Autoblog

Mini lineup could expand to include up to 10 models, still no hope for Rocketman

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST

During an event in Ponce, Puerto Rico last week where Mini introduced members of the media to the 2013 Paceman and John Cooper Works GP, product planners discussed that the brand's lineup could expand to eventually include up to 10 bodystyles. Currently, the Mini range consists of seven models: the Hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman.

Speaking to members of the media, David Duncan, Mini USA sales manager, said that these new models could fall into a range of niches - "any segment that makes sense for a small car." No specific vehicle classes were discussed, but Duncan stated that the possibilities are endless, "as long as we're the smallest player in any segment."

Well, nearly endless. We've been hoping that Mini would re-think its decision to nix plans to create a vehicle smaller than the Hardtop - a notion previewed by the excellent Rocketman concept (shown above) from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show - but the automaker once again stated that this is absolutely off the table. In order to create a vehicle of the Rocketman's size, a completely new platform would have to be engineered (that's expensive), and while Mini has looked into acquiring existing architecture from another brand, parent company BMW has reportedly put the kibosh on such an act. If a Rocketman is ever to be born, BMW/Mini will do it on its own, and right now, that simply isn't in the cards.

Patrick McKenna, head of Mini USA's product strategy, also told us that while he's "not going to confirm it," diesel power is indeed being investigated for use in the next-generation Mini range in the States. Yes, we've heard this before, but every time it's said, it sounds more sincere.

So, where does Mini go from here? Your guess is as good as ours. The product team tells Autoblog that one of the main reasons for people to turn away from the range-topping Countryman is that it's too small, so you could realistically argue for a larger version of this vehicle, despite the fact that we've been told before that the Countryman would be the largest Mini is willing to go. You could certainly make the argument for something relatively low-cost like a convertible version of the Paceman, or even a clever little pickup based on the all-wheel-drive Countryman platform. Give us your best ideas, in Comments.

Mini lineup could expand to include up to 10 models, still no hope for Rocketman originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Mini John Cooper Works GP unveiled

Alex Nunez — Sat, 12 May 2012 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Mini

Spy shots pretty much said it's coming, and here it is: the new Mini John Cooper Works GP. It's making an appearance at the Mini United Festival in France this weekend, and while Mini has yet to detail specific power numbers or show off the car's interior, it has produced a Nurburgring time: 8 minutes, 23 seconds, which, as we reported back in April, betters the last Mini GP (circa 2006) by 19 seconds.

Like its predecessor, the GP-spec hardtop loses its back seat for weight reduction, gets a full complement of power and suspension upgrades, including a race-spec suspension and brakes, and sports exclusive aero tweaks, wheels and graphics to differentiate itself from "regular" JCW models. Figure on a power figure north of the 214 horses the last GP produced (standard JCW Minis make 208 hp right now). Only 2,000 of the new Mini JCW GPs will be built and sold globally.

Given that the regular John Cooper Works models are fairly marvelous as is, the GP should be deliriously fun. No pricing yet, but since a loaded-up John Cooper Works easily runs into the high-$30K range now, we'd expect the limited-production GP to skip right past the $40,000 mark.

Now, when are they unveiling the GP Coupe?

New Mini John Cooper Works GP unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 May 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2009 BMW Z4

Alex Nunez — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:30:00 EST

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

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 BMW Z4

BMW will unveil the all-new Z4 roadster at the Detroit Auto Show next month, but there's no need to wait for the show in Motown to see the car in non-spyshot form, as all the Euro-spec details were officially released when the clock struck midnight in Munich. We're into the new bodywork, which is pretty voluptuous compared to the preceding model, with a hint of 507 lineage evident in the car's lines. Follow the jump for the rest of the skinny.

Gallery: 2009 BMW Z4

Continue reading Officially Official: 2009 BMW Z4

Officially Official: 2009 BMW Z4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Convertible Coopers will stick with cloth

Dan Roth — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Convertible, Mini

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]

Convertible Coopers will stick with cloth originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leakage: BMW M3 Cabrio with "M-DKG"

Dan Roth — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

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]

Gallery: Leaked! E93 M3

Leakage: BMW M3 Cabrio with "M-DKG" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Solstice coupe due in 2008, Torrent dead, RWD G5 under development

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Pontiac

Automotive News has been pumping out a ton of information about the General's future products, and between buffing fingerprints off the crystal ball and making phone calls to unnamed sources, they've shed some light on the future of Pontiac.

According to AN, we can expect to get a hard-top version of the Solstice sometime in 2008 as a 2009 model, complete with a revised powerplant that will boost output, although there was no mention of changes to the GXP. Pontiac will stick with the in-line four for the time being, as a V6 variant is officially off the table, and by 2011 it's assumed that new sheetmetal will adorn the Pontiac and possibly its Saturn-badged brother.

The remake of GM's performance brand will also include the demise of the Torrent, while the G5 will be replaced with the RWD Alpha platform by 2010 - unless CAFE standards put those plans on hold.

Naturally, the big non-news is the upcoming G8, with V8 power and rear-wheel drive, which is expected to be the flagship of the brand. Base models will come equipped with a 261 HP 3.6-liter V6, while the GT model will boast a six-liter V8 producing 362 HP. The bad news: don't expect to see a GTO or Firebird in the near future, as GM contends that the market isn't ripe for offering too many high-po gas-guzzlers. Disappointing, to say the least, but if the Camaro explodes, we'd expect both vehicles to see the light of day.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Solstice coupe due in 2008, Torrent dead, RWD G5 under development originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the rumormill: Lexus IS coupe cometh

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 27 May 2007 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Lexus

Although we've heard the rumors before, and it still seems like a no-brainer, Lexus has remained mum on the introduction of an IS coupe. With its assault on everything held dear to the Bimmer and Merc people, it's simply a matter of time before Lexus takes aim at the 3-series and C-classes that have remained largely unchallenged in the sports coupe market.

The most recent ~~news~~ rumor comes via Nihon Car, who procured the above scan from the Japanese mag Car-Top. Granted, the photochopped image above is simply wishful thinking (that rear window looks a bit awkward), but a hardtop convertible version of the IS would be right at home in Lexus dealerships and in the garages of BMW and Mercedes refugees. But until we start seeing spy shots, we'll be taking that grain of salt, thank you very much.

[Source: Nihon Car and Bike]

Enter the rumormill: Lexus IS coupe cometh originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 May 2007 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay find of the day: Audi Quattro Roadster by Treser

Noah Joseph — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Auctions, Europe, Audi

Hardtop convertibles - called coupé-cabrios across the pond - are commonplace enough these days that seeing one out on the road, as nifty as they are, isn't such a novelty anymore. Long before the first-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK, before the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Spyder, but significantly after the Ford Skyline Fairlane, a German garage by the name of Treser chopped the roof off the rally-bred Audi Quattro coupe and fitted a fully automatic retractable hard-top. Only 39 were made, of which only one was reportedly made in right-hand drive (apparently for a British customer), and that vehicle is on sale now on eBay.

In addition to the trick roof, which disappears in 20 seconds below a hard boot-lid at the touch of a button on the b-pillar, Treser also tinkered with the engine, coaxing 250 horsepower out of the turbocharged inline-five.

The seller claims the car cost £41,144.25 new, but as of when this here article was written, the bidding was at £7,645.01. For all the juicy details, check out the auction by clicking here.

[Source: German Car Scene via Carscoop]

eBay find of the day: Audi Quattro Roadster by Treser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aftermarket Mustang folding-hardtop developed

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 02:52:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Ford

Our reader Mike, tipped us off to an article in the Times of Malta that discusses the development of a hard top folding system for the Ford Mustang. The setup, developed by Peter Muscat, a Detroit ex-pat, folds into what looks like two pieces and resides in the space normally reserved for its cloth counterpart. The powered roof will come down in 30 seconds, although an upgrade will cut off another seven seconds, and won't utilize any space in the trunk, since, according to the article, "golf-mad Americans" wouldn't stand for it.

Five prototypes, ready for prime time, are currently being run through their paces and Mr. Muscat's company plans to build 500 systems over the next six years. According to Muscat, he already has orders for over 100 units.

Whether or not such a system would be utilized as an OEM part remains to be seen, although we doubt the aftermarket manufacturer would take issue with selling the system to FoMoCo for use in the redesigned Mustang, likely to be built in 2009.

UPDATE: We touched base with Ford, which confirmed that it is not involved with, nor does it have details on this particular project. The automaker added that it's always investigating new features and special editions to help feed the Mustang enthusiast desire for more and to maintain its pony car segment leadership.

[Source: Times of Malta via MuscularMustangs.com]

Aftermarket Mustang folding-hardtop developed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 02:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pininfarina teases us with sketch of Geneva-bound Maserati coupe

Dan Roth — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Maserati

Looking less like a Buick than the Quattroporte, Pininfarina's sketches of the new Maserati Coupe show an aggressive two-door with significant "coke bottle" cues and it should make quite an impression when it debuts at the Geneva motor show in March. Maserati has previously used the services of Italdesign, so the change to Pininfarina could mean a shift in future Maserati stylings. The coupe bears a resemblance to those that came before, but the stance is more muscular, with a level of tumblehome not likely to see production. The coupe will sire three different models; a 2+2, a Spyder, and a hardtop convertible.

Motivation will still come from the Ferrari parts bin, so there will be no need for a radio, especially in the Spyder. Put that top down and listen to the V8 -- all the music you'll ever need. Also making an appearance will be the Cambiocorsa cog-swapper, as well as a possible six-speed ZF auto. Size, of course, grows, and while the car in these sketches looks great, we'll have to reserve any kind of final judgement until the real thing shows up. Our guess is that some of the extreme muscularity is dialed back, but what we'd really like to see is one of these high-end coupes that doesn't look like the competition. Again, judgement will have to wait until the actual car rolls into the sun, but if you hadn't seen the trident in the grille, it'd be easy to mistake this for an Aston, Jaguar, even a Ferrari. We're holding out for a pleasant surprise, but are prepared for disappointment. Rest assured that the craftsmanship will be top notch in the old-world style, no matter the styling.

[Source: Quattroruote via MotorAuthority]

Pininfarina teases us with sketch of Geneva-bound Maserati coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW Z9

John Neff — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, BMW

UDPATE: Like you, we're having a hard time wading through the conjecture on what this car is exactly. We mistakenly told you below that the Z9 would be a CL-Class fighter, which is wrong - it will be an SL-fighter (damned Mercedes nomenclature!). However, the test mule still doesn't look large enough to compete with the SL-Class (maybe the SLK, which is why we still think it's a Z4).

Reports are flooding in from Munich of a never-before-seen test mule from BMW that's purported to be the Z9, the successor to the short-lived Z8 premium ragtop the automaker sold from 2000 to 2003. Now, to be fair, the mule could simply be the next generation Z4 convertible, but the photographers from KGP seem to believe the body shape is purposefully misleading and that it is, indeed, the Z9.

Such a car would go head-to-head in the marketplace with the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, and thus likely be offered in both coupe and hardtop converitble models. BMW's choice of engine for the Z9 seems obvious, as nothing less than the corporate V10 producing 500 hp would do for such a premium vehicle. In fact, Winding Road is surmising that the Z9 will carry an even more premium price than the Z8's $128,000 base MSRP, perhaps somewhere in the neighborhood of $150,000.

Despite the fact that speculators seem convinced this mule is the future Z9, we still think it looks too small for that to be the case. From the side profile it appears the vehicle is just about the right size for a slightly larger Z4 and not comparable to the size of a Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: BMW Z9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EDAG Sportwagon hardtop for Solstice on sale in January

John Neff — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Hatchback, Pontiac

Many of you remember shots of this hardtop Pontiac Solstice that features a hatchback-type rear end. The hardtop is a product developed by EDAG that's been in development for some time, but word is out that the EDAG Sportwagon hardtop, as it's now officially called, will be available in January of 2007 for $2,499 plus taxes and shipping. Saturn Sky owners (and Opel GT owners, for that matter) will have to wait until Spring if they want to close the lid on their convertibles.

The Sportwagon hardtop weighs about 115 lbs., although you'll be removing the production lid at the same time, which means you'll drop 42 lbs. for a net gain of 73 lbs. More weight can be saved by permanently removing the soft top, as well. However, that requires a professional and who wants to permantly remove their convertible's soft top anyway?

EDAG makes a big point in its press release about the OEM quality of all the materials used to construct the Sportwagon hardtop. We actually got to see a preproduction prototype at last year's NAIAS and were impressed with the cap's fit and finish, and the fact that it does give Solstice owners more enclosed storage space. We'll leave the look of EDAG's hardtop up to you. In our eyes the production side windows make the top look a little awkward where it meets the windshield at the top of the A-pillar.

Thank for the tip, Josh!

[Source: The GMSource]

EDAG Sportwagon hardtop for Solstice on sale in January originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chrysler Sebring Coupe hardtop in action

John Neff — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Videos, Chrysler

Opinion seems to be split concerning the design of the Chrysler Sebring Covnertible, images of which we posted a couple nights ago. Those of you who have commented on the Sebring's chopped top either love it or hate it. That's an actual improvement over its four-door sedan counterpart, which so far has been almost universally panned on the web for its design.

Convertibles are generally more stylish than sedans, and the Sebring Convertible is no different. We'll admit our icy reaction to the sedan has thawed a bit thanks to the better looking drop top. Chrysler has posted this video on YouTube that allows us to see the three-piece hard top opening and closing, the actual depth of the trunk, and a walkaround of the car and it's interior that better shows off the vehicle's proportions.

[Source: YouTube via DaimlerChrysler}

VIDEO: Chrysler Sebring Coupe hardtop in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Nov 2006 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12-Second Thrillers at the Mazda MX-5 micro-site

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 11:21:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mazda

Mazda's new micro-site for the MX-5 hard-top convertible is a load of fun, placing its coupe-cabrio in a variety of ridiculous situations to demonstrate the *ahem* life-saving capabilities of what Mazda claims is "the world's fastest retractable hardtop".

Visitors to the site can create their own video, starring the MX-5, set in a variety of genres and placed in some off-the-wall scenarios with everything from ninjas and great white sharks to zombies and cowboys. It's direct-your-own B-movie fun for gearheads. (Of course they also give you the opportunity to find out more about the car the site and the movies showcase.)

Follow the jump to check out a few sample trailers and see how a retractable hard-top can save you from a variety of dangers you may or may not find yourself in.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading 12-Second Thrillers at the Mazda MX-5 micro-site

12-Second Thrillers at the Mazda MX-5 micro-site originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Nov 2006 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford may be considering Mustang hardtop convertible for 2009

John Neff — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Ford

ModdedMustangs is hypothesizing that Ford may be considering offering a retractable hardtop option for the 2009 Mustang. The site's reasoning is pretty thin, based mostly on the fact that there are retractable hardtop kits available for the Mustang currently and that engineering expertise for such a project could be culled from the recently unveiled Focus Coupe Cabriolet for Europe.

The most convincing piece of evidence of is a pair of videos posted on various Mustang message boards of a Classic Design Concepts prototype 2006 Mustang Convertible with a retractable hardtop. CDC is the outfitter that produces the panoramic Glassback roof conversion for late model Mustangs in cooperation with Webasto. You can check out the video of the retractable hardtop going up here and going down here. The conversion apparently doesn't touch the trunk's cargo space, instead eliminating the back seat and making the Mustang convertible a true 2-seat roadster. CDC's website makes no mention of the availability of a retractable hardtop conversion, but the fact that a prototype exists says something.

In light of the speed at which Ford is moving to put the Shelby GT into production and the fact that it's working directly with Shelby Automobiles, Inc. to produce the vehicle, the idea Ford might partner with other small companies like CDC/Webasto to produce a Mustang hardtop convertible isn't that far fetched. You can bet we'll be seeking out CDC's display at SEMA this year hoping to see this car in person. Adding the retractable hardtop to the lineup would give Ford a dizzying array of Mustangs in its lineup. Considering the Mustang's impressive sales performance, that hardly seems like a bad thing.

[ModdedMustangs]

Ford may be considering Mustang hardtop convertible for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Aug 2006 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda announces U.S. pricing for MX-5 Power Retractable Hard Top

John Neff — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Mazda

We reported earlier that Mazda's own North American website revealed that the price of the MX-5 Power Retractable Hard Top would start below $25,000, and Mazda has stayed true to its word. Dave Thomas over at KickingTires is reporting that the price will begin at a very reasonable $24,350, which makes this MX-5 the least expensive retractable hard top convertible on the market by far. The Pontiac G6 Convertible held that title for a short while with a base price of $28,490, but no more. Whereas the soft-top MX-5 starts at $20,435 for a Club Spec model, the MX-5 Power Retractable Hard Top begins as an upmarket Sport model with a six-speed manual or auto transmission and larger 17-inch wheels. DT did the math and since a soft-sport model starts at $22,935, that means the hard top hardware only costs buyers an additional $1,415.

[Source: KickingTires]

Mazda announces U.S. pricing for MX-5 Power Retractable Hard Top originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Aug 2006 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe Unveiled in London

Alex Nunez — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 12:24:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows

Mazda officially unveiled the MX-5 Roadster Coupe this morning at the British International Motor Show, and it has the makings of a big winner. In the Northeastern and Midwestern United States, where rough winters are enough to scare off some convertible shoppers, this car is going to find many friends. If you're willing to accept the weight penalty for the retractable hardtop -- the Roadster Coupe weighs 81.5 pounds more than the standard MX-5 Roadster -- you'll be hard-pressed to find a four-season roadster this good.

The folding hardtop looks simply fantastic when closed, and it retracts in just 12 seconds. Like the soft-top MX-5, the driver has to manually unlock the center-mounted latch on the windshield and then press a button to let the motors work the rest of the magic. At first glance, it looks pretty much like any other MX-5 on the road with the top down (there are subtle differences). The roof itself is ingenious, folding into 3 sections that stow behind the seats, leaving trunk space unaffected. Considering the MX-5's size and its limited trunk space to begin with, this is a packaging triumph, and it gives dealers a great selling point to work with beyond the obvious benefits of the hardtop itself.

(More info and photos after the jump - Now updated with Mazda's comprehensive press release)

{Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe Unveiled in London

Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe Unveiled in London originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jul 2006 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Opel Astra TwinTop hardtop in action

John Neff — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible

Feast your eyes on the newest member of our Hardtop Convertible Video Collection, the Opel Astra TwinTop. The Astra TwinTop takes the cake when it comes to complexity in design. Note that aside from the fact its retracting hardtop is comprised of three separate, long pieces, the TwinTop's design also automatically flips the trunk lid up to store the three-piece top and puts in motion the rear deck behind the seats, which has to lift up and out of the roof's range of motion. God help you if a finger gets caught in one of the Opel Astra TwinTop's many moving parts, 'cause you probably ain't getting it back.

Also see video of...
VW Eos
Volvo C70

VIDEO: Opel Astra TwinTop hardtop in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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