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[REPORT: Convertible Toyobaru FT-86 in the works]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/report-convertible-toyobaru-ft-86-in-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/report-convertible-toyobaru-ft-86-in-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/report-convertible-toyobaru-ft-86-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AE-86cabrioletdrop-topdropheaddroptoprear-driverear-wheel driveRear-wheelDriveroadsterRWDSubarusubaru convertibleSubaru FT-86Subaru FT-86 ConvertibleSubaruConvertibleSubaruFt-86SubaruFt-86ConvertibleToyotatoyota convertibleToyota FT-86Toyota FT-86 ConvertibleToyotaConvertibleToyotaFt-86ToyotaFt-86ConvertibleFri, 30 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Volvo C70 drops its guard ahead of Frankfurt unveiling]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/2010-volvo-c70-leaks-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/2010-volvo-c70-leaks-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/2010-volvo-c70-leaks-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2010 Volvo C70 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo still hasn't released an official press release to accompany them, but it would appear that genuine pics of the facelifted C70 have hit the streets regardless. Set to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, the reskinned convertible hardtop seems as if it has been spending some late evenings with the S60 Concept that debuted in Detroit earlier this year.

The fresh new look, including swept-back headlights and a larger trademark iron mask, is a further departure from the automaker's (now long ago) boxy past. At the back, a new rear lamp design includes today's obligatory stylish LED lighting, a reshaped bumper, and more pronounced "Volvo" badging on the trunk decklid.

While the exterior has taken a giant leap forward, the single interior shot inexplicably fails to reveal any changes whatsoever.

What we don't know is what resides under the hood, so Volvo may still have a few secrets to reveal in the next couple weeks.


Gallery: 2010 Volvo C70



[Source: Carscoop]

2010 Volvo C70 drops its guard ahead of Frankfurt unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Volvo C702010VolvoC70C70C70 convertibleC70ConvertibleDrop topDropTopFrankfurtFrankfurt Motor ShowFrankfurtMotorShowrevealedspy shotsSpyShotsVolvo C70Volvo convertibleVolvoC70VolvoConvertibleTue, 01 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Drop Tops]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/meadow-brook-concours-2009-the-drop-tops/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/meadow-brook-concours-2009-the-drop-tops/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/meadow-brook-concours-2009-the-drop-tops/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convertiblecorvettedrop topDropTopmeadow brook concoursmeadow brook concours 2009MeadowBrookConcoursMeadowBrookConcours2009mercedesThu, 06 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Want to be able to drop the top on your new Nissan 370Z? It's going to cost you]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/want-to-be-able-to-drop-the-top-on-your-new-nissan-370z-its-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/want-to-be-able-to-drop-the-top-on-your-new-nissan-370z-its-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/want-to-be-able-to-drop-the-top-on-your-new-nissan-370z-its-go/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Launching a convertible at the end of summer is what we would consider to be a bizarre business decision. That marketing morsel aside, we're still very keen to get our hands on Nissan's new 370Z Roadster and now we know how much money to get one of our very own: $37,690 ($36,970 plus $720 for destination charges).

That's a not inconsiderable premium (some 23%) over its fixed-head brethren, which runs $30,650 ($29,930 + destination and delivery charges). It's possible that Nissan includes more standard equipment on the ragtop than in its base 370Z coupe, but the Japanese automaker has yet to break out exactly what comes standard.

What we do know is that the $37,690 gets you the base convertible with a six-speed manual transmission. If you want the 7-speed automatic, you're looking at an MSRP of $38,990 ($38,270 + D&D). Touring model trims are also available, and they include such niceties as power heated and cooled leather seats, a six-disc Bose stereo with XM, Bluetooth phone connectivity, aluminum pedal surfaces, and Homelink. That package will run $40,520 ($41,240 + D&D) with a manual transmission and $42,540 ($41,820 + D&D) with the autobox. We hope to get our mitts on one of these before the season's out, so stay tuned for a full review. Official press release after the jump, high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster


[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Want to be able to drop the top on your new Nissan 370Z? It's going to cost you

Want to be able to drop the top on your new Nissan 370Z? It's going to cost you originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>370Z370Z convertible370Z roadster370zConvertible370zRoadsterdroptopNissan 370ZNissan ZNissan370zNissanZMon, 13 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Maserati GranTurismo Cabriolet headed for Geneva - in 2010 - S Automatic coming next week [*UPDATED]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/report-maserati-granturismo-cabriolet-confirmed-headed-for-gen/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/report-maserati-granturismo-cabriolet-confirmed-headed-for-gen/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/report-maserati-granturismo-cabriolet-confirmed-headed-for-gen/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Corroborating what we've already known for some time is a new Motor Trend article that confirms a drophead version of Maserati's voluptuous GranTurismo coupe is on the way. However, what is news is that MT is reporting that the car will likely be dubbed "Cabriolet" and not "Spider," largely because the convertible is expected to keep its 2+2 seating, and the latter has been historically reserved for two-place models.

MT believes that the car will carry the 433-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 engine and six-speed ZF automatic gearbox sourced from the Quattroporte Sport GT S, as the GranTurismo S' automanual is considered to be too out-of-character for soft-top motoring. Regardless of what drivetrain arrives contained therein, MT recons the Maser Cabrio will probably debut at next year's Geneva Motor Show, a full year later than earlier reports indicated.

UPDATE: Maserati has just announced that it will bring its new GranTurismo S Automatic to the Geneva show next week. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading REPORT: Maserati GranTurismo Cabriolet headed for Geneva - in 2010 - S Automatic coming next week [*UPDATED]

REPORT: Maserati GranTurismo Cabriolet headed for Geneva - in 2010 - S Automatic coming next week [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabriocabrioletconvertibledroptopgrand turismoGrandTurismogranturismoGTmaseratiquattroportespiderspyderMon, 23 Feb 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Preview: Bentley GTC Speed is last, but not least]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/detroit-preview-bentley-gtc-speed-is-last-but-not-least/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/detroit-preview-bentley-gtc-speed-is-last-but-not-least/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/detroit-preview-bentley-gtc-speed-is-last-but-not-least/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley gtcbentley gtc speedBentleyGtcBentleyGtcSpeedbreakingconvertibledetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowdropheaddroptopgtcgtc speedGtcSpeednaias 2009Naias2009sports carSportsCarTue, 06 Jan 2009 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Cowboys' 1991 BMW 850Ci one-off for sale in Texas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/ex-cowboys-1991-bmw-850ci-one-off-for-sale-in-texas/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/ex-cowboys-1991-bmw-850ci-one-off-for-sale-in-texas/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/ex-cowboys-1991-bmw-850ci-one-off-for-sale-in-texas/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 series8-series8Seriesbmwbmw 8bmw 8 convertiblebmw 8 roadsterbmw 8 seriesbmw 8 series cabriobmw 8-seriesbmw 850ciBmw8Bmw8-seriesBmw850ciBmw8ConvertibleBmw8RoadsterBmw8SeriesBmw8SeriesCabrioconversionconvertiblecoupedropheaddroptoproadsterWed, 31 Dec 2008 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered speculation: VW Polo GTI convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/05/rendered-speculation-vw-polo-gti-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/05/rendered-speculation-vw-polo-gti-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/05/rendered-speculation-vw-polo-gti-convertible/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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]

Rendered speculation: VW Polo GTI convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabriocabrioletconvertibledrop topDropTopgtipolosoft topsoft-topSoftTopvolkswagenvwWed, 05 Sep 2007 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes approves four-door convertible Ocean Drive Concept for production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/08/mercedes-approves-four-door-convertible-ocean-drive-concept-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/08/mercedes-approves-four-door-convertible-ocean-drive-concept-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/08/mercedes-approves-four-door-convertible-ocean-drive-concept-for/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image for a full gallery of the Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive Concept

Motor Trend is reporting that Mercedes-Benz has approved the four-door convertible Ocean Drive Concept that was introduced at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit for production. The car will reportedly be based on the S600 and arrive as a 2011 model. Being a platform-mate of the S600 means that the Ocean Drive production model will likely sport a 510-horsepower 5.5L V12 and a price tag well into the six-figure range. Of course, Mercedes could slip a myriad of possible engines into the car, from its 5.5L V8 to the 600+ horsepower biturbo V12 from AMG. With structural enhancements necessary to keep the car stiff, a high curb weight is likely that will require a big motor to move the car around.

MT also reports that the A7-based four-door convertible in Audi's product pipeline will arrive around the same time, not earlier in 2009 as some outlets have reported. Though the two will not be direct competitors (the A7 itself will be aimed downmarket at the Merceds CLS and arrive a couple years earlier), they will be the first four-door convertibles in production since the mid-60s Lincoln Continental. Hmmm... which would Drama choose?

[Source: Motor Trend]

Gallery: MB Ocean Drive Concept

Mercedes approves four-door convertible Ocean Drive Concept for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi a7audi a7 cabrioletAudiA7AudiA7Cabrioletconvertibledroptopfour-doorfour-door convertibleFour-doorConvertiblelincoln continentalLincolnContinentalmercedes ocean drive conceptmercedes-benz ocean drive conceptMercedes-benzOceanDriveConceptMercedesOceanDriveConceptocean driveocean drive conceptOceanDriveOceanDriveConceptragtopFri, 08 Jun 2007 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: McMerc cabrio in motion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/video-mcmerc-cabrio-in-motion/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/video-mcmerc-cabrio-in-motion/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/video-mcmerc-cabrio-in-motion/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Looking for a way to be seen while you drive around in a vehicle that says you have an oversupply of funding coupled with a shortage of sense? Presented for your approval, the obscenely fast Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren roadster. Just like the fixed-roof SLR, the styling cues lifted from 1950's racing glory are present in the scoopage, and the supercharged V8 can crank you right up to 207mph. That's enough to suck the hair plugs right out of your scalp should you attempt that velocity with the top retracted. It is cool to see the uber-exclusive Benz tooling around and ogle the doors that remind us of chopsaws. Funny, though, all that money, and you still get a fabric roof, while the lowly MX-5 can be had with a natty retractable hardtop.

Video after the jump

[Source: MotorAuthority]

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Roadster


Continue reading VIDEO: McMerc cabrio in motion

VIDEO: McMerc cabrio in motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benzcabriocabrioletconvertibledroptopmclarenmercedesroadsterslrsoftopvideoTue, 08 May 2007 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes four-door drop-top to debut in Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/11/mercedes-four-door-drop-top-to-debut-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/11/mercedes-four-door-drop-top-to-debut-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/11/mercedes-four-door-drop-top-to-debut-in-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We've been reporting on rumors of Mercedes' plan to lop the roof off an S-class and fit it with a ragtop for too long. Finally, it's been confirmed that M-B will be dropping the top of its four-door convertible at the Detroit auto show next month.

Based off the V12-powered S-class, the cabrio version will assuredly come equipped with a cloth roof, along with a pricy premium that would add an additional $10-15k to the sticker of the S600. Considering that a base S600 comes in at just over $140,000 (not including the gas guzzler tax), buyers will certainly appreciate the exclusivity that a cabrio Merc will afford them.

According to sources close to the project, production is highly likely.

[Source: Automotive News -- Sub. Req.]

Mercedes four-door drop-top to debut in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Dec 2006 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabrioconvertibledrop topDropTopmercedes benzMercedesBenzrag topRagTops classs-classs600SClassv12Mon, 11 Dec 2006 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Auto Show: Audi TT Roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/la-auto-show-audi-tt-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/la-auto-show-audi-tt-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/la-auto-show-audi-tt-roadster/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Amidst a group of somber-looking Germans and a duo of small screen stars, Audi unveiled its next generation TT Roadster. Deciding on a soft-top setup versus the en vogue hard top configuration, Audi maintains that driving dynamics have been enhanced by its lightweight construction. To make sure the center of gravity is optimally distributed, Audi employed the use of steel and aluminum in the top's structure and still allowed a nice amount of rearward visibility with the glass window.

Push a button and the top folds down into a "Z" configuration in a mere 12 seconds. The front portion of the top lies flush into the roof's cavern, so a tonneau cover wouldn't be necessary to maintain the TT's clean lines. Additionally, the top can be folded down at speeds below 30 km/h (18 MPH). As a nod to its elder, Audi decided to utilize the same chrome hoops to protect occupants should the unthinkable occur.

Tons of live and press pics are posted after the jump, along with Audi's full press release.

Continue reading LA Auto Show: Audi TT Roadster

LA Auto Show: Audi TT Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audicabrioconvertibledrop topDropToproadsterttWed, 29 Nov 2006 18:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler dropping the top of the Sebring in L.A., maybe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/27/chrysler-dropping-the-top-of-the-sebring-in-l-a-maybe/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/27/chrysler-dropping-the-top-of-the-sebring-in-l-a-maybe/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/27/chrysler-dropping-the-top-of-the-sebring-in-l-a-maybe/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Rumors have begun to surface that Chrysler may be lopping the roof off of its new Sebring and debuting the results at this week's Los Angeles Auto Show.

The drop top offerings will likely include either a traditional soft top or a trendy folding hardtop, a first for the segment. Chrysler is reportedly working with Karmann GmbH to provide both the hard top system and the cloth top alternative.

Chrysler contends that the availability of both setups will appeal to a broader customer base, specifically cost-averse rental agencies.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Chrysler dropping the top of the Sebring in L.A., maybe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerconvertibledrop topDropTopfolding hard topFoldingHardToprag topRagTopsebringMon, 27 Nov 2006 10:53:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW M6 cabrio details and pricing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/bmw-m6-cabrio-details-and-pricing/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/bmw-m6-cabrio-details-and-pricing/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/bmw-m6-cabrio-details-and-pricing/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Back in June, BMW released all the details about their new M6 convertible, except one - price. Well, the mystery has been solved and those of you who want to own one of the fastest production drop tops in the world can get it at the bargain price of $105,095, including shipping. As a comparison, the carbon fiber, fixed roof model will only set you back $96,795, with shipping and the highfalutin Neiman Marcus Individual M6 will liberate $139,000 from your corporate expense account. However, it deserves note that included in the price of the M6, new owners will also get to partake in a one-day M driver training course at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The cabrio will still come equipped with the highly touted 5-liter V10, seven-speed SMG and all the geek-til-ya-freak gizmos that come standard on the M6. As a matter of fact, the only difference between the 'normal' M6 and its beheaded stepchild, aside from the obvious, is a slight performance penalty due to the added weight of the convertible's mechanisms, which makes the cabrio lap the Nurburgring a few ticks below the coupe's time.

[Source: Inside Line]

BMW M6 cabrio details and pricing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwcabrioconvertibledrop topDropTopm6open airOpenAirsmgv10Wed, 11 Oct 2006 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Camaro Convertible not far behind]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/03/camaro-convertible-not-far-behind/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/03/camaro-convertible-not-far-behind/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/03/camaro-convertible-not-far-behind/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

With the Dodge Challenger getting the green light for production, it's likely only a matter of time before the Chevy Camaro is also approved for production. Rumor has it GM engineers are in Australia hard at work with their brothers from Holden on the next Camaro.. That said, a convertible version should also be in the works, and this rendering by Brenda Priddy and Co. suggests what a Camaro droptop will look like when it hits the streets sometime around 2009.

[Source: Winding Road]

Camaro Convertible not far behind originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jul 2006 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarocamaro convertibleCamaroConvertibledroptopragtopMon, 03 Jul 2006 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[S-Class convertible being planned for '07 NAIAS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/22/s-class-convertible-being-planned-for-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/22/s-class-convertible-being-planned-for-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/22/s-class-convertible-being-planned-for-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that Mercedes-Benz may be developing a four-door convertible version of its flagship luxury sedan, the S-Class. It will reportedly sport the longest soft top every produced and be powered by an equally large 6.0L V12 engine. We can expect the interior to be trimmed out in even more opulent luxury than a standard S-Class, as well. The S-Class convertible will surface in early 2007 as a concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

S-Class convertible being planned for '07 NAIAS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jun 2006 06:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drop topDropTopluxuryragtopS-Classsoft topSoftTopThu, 22 Jun 2006 06:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda MX-5 droptop tin-top to debut at British Motor Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/mazda-mx-5-droptop-tin-top-to-debut-at-british-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/mazda-mx-5-droptop-tin-top-to-debut-at-british-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/mazda-mx-5-droptop-tin-top-to-debut-at-british-motor-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If the rumors of a folding hardtop MX-5 are true, it looks as if Mazda will flip its lid at the British Motor Show in London this July.

Word is that the retractable tin-top will add about $2,700-$3,600 over the conventional version. It is not known what sort of weight penalty the power hardtop will exact on the limber MX-5, or if it will be bundled with other additional equipment.

The British Motor Show has been struggling for some time on the world stage, with many manufacturers pulling their presence over the past few years. But with this show slated to see world debuts of the aforementioned MX-5, the new Vauxhall Corsa, and the Land Rover Freelander successor, its profile could rise dramatically.

[Sources: WhatCar?; Mazda] 

Mazda MX-5 droptop tin-top to debut at British Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabrioletconvertibledroptopFolding HardtopFoldingHardtopMazdaMiataMX-5Pontiac SolsticePontiacSolsticeTin TopTinTopFri, 21 Apr 2006 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Spied! Aston Martin V8 roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/spied-aston-martin-v8-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/spied-aston-martin-v8-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/spied-aston-martin-v8-roadster/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aston MartinAstonMartincabrioletconvertibledropheaddroptopJames BondJamesBondRoadsterSpy ShotSpyShotV8Fri, 21 Apr 2006 11:53:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Auto Show: Bentley drops top on 2007 Continental GTC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/new-york-auto-show-bentley-drops-top-on-continental-gtc/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/new-york-auto-show-bentley-drops-top-on-continental-gtc/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/new-york-auto-show-bentley-drops-top-on-continental-gtc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BentleyContinentalConvertibledropheaddroptopLuxuryplutocratrichtrumptycoonWed, 12 Apr 2006 02:14:00 EST