Autoblog

Review: 2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante makes getting away with it half all the fun

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Aston Martin, Reviews, Luxury

2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's say a clandestine organization asked you, for your country, to "take care of" an enemy of the state at tonight's performance of Tosca at The Met. And let's say this organization gave you the choice of any Aston Martin in which to conduct the evening. Which Aston would you choose? If you said the DBS, we hope you've arranged bail. You're getting caught. Quickly.

Despite its impressiveness, the DBS is just a little over the top. Driving it says to the world, "I'm rich (or I have rich backers), I'm sociopathic (or at least self-centered), and I kill people (or I've had them killed)." There's no denying this. Attempt to pull off your mission at the opera and you'll be fingered before the body hits the ground. "It was the guy in the suit and the DBS," the rattled, blood-spattered socialites will tell the authorities just before you're whisked off to a damp, underground bunker in a country created by the breakup of the USSR.

The better choice? The 2009 Aston Martin DB9 - even the Volante. It's got just enough gentleman to remove you from suspicion, but the faintest hint of evil to make fearsome things happen when needed. We had it for a weekend, yet despite the urge and a twitchy trigger finger we never got the chance to test out our "cleaning" abilities.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante

Continue reading Review: 2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante makes getting away with it ~~half~~ all the fun

Review: 2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante makes getting away with it ~~half~~ all the fun originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS actually takes to the road sidewalk

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Videos, Luxury

The Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS -- Click above to watch the video after the break

Fittingly, it appears that the Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS went for a cruise on Halloween night, which would give passers-by the perfect opportunity to ask the driver, "What kind of costume is that?" He could've replied, "I'm dressed up as the driver of the only 600-horsepower, €257,000, four-door convertible designed and built in Holland." Or he tell them the car's name, which is nearly as long.

The $385,000 car in the video sticks to the sidewalks so there aren't any shenanigans, but it's not a bad looker, and we salute the two gents who've made it real. Follow the jump to see the vid. Hat tip to Emile!

Gallery: Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS

[Source: AutoGespot via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS actually takes to the ~~road~~ sidewalk

VIDEO: Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS actually takes to the ~~road~~ sidewalk originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get mild rhinoplasty

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, BMW, Luxury

The 3 Series coupe and convertible have had a little surgery done and been caught post-op. The actual changes aren't monumental, but up front appear to have quite an effect on the looks. We'll wait to see the uncovered version without the tape over the headlights before final judgments are issued, but from the three-quarter view the increased sweep, the changes to the kidney grille, and the drawn headlights makes the front look a little -- forgive us for saying -- vintage Grand Am.

In back the car gets revised taillights and a bumper massage. Inside expect slightly upgraded ergonomics and iDrive. The sedan and touring are rumored to get this look as well, and should appear next year.

[Source: Carscoop]

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get mild rhinoplasty originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Production lines halted at MG's Longbridge plant. This is not a repeat from 2005.

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, UK

It is a travesty that the initials "MG" are coming to be a convenient epithet for the term "woe." The British sportscar maker has had an exceedingly trying history recently, and things haven't got any better with word that its owner, MG Motor UK Ltd. (which is really Nanjing Automobile Corporation), is reportedly closing the company's Longbridge plant.

Production of the MG TF was back in order early last year, but economic turbulence made the factory's fortunes equally bumpy. It hasn't helped that the last couple of special editions the company has put out, the MGTF LE500 and the 85th Anniversary MGTF, haven't been so well received. MG Motor said it couldn't guarantee stability and now, 2009 production has ceased. There were rumors of a new 2010 MG model coming out... but that was a long time ago, and things have lately been as quiet as the now-shuttered Longbridge factory.

[Source: BBC]

REPORT: Production lines halted at MG's Longbridge plant. This is not a repeat from 2005. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mitsuoka to offer unique rental cars in Japan, also plans to sell in China

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, China, Japan, Beijing Motor Show

Mitsuoka Orochi - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsuoka, the Japanese car company whose mission seems to be hoarding all the ugly in the entire world and using it to design automobiles, will expand into Japan's rental car market and offer its luxury range in China. Japanese drivers will be able to rent the Orochi for ¥25,000 ($279 US) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., or for three whole days for ¥45,000 ($501 US). They can also sport the Himiko for ¥20,000 ($223 US) for those nine hours, or ¥36,000 ($401 US) for 72 hours.

The sea monster-faced Orochi will also spearhead Mitsuoka's charge into China. The company plans to display the car at next year's Beijing Auto Show, and to open dealerships in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. We know the Chinese have occasionally fascinating taste in car design, but we can't wait to see how they receive the Orochi. Mitsuoka wants to move 35 units in its first year, and as if its looks weren't queer enough, the car is expected to cost 50% more in China than it does in Japan, where it will already set you back ¥9,345,000 ($87,287 USD). Any takers?

Gallery: Mitsuoka Orochi

[Source: Antara News]

REPORT: Mitsuoka to offer unique rental cars in Japan, also plans to sell in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 ain't so bad under the lights

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bentley, Luxury

Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 -- Click above for high-res image gallery

When we walked up to the Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 resting on the hardwood floor of the Bentley stand, it immediately had us thinking a familiar thought. Just to make sure, we asked our colleagues if they had been experiencing the same thing, and that turned into a spirited discussion about car design and CAD-drawn vs. hand-drawn bodywork.

That well-known thought was: it's not so garish in person. Substitute "hideous," "bad," and "ugly" for "garish" and you've recreated our experiences with a number of vehicles lately, and not just in Frankfurt. From the outside it's just a good looking Continental with a new set of wheels and Bentley's always-upright center caps. Inside, the car simply feels blue with white trim, and tastefully so, which was not the impression given in the preview photos. We still look forward to the Series 51's future offerings, but this first one is a.o.k.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Continental GTC Series 51

Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 ain't so bad under the lights originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Bentley Continental Series 51

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bentley, Luxury

Bentley Continental GT/C Series 51 -- Click above for high-res image gallery

As with Rolls-Royce and its Bespoke Collection, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Bentley will be introducing its Continental Series 51 cars for the GT and GTC. These will be a cadre of models further tailored by Crewe's designers. Each car "will feature a highly distinctive interior color palette and unique exterior design cues." The first car to show off the line wears an interior in Imperial Blue, Linen, and Newmarket Tan, with color-matched floor mats with contrasting stitching.

You can top the tri-tone interior with a two-tone paint job outside, and throw Bentley's new self-leveling wheel center caps on the 20-inchers. The Series 51 cars will be available to order from this month. You can read all about them in the press release after the jump and check the first one out in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Bentley Continental GT Series 51

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Bentley Continental Series 51

Frankfurt Preview: Bentley Continental Series 51 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Preproduction Chevrolet Camaro Convertibles spotted at plant

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Chevrolet, Australia

2010 Chevy Camaro Convertible -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Camaro5 forum member isszy caught shots of eight freshly minted Camaro convertibles in Australia. Spotted outside the Holden factory in Fisherman's bend, Melbourne, the poster said they all appeared to be left-hand-drive.

The tan-and-silver color combination isn't one we would have thought of - the black-roofed guy at the end is much more like it - but the roofline itself looks very good. The last we were informed by GM, the car should arrive next year as a 2011 model. Hat tip to Tim!

Gallery: Camaro Convertibles at the Melbourne Factory

[Source: GM Inside News]

Spy Shots: Preproduction Chevrolet Camaro Convertibles spotted at plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC convertible caught in Monterey

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG Convertible - Click above for a high-res gallery

With the Frankfurt Motor Show right around the corner, Mercedes-Benz is putting the finishing touches on its 565-hp, 6.3-liter AMG SLC supercar. A North American media event is likely scheduled for next month, and lo-and-behold, when we stepped out of the Intercontinental Hotel in Monterey, CA yesterday morning, four mildly camouflaged SLS prototypes were waiting outside.

According to one of our insiders, the M-B crew will be holding a press event in and around the Monterey peninsula (undoubtedly with track time at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca), and the engineers on hand were scouting roads and drive routes ahead of the September shindig.

Although we've seen countless spy shots of the SLS over the last year, this was our first opportunity to see Merc's newest supercar up close, along with the upcoming convertible variant that's likely to be revealed along with the coupe in Germany, or shortly thereafter.

In person, the SLS' dimensions are nearly perfect, with its elongated hood and squat rear end coming off as far more subdued that its McMerc predecessor. Two things to note in the gallery below: first, the Aston-esque door handles are mounted directly in the middle of the doors, which seems like an odd choice considering there's no apparent reason not to install the units below the window on the SLS' strong beltline. Secondly, the convertible variant features a cloth top, although the vinyl camo appears to have a non-functioning zipper that follows the line of the gullwing coupe's doors. We're assuming the camouflage was just adapted to fit the convertible or perhaps it was a bit of visual trickery employed to throw off would-be spy photogs, but it still struck us as strange. Regardless, enjoy the images below and check out the massive carbon ceramic brakes complete with gold Brembo calipers.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC Convertible

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC convertible caught in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: Aston Martin DBS Volante gives convertibles a very, very good name

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Aston Martin, Misc. Auto Shows, First Drive, Luxury, Quick Spin

Aston Martin DBS Volante -- Click above for high-res image gallery

When you love the performance of a particular coupe, it's not often that you get to hop in the convertible version and say to yourself, "So... you mean I can have the same thing with the top down?" But in between the tight and relentless esses of Monterey's Carmel Valley Road, that's what we found ourselves debating. What we settled on was this: While the handling envelope of the DBS coupe is excellent, the envelope of the DBS Volante is, well, excellent. Follow the jump for our thoughts.

Gallery: Quick Spin: Aston Martin DBS Volante

Continue reading Quick Spin: Aston Martin DBS Volante gives convertibles a very, very good name

Quick Spin: Aston Martin DBS Volante gives convertibles a very, very good name originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Drop Tops

Chris Shunk — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style

Meadow Brook Convertibles - click above for high-res image gallery

The 2009 Meadow Brook Concours was home to over 250 of the rarest, most unique motor vehicles the world has ever known. When a vehicle is available in multiple configurations and one of those variants happens to be a drop top, it's usually built in lower production numbers than its fixed-roof sibling, making droptops more exclusive and generally more valuable. That's as good an explanation as any to understand why there were so many topless rides at this year's Meadow Brook, and we've got the pictures to prove it.

Click on the gallery below to peruse some of the more striking cabriolets at Meadow Brook. Among the many convertibles on display are a beautiful Mercedes SL 300, a stellar 1954 Jaguar XK roadster and some other rare, gorgeous Fifties and Sixties models straight from Motown. Enjoy!

Gallery: Meadow Brook 2009: The Drop Tops

Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Drop Tops originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dealer accidently unveils Audi R8 Spyder in classified ad?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Audi, UK

Stafford Audi, a U.K. Audi dealer, placed an advertisement on the popular website Pistonheads for the forthcoming R8 Spider. For a picture of the car, they used an uncamouflaged picture of an R8 Spider from the Iron Man sequel, as you can see from the California license plate that reads "Stark." According to the ad, though, the car was "spotted testing in Germany."

The ad copy goes on to say that the production car will differ from the coupe in the lack of side blades, extra air intakes behind the rear seats, a different location for the fuel filler cap, and the addition of rollover hoops that we assume are hidden until needed.

The car won't make its debut until the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, but you can deposit down on one right now with Stafford. Estimated price: £105,000 ($177K U.S.).

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: Pistonheads]

Dealer accidently unveils Audi R8 Spyder in classified ad? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super(light) Hero - Mazda bringing bantamweight MX-5 Miata concept to Frankfurt [UPDATED]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Mazda

Mazda MX-5 Miata Superlight Concept -- Click above for high-res image gallery

A few days ago, Mazda announced a special-edition MX-5 Miata in Crystal White Pearl Mica to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the car that restored the roadster. They should have been making a splash about this car instead, a concept MX-5 Superlight speedster that is due in Frankfurt next month.

Mazda has only let a couple of beans spill about the car: it's extra light weight improves handling, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions. That's all we know. But we can guess that a Miata that's missing a windshield, door handles, roof, and any interior comforts beyond seats would be a racer's dream.

Oh, but do notice that while there's no radio or speakers, the car does include a curved center console that supports the increasingly common iPhone. We'll be at Frankfurt next month making a beeline for this one. In the meantime, you can check out the images below or check out the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mazda Superlight Concept

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Super(light) Hero - Mazda bringing bantamweight MX-5 Miata concept to Frankfurt [UPDATED]

Super(light) Hero - Mazda bringing bantamweight MX-5 Miata concept to Frankfurt [UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Charting out Saab's upcoming model lineup

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 09:07:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Crossover, Saab

There are many folks who've wanted big things from Saab, including this blogger, but we never seemed to get them. The company sold 93,220 cars in 2008, a drop of more than 25% from the previous year, and getting sucked into this year's General Motors saga hasn't exactly helped to create any believers in Saab's return to form.

But the quirkier Swedish brand has been taken over by Koenigsegg, and the little company is said to have big plans for the bigger one. Saab's product lineup, as laid out by Swedish car mag Auto Motor & Sport, will have the expected new 9-5 and 9-4 CUV at Frankfurt this year. Next year comes the new 9-5 SportCombi with Start/Stop technology. The two following years will bring the new 9-3 coupe and convertible, a 9-5 crossover, and a little 9-1 -- rumored to be co-produced with the Mini, sccording to the Swedish buff mag. In 2012, the magazine also predicts a sport hybrid powerplant.

The predictions go all the way out to 2017, but it isn't clear how much is pure guesswork versus actual hints from Saab. The magazine, however, suggests there will be some sort of shortened, Aero X coupe-looking thing, a return of the Sonett as a TT-fighter, and the next new 9-5 in 2017.

At this point, no one knows what Saab is going to look like a year from now, much less eight. But if Koenigsegg can make it look anything like it does in the Auto Motor & Sport chart - and get the sales to back it up - a lot of people will be very happy about it.

[Source: Saabs United]

Charting out Saab's upcoming model lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda releases 20th Anniversary Edition Miata for JDM faithful

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Japan, Mazda

20th Anniversary Mazda Miata -- Click above for high-res image

Japan gets to celebrate the 20th birthday of the Mazda MX-5/Miata with a special edition for JDM buyers only. The Crystal White Pearl Mica roadster comes in two varieties: an RS soft-top with a 6-speed manual, and a VS hardtop with a 6-speed automatic. Both cars get red-and-black heated Recaros, extra cabin padding, clear front fog lights, a strut tower brace, and (of course) the requisite splash of 20th anniversary badging. You can read about it in the press release after the jump, and check out a high-res photo by clicking the image above.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda releases 20th Anniversary Edition Miata for JDM faithful

Mazda releases 20th Anniversary Edition Miata for JDM faithful originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Cause You Know It's Coming: Ferrari 458 Italia Spyder rendered

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Ferrari, Luxury

Jon Sibal's rendering of the Ferrari 458 Spider -- Click above for high-res image

Now that the Ferrari 458 Italia has been let loose to glare at the world, it is only a matter of time before it's followed by a 458 Italia Spyder sibling. While we wait for Ferrari to provide us images of that car, computer rendering artist Jon Sibal has gone ahead and created his version of the newest droptop stallion.

It will be interesting to see how Ferrari intends to fit all of that roof into the severely tapering rear end. If they can keep it looking like the car above, then they'll have worked magic on this car twice.

Gallery: Ferrari 458 Spider Rendering

[Source: Jon Sibal via Sub5Zero]

'Cause You Know It's Coming: Ferrari 458 Italia Spyder rendered originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pebble Preview: Gooding tests the market with Phil Hill's Packard and a prince's Duesenberg

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Auctions, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari, Luxury

Gooding & Company star cars for Pebble Beach 2009 -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Pebble Beach regular Gooding & Company will be bringing three special cars to this year's auction and the vintage rides are said to carry not only the requisite pedigree, but are expected to be barometers of the classic car market at a time when values are, at best, variable.

Included are a 1927 Packard 343 Convertible Sedan owned and restored by the late, great racer Phil Hill and being auctioned by his estate. It won Best of Pebble in 1977 and has never been auctioned before. Joining it will be a 1935 Duesenberg SJ Roadster (pictured) that was a gift from an heiress to a Georgian nobleman (Soviet Georgia, that is). Finally there's a car we can't help but love: a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider. We don't care if it has a story or not. We want it. Desperately.

If you dig classic auctions and can't make it to Pebble, there will be a live webcast on the Gooding site at www.goodingco.com. Yet even though David Gooding said "Today's records become tomorrow's bargains," we don't expect to see any bargains at this year's show. You can read about all the cars after the jump and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Gooding & Co Pebble Preview '09

[Source: Gooding & Co | Photo credit: Gooding & Company]

Continue reading Pebble Preview: Gooding tests the market with Phil Hill's Packard and a prince's Duesenberg

Pebble Preview: Gooding tests the market with Phil Hill's Packard and a prince's Duesenberg originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Backdraft: Does drilling a hole in a convertible's windshield alleviate buffeting? [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:48:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Technology

It's amazing how something you can't see, such as the air around you, can have so much of an effect on what goes on while you're driving. Consider the impact of that invisible air when it wraps itself around the windshield when you're driving top-down in a convertible (honestly, is there any other way?).

We've all been there: sun shining, cloudless skies, let's drop the lid and go for a ride. Now, if your noggin has a bowling-ball smooth finish, this isn't an issue; just smear on some sunscreen and go. But if you have, you know, hair, the air curling around behind you whips it around into a chaotic mess. Sure, you could wear a hat, but then you get hat head and need to sport that lid all day to keep it hidden and generally avoid ridicule.

Back in the 1980s, wind-blockers were developed, but these were often a pain in the neck to put in place. Plus, they look goofy. A team of Stanford engineering students has collaborated with their counterparts at the Technical University of Munich to develop a potential solution something they call OpenRoad. Essentially, it's a hole in the windshield. The idea in play here is quite simple: the air flowing through the center of the windshield creates a stream that prevents the air at the sides of the cockpit from curling back around.

Obviously a production version could be better integrated and actually route air from the front of the car rather than through the windshield, but the concept is beautifully simple and seems to work in the video. Check it out after the jump. Hat tip to Sarah

Gallery: Open road: hole in the windshield project

[Source: Stanford University]

Continue reading Backdraft: Does drilling a hole in a convertible's windshield alleviate buffeting? [w/VIDEO]

Backdraft: Does drilling a hole in a convertible's windshield alleviate buffeting? [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The engineers at Mercedes-Benz are working tirelessly to get the all-new E-Class cabrio ready for its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. So much so that they appear to be bringing dates along for a ride in the chop-topped mules.

These newest shots of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible are the first we've seen with the cloth top stowed away, and they reveal an interesting detail: a retractable wind deflector mounted on the top of the windshield.

Like Audi, Mercedes has opted to forgo the folding hard-top treatment for the new E, allowing the automaker to retain the coupe's hard-edged style and keep the curb weight in check. When the E-Class Convertible arrives in dealerships early next year, expect a range of six- and eight-cylinder powerplants, including the range-topping E500.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi R8 Spyder

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:07:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Supercars, Audi

Audi is testing its forthcoming R8 Spyder, and the car is wearing what appears to be a completely stowable roof, not the targa-style top that has been suggested as a possibility. Yet disappearing along with the roof could also be your view of the engine. The droptop in the spy photos and in Audi's official sketch features a solid engine cover and two curious structures adorned with gills that run up to the rear window. They could line up with an interior element when the roof is down, but it would have to be mighty cool to be worth missing out on that engine. Audi's 552 horsepower competitor for cars like the Vantage V12 and Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio will bow at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show.

[Source: Fastest Car]

Spy Shots: Audi R8 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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