Autoblog

Mini is readying its R56-based replacement for the current Cooper droptop, and it will retain its cloth roof. While there's been widespread adoption of retractable hardtops, the Coop is staying soft. That's good for weight and center of gravity, so the 'vert will still handle charmingly. True to the Cooper's retro mission, Senior VP of Brand Management, Kay Segler contends that the cloth roof offers an experience more true to classic alfresco motoring. The reasoning is that traditional convertible tops open wider than hardtops, so the skyward vistas are less impeded in the Cooper, which is why they pledge to never luxe up their car with metal origami. It could also be that there's no place to put the larger roof stack of a folding hardtop.

[Source: Inside Line]

Click above for high-res gallery of the TechArt GT Street Cabriolet

What to do when you want a Porsche 911 Turbo and that wind-in-your-hair experience, but the 480 horsepower that comes stock isn't enough? Well, you dial up TechArt, which has just pulled the wraps off a cabrio version of the menacing Turbo-based GT Street. The ragtop, like the coupe, makes a ridiculous 630 horsepower, and while TechArt hasn't officially announced the torque figure, we're assuming it's also upwards of 600 lb-ft. So, if you're in a rush, there's no need to reach for that blow dryer. Just head out to the car, put the roof down, aim it where you want to go, and punch it. Your hair should be bone-dry by the time you hit the quarter mile mark or so. If it isn't, just keep pushing -- it'll finally top out at 214 mph. Your 'do might look like this if you hit maximum warp, though, so use your judgment when applying pressure to the loud pedal. We'll have full specs on the GT Street Cabrio when TechArt formally introduces it in Geneva. Until then, you can see the coupe's numbers here.


[Source: TechArt]

click above to view more high-res images of the gorgeous GranTurismo

Since Maserati unveiled the GranTurismo almost a year ago in Geneva, the question on everybody's mind has been, when is the convertible coming? The Trident marque from Modena has finally answered the call, announcing that, although it has yet to decide which show will feature its debut, the convertible will hit the market in March 2009.

Based on the GranTurismo's platform, itself shortened from the four-door Quattroporte's, the remaining question is what form the convertible will take. Although Maserati is thought to be developing a hardtop convertible, sources suggest the upcoming model will adopt a folding soft top, leaving the door open for a smaller hard-top convertible in the future.

The convertible GranTurismo will fill a void in Maserati's line-up created by the departure of the previous-generation Spyder – which ended production along with the GranSport and Coupe – and will form a vital component to achieving its sales targets. When the final figures come in later this month, Maserati expects to post its first profitable year since being taken over by the Fiat Auto Group some 17 years ago, buoyed by steadily increasing sales: In 2006 Maserati sold 5,714 units, rising to 7,353 units in 2007, anticipated to reach 9,000 in 2008, putting the company on track to reach its target of 12,000 vehicles annually by 2011.

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req'd]

One enthusiast from the Netherlands described the E93 thusly: "Super vette bak!" We're pretty sure that translates to "super fat barge," though the overly-literal "super oily bake" has its own charm. If you're into cabrios, maybe mutating the phrase to "super phat barge" is more palatable. Our friend from NL was referring to the 200-plus extra pounds the M3 cabrio will be hauling around versus its sedan counterparts. The folding-roof M3 doesn't officially debut until the Geneva Auto Salon in March, but a German magazine jumped the gun and posted images on their website. Embargo apparently broken, the pictures continue to propagate about the internet.

The biggest news with the pending debut of the convertible M3 is the gearbox. The new seven-speed dual-clutch replacement for the SMG transmission, dubbed M-DKG, is reported to debut with the M3 cab and will be available across all bodystyles of the M3 simultaneously. Wheel-mounted paddles will let you blip your heart out, and the new cog swapper will likely outrun cabrios fitted with traditional manuals, reportedly making the sprint in about 5.3 seconds.

[Source: M3Post via Motor Authority]

There were no eulogies. No bagpipes were played or honor-guard gunshots fired. Few paid any notice, but on December 21, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible passed quietly into the night and was buried. And we doubt many will miss it.

The axing of the ragtop PT is part of the phasing-out of several Chrysler LLC products devised by its new owners in order to cut costs. Earlier we brought you the news that the Chrysler Crossfire ceased production in Germany. Before that, the Chrysler Pacifica ended its lifecycle in November. Although originally only the convertible version of the PT Cruiser was scheduled for execution, reports later suggested that the regular hard-top wagon version could also be discontinued.

While those Chryslers likewise won't be terribly missed, except by small pockets of devoted enthusiasts, the next to lie under the Chrysler LLC guillotine will be the Dodge Magnum, which is being discontinued in March. The gonzo wagon dropped 25% in sales in 2007 over the previous year. As Inside Line points out, however, if you're still keen on getting a Magnum (or a PT convertible, for that matter), some good deals are likely to be had from local dealers eager to sell the last remnants of a dying breed.

[Source: Inside Line]

click for more images of the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Limited Convertible

On paper, the Sebring seems to have what it takes, including three engine choices, an optional six-speed automatic, a sedan and convertible, and nifty cup holders that keep your drink hot or cold. We gave a top of the line Limited Sebring Convertible one week in the Autoblog Garage win us over, but things didn't go as planned. Read about what happened after the jump.

All photos Copyright ©2007 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

We knew it was only a matter of time before BMW would take the can opener to its 400 HP uber-coupe, and these newest spy shots prove that development is well underway. While little has changed from the standard 3-series cabrio, the fender flares, cut-up front fascia and quad exhaust are clearly M-specific kit, despite the lack of visible vents in the hood and on the front quarter panels.

We somehow doubt that a carbon fiber folding roof mechanism will be part of the package, but we'd like to be pleasantly surprised when the M3 convertible makes its debut in Geneva next year.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Even in the post-Chrysler age, Maybach remains a bit of a thorn in Mercedes' side. Its vehicles have been far less than the sales success hoped for, prompting Daimler to buy back 29 Maybach dealers. Subsequently the parent company wouldn't be so eager to invest more into the ultra-premium brand, but reports are circulating the internet of a new version that would require significantly less investment than an all-new model that could breathe a little more life into the dying breed.

Landaulets were a popular bodystyle in the 1920's and 30's, one which Maybach may be resurrecting with a half-convertible version of the extra-long Maybach 62. With a convertible roof fitted from the B-pillar rearwards, the Maybach 62 Landaulet would let the sun shine in on its pampered rear occupants, while leaving the front section covered with a conventional roof for the chauffer.

Reports indicate that the Landaulet version is being prepared for launch at next month's Middle East International Motor Show, held mid-November in Dubai, where some eccentric and moneyed sheiks might still be interested in the unique vehicles.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Auto Express seems to have the inside scoop on a convertible variant of the upcoming Volkswagen Scirocco coupe, likely to go on sale sometime in 2009. The standard fixed-roof Scirocco is expected to take cues from the IROC concept that debuted back in Paris in 2006 and be built off the same architecture that underpins the Volkswagen Eos convertible. That will allow the convertible version of the Scirocco to benefit from a retractable hardtop mechanism inspired by the Eos, although VW's engineers will probably ditch the rear seats in an effort to maximize storage space. With the top up, parcels can be stowed with room to spare in the trunk, and when the urge to enjoy open-air motoring strikes, there'll be an ample amount of space to throw a murse and a few other amenities behind the front seats. Naturally, rollover hoops will be mounted to score points in the safety department.

[Source: Auto Express]

While the new Volkswagen Eos may have filled a hole left by the recently discontinued Cabrio, there is likely a market for a smaller drop-top in Volkswagen's lineup. A convertible version of the Polo may appeal to buyers looking at the Peugeot 206 CC or the Opel Tigra TwinTop, so Bild.de commissioned an artist to lop the roof off the Polo GTI, giving us an idea of what to expect.

While Volkswagen hasn't mentioned the possibility of a cabrio Polo, it wouldn't be hard to make a case for it, particularly if if cost was kept down by utilizing a canvas roof instead of a more complex, and expensive, folding hard-top.

Bild.de predicts that the VW Polo GTI Cabriolet could come to market as early as 2009, with a price of around 16,000 to 18,000 euro.

[Source: Bild.de via German Car Blog]