Autoblog

REPORT: Convertible Toyobaru FT-86 in the works

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Japan, Subaru, Toyota, Rumormill

Toyota FT-86 - click above image for hi-res gallery

In news that will only shock those that haven't been paying attention, Toyota has reportedly confirmed that if the market demands it, there will be a convertible version of the new FT-86. Though Toyota still hasn't settled on a name for the upcoming budget rear-drive sports car, the announcement of a drop-top option lends a bit more credence to the rumor that the Celica nameplate might be brought back from the dead.

Now, the notion of a convertible Celica really shouldn't shock anyone. However, what should shock you (at least a little) is the possibility of convertible Subaru. Because, besides a few one-offs and at least one was-never-going-to-see-the-light-of-day concept, Subaru has never built a convertible. And of course, this means that the very real possibility of an all-wheel drive, 300+ horsepower, 300+ lb-ft. of torque, six-speed manual Subaru roadster exists. Where do we sign up? Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept

[Source: Auto Telegraaf via Motor Authority]

REPORT: Convertible Toyobaru FT-86 in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Bentley GTC Speed is last, but not least

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Bentley

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Bentley GTC Speed

The Bentley GTC has only been out for two years and a bit, but you might not know that; the car is so popular in some parts that it has become something like Ugg Boots for the monied-up automotive fashionista. Like its other Continental stablemates, Bentley has finally taken the drophead into their Speed garage for the transformation from really fast to "Egads!" fast.

It emerges from said garage with its twin-turbo W12 producing 553 lb-ft. of torque and 600 horsepower - 100 ponies more than the Azure T, making it the most powerful convertible Bentley has ever made. The Speed treatment alters the front end, with a more upright, dark-tinted matrix grille flanked by chrome bezels around the headlights, and the face is framed by firmer lines sweeping up from the lower air dam.

While it is still not - and isn't mean to be - a sports car, the handling ante is upped by a lowered ride height, low-friction dampers, stiffer rear axle bushings, wider tires, and retuned steering. When it's time to stop, newly available carbon-ceramic brakes, at 16.5 inches up front and 14 inches in back, are the largest factory-fitted brakes on a passenger car today.

When it's time to get on it, you'll reach 60 in 4.5 seconds, and with the top up you'll find terminal velocity is 200 miles-per-hour with the lid up. Should you not wish to go easy on your follicles, the GTC will still reach 195 mph with the top down - just make sure to lather up your 'do with plenty of product.

There are two new official exterior paint choices from the factory: Aquamarine and Blue Crystal, and you can get the interior done in Aquamarine as well. However, since Bentley's bespoke department will make your GTC any color you want, that's probably of little concern to most buyers. Even so, we must ask: who's been requesting an Aquamarine interior? Check out the full GTC Speed press release after the jump, and the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Bentley Continental GTC Speed

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Bentley GTC Speed is last, but not least

Detroit Preview: Bentley GTC Speed is last, but not least originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-Cowboys' 1991 BMW 850Ci one-off for sale in Texas

Noah Joseph — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Auctions, BMW

Click above the view a gallery of this custom convertible BMW 850i

Long before the retro-licious Z8 and the modern 6 Series, BMW's range-topping sport coupe was the 8-Series. Characterized by its distinctive shark nose and available with a choice of eight- or 12-cylinder engines, the 8-Series was sadly never offered as a convertible. But it would have made a smart-looking roadster, as one customer was evidently determined to discover.

Commissioned by Erik Williams, offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys back in their glory days, this one-of-a-kind 1991 BMW 850i convertible is now up for sale by a dealer in New Braunfels, Texas. Craftsmanship of the folding soft-top, as you can see from the images in the gallery below, may not be up to world-class standards, but for a unique V12-powered German cabrio, the $25,900 asking price is at least accessible.

Gallery: Custom 1991 BMW 850Ci

[Source: Automaniacs via CarScoop]

Ex-Cowboys' 1991 BMW 850Ci one-off for sale in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2008: All aboard the yellow Roller failboat

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:39:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Etc., Rolls-Royce, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery.

When you're surrounded by the copious quantities of automotive pornography in and around Pebble, it's unfortunate that the gaudiest bits of kit catch your eye. Case in point: this yellow Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe that was delivered to a customer in Monterey.

The gallery tells the wholly infelicitous tale, from the matching French's Mustard interior to the carbon fiber trim replacing the Drophead's standard burl wood bits. It's utterly tasteless, but we just can't help gawking. Join in on the pain below.

Gallery: Monterey 2008: Yellow Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

Monterey 2008: All aboard the yellow Roller failboat originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

Noah Joseph — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Videos, Rolls-Royce

A Rolls-Royce is, well, a Rolls-Royce. And they don't unveil many new Rolls-Royce models that often, so we've been looking forward to seeing the Phantom Drophead in motion. We have, now you can.

The folks over at Rolls-Royce, in all their ecstatic spirit, have graced the motoring public with this video. The clip gives you the chance to see the full host of automatic features - including the motorized suicide doors, the auto-deploying hood ornament, the plush folding soft roof and some dude's can in jeans - plus some nice shots of the big cabrio in motion. Check out the aluminum hood section and the speedboat-style teak bootlid, two particularly unique features from the showcar which we're stoked made it onto this pre-production version.

[Source: Motor Authority]

VIDEO: Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #53: Win an 80GB iPod Video for listening!

Dan Roth — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

We've arrived at episode #53 of the Autoblog Podcast, which means we're at the final stage of the Autoblog Podcast Relaunch Sweepstakes. The prize this week is the king of all iPods, an 80GB iPod Video. It doesn't get any better than that, so if you've been waiting to enter the sweepstakes, now's the time. To do so, listen to the podcast and wait to hear the secret keyword revealed. Once you've got it, email the keyword to abresearch at gmail dot com along with your name, age and address. That's it! We'll accept submissions through Wednesday, January 10th at 12 AM EST, at which time we'll randomly draw the final winner. Check out the official rules here and subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes by clicking here.

For episode #53, we continue our discussion of concept and production cars that have been unofficially debuted ahead of the Detroit Auto Show that begins this weekend. The Chrysler Group had three vehicles prematurely revealed, including the Chrysler Nassau Concept, Jeep Trailhawk Concept and 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10, now with 600 ponies of ridiculous power. The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Convertible also was revealed last week, but the biggest attention getter had to be the Ford Interceptor Concept, a rear-wheel drive Mustang-based sedan which gets a thorough once over on the podcast. Finally, news came in the past few days that the next-generation Ford Explorer would leave its truck roots and be born again as a large CUV. Along with our discussion of the news, we also read some feedback from listeners on how the new show is going. Enjoy!

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
LISTEN to the show now
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Autoblog Podcast #53: Win an 80GB iPod Video for listening! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spied! Aston Martin V8 roadster

Stuart Waterman — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 11:53:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Aston Martin

Autocar has spy shots of a rather muddy version of Aston Martin's upcoming V8 roadster snapped during testing in the English countryside.

Bucking the recent hardtop convertible trend, the newest Aston Martin has a soft top, borrowing the deployment mechanism from the DB9 Roadster.

Like most convertible versions, the Aston Martin looks to be more attractive with the top down (after all, isn't that the whole point?). Expect performance to suffer slightly due to the added weight of the roof mechanicals and structural reinforcements employed to compensate for the missing roof, but otherwise the car is said to be identical to its hard-top sibling.

Open-air motoring will add about $18,000 to the price of the standard model.

[Source: Autocar]

Spied! Aston Martin V8 roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: Bentley drops top on 2007 Continental GTC

Chris Paukert — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 02:14:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Bentley

The Bentley Boys have pulled the virtual sheet on their 2007 Continental GTC convertible. Based on the company's sensuous GT coupe, the new convertible will blow-dry hair all the way up to 195 mph, courtesy its V12 engine. Boasting AWD surety for foul weather (and getting all that power to the ground), the GTC would appear to be a plutocrat's transport of choice for sun-and-snow belters alike. Shame it isn't a folding hardtop.

Autoblog will bring you in-person photographs at the unveiling, but for now, sate your luxury jones with the images after the jump.

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Bentley drops top on 2007 Continental GTC

New York Auto Show: Bentley drops top on 2007 Continental GTC originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Apr 2006 02:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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