2011 best convertibles

Fruit trees have been blossoming. Baseball season is closing out its first month already. And that means it's time for owners in cold weather states to take their convertibles out of storage or take the tarps off them.

We've come up with a list of the best convertibles for 2011 for those of you in the market for a sweet summer ride. Click on through and we're sure you'll be aching to feel the wind whipping through your hair in no time.

MSRP: $109,000 - $128,500

The 2011 Tesla Roadster is an electrically-powered, two-seat, open-top, rear-drive sports car. It does not have an internal combustion engine and therefore uses no gasoline and produces no emissions. Its lithium ion batteries are recharged with electricity in your home, and an optional Mobile Connector allows you to charge from any available 110v or 220v electrical outlet. But this is not a golf cart - its acceleration time and handling rivals many supercars. The 2011 Tesla Roadster's 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor has an output of 248 peak horsepower (185kW) and 276 ft/lbs (375 Nm) of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of over 200 miles.

Research the Tesla Roadster
Tesla Roadster Photos & Information
Tesla Roadster Specs
Tesla Roadster Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $48,100 - $61,800

The Porsche Boxster is a two-seater mid-engine roadster reminiscent of the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder. The second-generation Boxster pays homage to its roots this year, with the introduction of a new lightweight Spyder model showcasing performance enhancements, distinctive styling and a cockpit tailored for the sports car purist. The rear-wheel drive Boxster is offered in three trims: Base, S and the all-new Spyder. The Base gets a 255-hp 2.9-liter flat six-cylinder engine; a 3.4-liter flat six-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection powers both the S and Spyder, generating 310 and 320 horsepower respectively.

Research the Porsche Boxster
Porsche Boxster Photos & Information
Porsche Boxster Specs
Porsche Boxster Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $46,390

The new 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible. It offers ample room for four adults, and plenty of cargo space with the top up or down. It is designed for a no compromise convertible experience for everyday life. The two-door, all-wheel drive Murano CrossCabriolet is offered in one luxurious trim level and features Nissan's 3.5-liter six-cylinder VQ engine that generates 265 horsepower, which is sent through an Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with adaptive shift control.

Research the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet Photos & Information
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet Specs
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $45,840

Lexus adds to the IS family with the addition of a new for 2010 two-door, convertible hard-top version called the IS 350C. With its two doors and three-panel retractable hard-top roof in the up position, the new car has a very coupe-like appearance. With the push of a button, the aluminum roof panels retract to provide open-air motoring for up to four passengers. The IS 350C shares the same powertrain as the IS sedan - a 3.5 liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic.

Research the Lexus IS 350C
Lexus IS 350C Photos & Information
Lexus IS 350C Best Deal
Lexus IS 350C Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $201,500 - $231,400

The Bentley Continental GTC is an ultra-luxury all-wheel drive convertible built in England. There are two trims available: base, and the more powerful and exclusive GTC Speed. The Continental GTC's 6.0-liter W12 engine produces 552 horsepower and 479 pounds-feet of torque, and is matched with a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with steering column mounted gearshift paddles. The GTC Speed uses the same engine, but horsepower is bumped up to 600 horsepower and 553 pounds-feet of torque.

Research the Bentley Continental GTC
Bentley Continental GTC Photos & Information
Bentley Continental GTC Specs
Bentley Continental GTC Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $127,700

The Audi R8 is the company's first mid-engine super car. It is designed with extreme performance in mind and with other high end sports cars in its sights. The R8 is loosely based off of the Lamborghini Gallardo platform, and is powered by either a 420-hp 4.2-liter V-8 engine borrowed from the RS4, or the 5.2-liter V-10 borrowed from the Gallardo, making 525-hp in this application. A full-time quattro all-wheel drive system puts that power to the ground and a choice between either a 6-speed manual transmission or an R-tronic automated sequential manual transmission give the driver full control.

Research the Audi R8 Spyder
Audi R8 Spyder Photos & Information
Audi R8 Spyder Best Deal
Audi R8 Spyder Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $201,115

The Aston Martin DB9 is a high-performance ultra-luxury coupe and Volante convertible. Often praised for its sensuous styling and precise handling, the DB9 is also known for having one of the most distinctive exhaust notes in any sports car. Exterior styling and suspension revisions are new for 2011. The Aston Martin DB9 is powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine that has 470 horsepower and 443 pounds-feet of torque. There are two transmission options: a standard six-speed manual gearbox and an available Touchtronic II six-speed automatic.

Research the Aston Martin DB9
Aston Martin DB9 Photos & Information
Aston Martin DB9 Specs
Aston Martin DB9 Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $23,110 - $30,925

The Mazda MX-5 Miata, is a convertible sports car that is sleek, capable, well-engineered, delightful, and fun. The MX-5 Miata roadster comes in two basic configurations: a soft-top or a power retractable hardtop. Three transmissions are offered, a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The only engine available, a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder, comes in two power levels, one rated at 167 horsepower with either manual transmission, or 158 horsepower with the automatic.

Research the Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda MX-5 Miata Photos & Information
Mazda MX-5 Miata Best Deal
Mazda MX-5 Miata Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $24,850

The MINI Cooper provides the driving enthusiast with a combination of fun-to-drive performance, engineering and unconventional attitude. The two-door hatchback and convertible Coopers feature a 121-hp 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, ABS, traction control and stability control. The convertible Cooper features head/thorax side airbags and an active rollover bar.

Research the MINI Cooper Convertible
MINI Cooper Convertible Photos & Information
MINI Cooper Convertible Best Deal
MINI Cooper Convertible Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $46,450

The BMW 328i delivers a special mix of sporting performance, practicality and European luxury in a compact package. It's the car that defines 'sport sedan,' and the benchmark every luxury car maker from Acura to Volvo aims at when it develops an entry-level luxury sport sedan. The rear-wheel drive 328i is available in coupe, sedan, wagon and cabriolet bodies, while the xDrive all-wheel drive system is available in coupe, sedan and wagon only. Power is provided by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that puts out 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque.

Research the BMW 328 Convertible
BMW 328 Convertible Photos & Information
BMW 328 Convertible Best Deal
BMW 328 Convertible Local Dealer Price Quote