Autoblog

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]

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]

We didn't think that promoting the benefits of a car feature by ogling women could get any funnier than Nissan's (not safe for work) independent front suspension ad, but Volkswagen just might have managed to do just that – and in a more "gentlemanly" fashion, too.

I'm sure the chivalry won't be lost on our more feminist-leaning readers, either. (Wait a second, how many feminists are reading our car blog, anyway?) Just remember: we don't make the news, we just report it (and laugh).

[Source: German Car Blog]

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]