this restomod 'Stang has been comprehensively reworked, including a new Ford Racing 302 crate motor, along with a new Tremec T5 gearbox, a fully reworked suspension and a set of four-wheel discs hiding out under the American Racing Torque Thrust II wheels.

Of the staffers we surveyed here at Autoblog, we're not crazy about the paint or the doors, but the retractable fiberglass top unit from Mustang Plus is something we can't help but find interesting, particularly if this conversion was done to a donor car that wasn't originally terribly collectible (non numbers-matching, etc.). Admittedly the lines of the top don't blend with the rest of the design as nicely as a stock hardtop's roofline does, but that's to be expected with conversions like this. Besides, both the engine bay and the underbody are incredibly sanitary - certainly cleaner than they were the day this 'Stang rolled off the assembly line.

The seller says that the droptop conversion is something of an homage to a concept Mustang model that Ford originally considered building back in 1967. According to the listing, the Blue Oval invested some $250,000 in exploring the concept, only for it to get nixed by Henry Ford II because it couldn't be motorized. A quarter century later, retired Ford designer Ben J. Smith apparently devised the system seen here. Be sure to check out the huge gallery of images and the link below... only a few hours left to get your bid in!


Gallery: eBay Find of the Day: Custom 1967 Ford Mustang hardtop convertible


[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: Crazy Horse - 1967 Ford Mustang with butterfly doors and folding hardtop originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben J. SmithBenJ.SmithBlue OvalBlueOvalbutterfly doorsButterflyDoorscustom carCustomCareBayFordFord RacingFordRacinggullwinghardtop convertibleHardtopConvertiblemuscle carMuscleCarMustangMustang PlusMustangPluspony carPonyCarRestomodretractable hardtopRetractableHardtopStangTremecMon, 27 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexus IS C starts at $38,490, RX450h at $41,660]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/lexus-is-c-starts-at-38-490-rx450h-at-41-660/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/lexus-is-c-starts-at-38-490-rx450h-at-41-660/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/lexus-is-c-starts-at-38-490-rx450h-at-41-660/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Lexus has been struggling like every other automaker in the US, but it's hoping to get some help at the showroom floor with the all-new RX450h and the new IS convertibles. With the IS C launch scheduled for late May and the RX450h in line for a mid-summer debut, Toyota's luxury arm has announced pricing to help keep interest strong.

The RX450h starts at $41,660 for the base front-wheel drive model, and $43,250 if you want all-wheel drive. The 2010 RX hybrid is upgraded in almost every way, yet its base price will drop versus the 2008 model. The FWD is $420 cheaper, while the AWD model is $230 less. The newest Lexus hybrid will achieve 32 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, 16-20% better than the outgoing RX400h. The new standard-bearing hybrid crossover will also add 27 more horsepower versus the 2009 model, with a combined 295 hp split between the electric motor and Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6.

The all-new IS hard top convertibles are also en-route to your local Lexus dealer, starting at $38,490. That price will net you a base 2.5 model with a six-speed manual transmission. With a six-speed auto, the IS250C will cost $39,660. The 306 hp IS350C will have an MSRP of $43,940. The IS convertible three-piece hardtop is made of light weight aluminum and it retracts in a mere 20 seconds. Other changes to the IS convertible include new fog lamps and a revised front air dam. The rear overhand also increases by two inches, allowing the trunk to swallow a full-size golf bag.

The IS C and RX hybrid also carry an $875 destination charge. Hit the jump to read the very detailed Lexus press release.


Gallery: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h


Gallery: 2009 Lexus IS250C

Continue reading Lexus IS C starts at $38,490, RX450h at $41,660

Lexus IS C starts at $38,490, RX450h at $41,660 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardtop convertibleHardtopConvertiblehybridis cIS converitbleis250cis350cIsCIsConveritblelexusrx450hFri, 24 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Lexus IS250C folding its hard top]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/video-lexus-is250c-folding-its-hard-top/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/video-lexus-is250c-folding-its-hard-top/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/video-lexus-is250c-folding-its-hard-top/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to watch video after the jump

It's always fun to see the engineering behind hard top convertibles. The latest member of the breed comes from Lexus in the form of the 2009 IS250C. This new derivative of the IS250 sedan sports a three-piece aluminum roof that retracts in a "world's fastest" 20 seconds. Video proof of the event taking place has been released and we've embedded it after the break. The new 250C's most logical competitor comes from BMW, whose 3 Series convertible features a folding hard top of its very own. When the new Lexus goes on sale next summer in Europe, followed shortly thereafter in the United States, it will offer buyers a replacement for the expensive SC 430, which is set to make a graceful exit from the marketplace in short order.

Gallery: 2009 Lexus IS250C LIVE


[Source: Paultan]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus IS250C folding its hard top

VIDEO: Lexus IS250C folding its hard top originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 lexus is250 c2009 lexus is250c2009LexusIs250cfolding hard topFoldingHardTophard top convertibleHardTopConvertiblelexus is250clexus is250c videoLexusIs250cLexusIs250cVideoparis 2008paris motor showparis motor show 2008Paris2008ParisMotorShowParisMotorShow2008Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Volkswagen EOS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/17/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-volkswagen-eos/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/17/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-volkswagen-eos/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/17/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-volkswagen-eos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


click above image to view gallery of 2007 Volkswagen EOS

Even though Volkswagen has one of the fullest lineups in its history of selling cars in the U.S., these aren't the best of times in North America for the German automaker. Since 2005, VW has lost somewhere around $2 billion in the U.S. and the company has decided to lay off 30% of its workforce by moving its U.S. headquarters from Detroit to Virginia. Horrendous Euro to Dollar exchange rates are certainly part of the problem, but VW is having much more trouble offering Americans vehicles that fit our tastes.

The Volkswagen EOS hit the scene with surprisingly little fanfare, even though it combines the sporty 2.0T engine and athletic driving dynamics of a Rabbit with a killer hard-top convertible. The EOS appears to have everything it takes to be a summer classic, a claim we put to the test by inviting the car into our Autoblog Garage for a week.

Gallery: 2007 Volkswagen EOS

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Volkswagen EOS

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Volkswagen EOS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0T2007 Volkswagen EOS2007VolkswagenEosAutoblog GarageAutoblogGarageEOSfeaturedhard top convertibleHardTopConvertibleVolkswagenvolkswagen EOSVolkswagenEosVWVW EOSVwEosMon, 17 Sep 2007 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: BMW Z4 hardtop cabriolet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/spy-shots-bmw-z4-hardtop-cabriolet/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/spy-shots-bmw-z4-hardtop-cabriolet/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/spy-shots-bmw-z4-hardtop-cabriolet/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The 2009 BMW Z4 has been caught out testing again, and by the look of it, the cloth roof is going to go away. The last batch of shots left people wondering what kind of roof the little coupe would wear, with many predicting a continuation of the cloth hood. These shots, however, give a pretty good indication of a retractable hardtop. Instead of the 3-Series' three-piece folding top, the Z4 will merely fold in two. If the shots don't lie, then the SLK won't be able to lord it's folding metal over its competitors much longer. According to our best French and the help of Babelfish, the Z4 will also grow in length from 13.42 feet to 14.11 feet, in order to leave room for a Z2 that will be racier than the 1-Series. It is also claimed that the Z4M will arrive in 2010 or 2011 and come with the 420-hp V8 in the M3.

[Source: Cardisiac]

Spy Shots: BMW Z4 hardtop cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009bmwcabrioletsconvertibleshardtop convertibleHardtopConvertiblez4Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Popular Science lauds the VW Eos]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/11/popular-science-lauds-the-vw-eos/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/11/popular-science-lauds-the-vw-eos/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/11/popular-science-lauds-the-vw-eos/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Volkswagen's Eos has been awarded one of the "2006 Best of What's New" prizes from Popular Science Magazine. The new stylish convertible apparently captured the fancy of the PopSci editors. And what's not to like really? A cute coupe/convertible WITH a sunroof in its hardtop? Pretty slick. But this isn't exactly a beauty contest they were voting on. In order to be eligible, "a product or technology must represent a significant step forward in its respective category," according to the winning announcement.

"Best of What's New" is the ultimate Popular Science accolade, representing a year's worth of work evaluating thousands of products," said Mark Jannot, editor of Popular Science. "These awards honor innovations that not only influence the way we live today, but that change the way we think about the future." And quite honestly, how many people were even thinking about a hardtop convertible NEEDING a sunroof, let alone advancing so quickly on making it happen? Kudos, Volkswagen. The full list of 100 automotive and other winners from the 10 categories will appear in the December edition of the mag. Full release after the jump.


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Popular Science lauds the VW Eos

Popular Science lauds the VW Eos originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Nov 2006 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best of What’s NewBestOfWhat’sNewhardtop convertibleHardtopConvertibleMark JannotMarkJannotPopular SciencePopularScienceVolkswagen EosVolkswagenEosSat, 11 Nov 2006 15:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen Eos starts under $28K, rises to nearly $40K]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/21/volkswagen-eos-starts-under-28k-rises-to-nearly-40k/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/21/volkswagen-eos-starts-under-28k-rises-to-nearly-40k/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/21/volkswagen-eos-starts-under-28k-rises-to-nearly-40k/#commentsFiled under: , ,



On Friday Volkswagen announced that the Eos, its showroom bound hardtop convertible, will be offered at a starting price of $27,990. For that price you'll get the four-seat convertible with its three-piece folding hardtop and integrated sunroof paired with the company's turbo 2.0L four-cylinder generating 200 horsepower. A more powerful version with a 250-hp 3.2L V6 will start much higher at $36,850.

If one feels the 2.0T offers enough grunt, a mid-model can be had for $31,065 that includes a 6-speed DSG transmission, leather appointments, automatic headlights, dual-zone "Climatronic" climate control, 12-way power driver's seat, heated front seats and washer nozzles, a windblocker, center armrest and trip computer.

The 3.2L V6 model comes with wood trim, all-season tires, a multi-function steering wheel, rainsensing wipers and satellite radio. Additional options include a 600-watt Dynaudio premium sound system with ten speakers and an amp, bi-Xenon headlights, a DVD nav system, park distance control system and 18-inch alloy wheels. Considering VW's announcement, a $40K+ Eos doesn't seem outside the realm of possibility.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Volkswagen Eos starts under $28K, rises to nearly $40K originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 May 2006 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Eoshardtop convertibleHardtopConvertiblepricingSun, 21 May 2006 10:56:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1953 Muntz Jet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-1953-muntz-jet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-1953-muntz-jet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-1953-muntz-jet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Our hunt through eBay's automotive treasure trove for rare 1950's cars continues with this 1953 Muntz Jet. Created by Earl Muntz, entrepreuer extraordinaire who earned his fortune plying consumer electronics and used cars. But selling yesterday's iron wasn't enough for the "Madman," so he embarked on creating his dream car-- a process that resulted in the vehicle shown here. Not a one-off 'special' like the other cars we've seen recently, the Jet was actually a serialized production car, though less than 400 units are thought to have been manufactured between 1952 and 1953.

Unusually, all Muntz Jets are in fact removable hardtop convertibles. Designed by Frank Kurtis of Indianapolis and dirt oval motorsports fame, the Jet made use of both Lincoln and Cadillac V8 drivetrains, depending on when the model was built. This particular example is powered by the former, and has been restored in plum metallic and white leather.

Estimated to be perhaps one of 50 surviving Jets, this rare bird has been bid to more than $58,000 as this is written, but has yet to crack its reserve.

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: 1953 Muntz Jet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1953antique carAntiqueCarclassic carClassicCarEarl Madman MuntzEarl MuntzEarlMadmanMuntzEarlMuntzhardtop convertibleHardtopConvertibleMuntzMuntz Car CompanyMuntz JetMuntzCarCompanyMuntzJetThu, 27 Apr 2006 15:56:00 EST