Owner: Convertible Car Magazine News URL:http://convertiblecarmagazine.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:34:18 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Convertible Car Magazine is the number one resource for news, features and data on roadsters, cabriolets and convertible cars. We take the roof off motoring! Site statistics:Click here
2009 BMW Z4 2007-08-17 09:10:00 The Successor to BMW's popular Z4 roadster is due for release in 2009. The new car is expected to have a folding hartop roof (or at least as an option) similar to the new 3-series convertible as well as being larger and more powerful than the current model. This is to make room in the range for smaller convertibles to be introduced including a 1-series convertible and a rumoured Z2 roadster.The new Z4 will be the manufactured in Germany unlike the current model and previous Z3 roadster which were built in South Carolina. The move is to allow the American plant to be fully committed to the production of SUVs.A high performance M-sport version of the Z4 should arrive in 2010 or 2011 and come with the 420-hp V8engine from the M3.>> Further details and images of the current BMW Z4 >> Further details and images of the current BMW Z4M
Callaway C16 Speedster 2007-08-15 14:20:00 Callaway Cars launched their flagship model the C16 Speedster at the Pebble Beach Concourse d'Elegance. Like the other convertible cars in the Callaway range the Speedster is based on the current Corvette but receives radical modifications.Underneath the car's bodywork lies a supercharged, intercooled, 6.2L all-alloy hand-built powerplant produces 700hp and 660lb-ft of torque, propelling the Speedster from 0 to 60 in an estimated 3.2 seconds. Maximum speed of the C16 Speedster is over 210 mph.Overall handling and road feel is transmitted by a newly developed Callaway/Eibach Multi-Pro coil-over suspension system. This joint development effort produced an advanced spring/damper system, featuring 10-position compression and rebound adjustability, allowing the driver to customize settings for specific road conditions.A unique element the Speedster shares with its C16 siblings – Coupe and Cabriolet – are Callaway/Dymag Carbon wheels that weigh approximately 40-percent less than the li
Citroën C3 Pluriel 2007-08-15 11:17:00 Citroën are running cashback offers throughout August for the UK market along with the introduction of a new 'Kiwi' special edition of its convertible supermini, the C3 Pluriel.The new Kiwi model comes in a unique, eye-catching yellow/green metallic body colour and features alloy wheels and a luxurious air conditioned all-black leather upholstered interior, with leather finish to the door handles and steering wheel.At the same time Citroën has added a number of style upgrades to the funky C3 Pluriel Cote d’Azur. There are two body colours (Pearlescent Black and Ivory), new body-coloured bumper inserts, rubbing strips and door handles, as well as enhancements to the interior trim that include ivory coloured seat-backs and a translucent ruby gear knob.C3 Pluriel Kiwi and Cote d’Azur models are both equipped with the 75hp 1.4i petrol engine. Prices for the cars including the cashback offer are £10,995 for the Cote d’Azur and £12,495 for the C3 Pluriel Kiwi.>> Further details a
Dodge Demon Roadster could make production 2007-08-20 02:38:00 With all the changes going on at Chrysler we were concerned that the Dodge
Demon roadster concept would never see the light of day. Fortunately then, design chief Trevor Creed shares our concerns. He is fighting for the car to make it through to production and recently claimed that the "conditions were right" for such a vehicle, and with Cerberus' new ownership, the private equity group could make a lot of friends inside and outside Chrysler by making the Demon a reality. Chrysler have been through three CEOs, and two ownership groups in the past 18 months so the launch of this fun little roadster, pitched as a baby Viper could be a very positive move. The Demon, first seen at the Geneva Motor Show in March is similar in size to the market leading Mazda MX5 and in the US the car would also compete with the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky.Power would come from a 172 horsepower 2.4 liter engine, offering peak torque of 165 pound-feet. A six-speed manual gearbox sends the power to the re Read more:Roadster
, Dodge Demon
Citröen C-Airscape 2007-08-18 03:21:00 These are the first picture of a new Citröen convertible, the C-Airscape, due to be on view at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show. This car is based on the up and coming C5 saloon/sedan revision giving it a good size interior and broad selection of powerplants. The roof appears to be a folding hardtop with a glass panel and arcing beams reminiscent of the C3 Pluriel. We look forward to seeing it in the flesh as this car has the looks to turn it into a market leader if pitched against the Peugeot 307CC, Megane CC, Astra Twintop and VW Eos. Unlike much of this competition the proportions are clean and elegant. We particularly like the long chrome door handle strip and bonnet bulges. This cabriolet would be expected to go into production following the launch of the C5 which we expect to see at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Mazda's plans for the MX5 Miata 2007-08-22 12:01:00 The iconic Mazda
MX-5 Miata two-seater roadster will receive a 'Race' package this autumn paving the way for a MazdaSpeed edition in mid 2008. This will most likely be powered by the turbocharged 2.3-litre four-pot that currently resides in the Mazdaspeed3 although losing some horsepower in packaging the intercooler and larger radiator.A full redesign for the MX5 is planned for the 2010 model year when this convertible must comply to the new US 2011 rear-offset collision standards. Read more:plans
Smart ForTwo Brabus and Brabus Xclusive launched 2007-08-28 03:45:00 Smart have released details of their ForTwo BRABUS Convertible model which is due to be launched at the September Frankfurt auto show.The new 72 kW/98 bhp three cylinder turbo powered BRABUS will have 30% more power than the previous model while still maintaining low fuel consumption figures. The sporty character of the new smart ForTwo BRABUS is apparent at first glance. It comes with "Monoblock VI" alloy wheels with wide tyres, wider rear wheel arches, a sports exhaust system with centrally positioned dual tailpipes. Suspension is lowered and set up to give a more sporty feel. In the interior, cockpit instruments with specially designed dials, BRABUS stainless steel sports pedals and a new BRABUS leather steering wheel with shift paddles continue the theme.The BRABUS Xclusive lives up to its name with additional equipment details such as H7 projection headlamps, a front spoiler with enlarged air inlets, side skirts and a special rear apron. The seats are upholstered with fine leather Read more:Smart
, Brabus
Nissan Micra Convertible show car 2007-08-30 05:14:00 Nissan will be putting an unusual Micra based convertible concept car on display at September's 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Micra Colour + Concept highlights the minor upgrades the 5-year-old Micra is receiving for the new model year. It features a special two-tone colour scheme with a liquid-like gold on the top and pearlescent white on the sides. Inside the interior is trimmed in white leather with contrasting black plastic. The Production Micra C+C is a more toned down affair with Bluetooth phone compatibility, new chrome accents, darkened headlamp surrounds and blacked out B-pillars to keep the car up-to-date.>> Further details and images of the current Nissan Micra C+C Read more:Nissan
, Convertible
The SLK 55 AMG Black Series 2007-08-29 07:47:00 The new Black
Series from Mercedes-Benz is an even more driver-focused variant of the V8-powered SLK 55 AMG Roadster.Output from the 5.5-litre AMG engine is boosted from 360 hp to 400 hp and 45 kg has been shaved off the kerbweight through the use of lightweight components including a new fixed hard top. As a result, the 0 to 62 mph dash drops from 4.9 to 4.5 seconds, while 125 mph is, where permitted, clocked up in just 15.5 seconds – a full two seconds quicker. Top speed is no longer restricted to 155 mph, and the car can reach 173 mph!The nose features new, more muscular front wings made from ultra-light carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CRP) and a restyled AMG front skirt with carbon fibre inlays. Large air intakes and side air outlets ensure a sufficient flow of air to the enlarged engine oil cooler and new transmission and steering oil coolers.The chassis has been modified to match the increased performance capability of this special series SLK 55 AMG. Racetrack-optimised, AM
Upgrades for Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI S line 2007-09-23 03:39:00 A new version of the Audi A4 Cabriolet featuring a sports-oriented specification joins the UK range this week. Priced from £29,990 OTR, the new A4 2.0 TFSI S line Special Edition combines new styling enhancements with extra interior luxuries.The A4 Cabriolet S line Special Edition rides on exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels and lowered sports suspension. As a no extra cost option, visual impact can be added by an S line exterior styling pack, which brings a highly polished black painted grille and unique front and rear bumper design with rear diffuser. Xenon head lamps are also added providing benefits in visibility and safety.Inside, the S line specification, which normally includes trimmings such as Pearl Nappa leather-upholstered sports seats, a perforated leather trimmed S line sports steering wheel and brushed aluminium inlays, is enhanced by an upgraded Symphony audio system with six CD changer, a BOSE speaker system, rear acoustic parking sensors and aluminium foot pedals.Helped by
2008 Ferrari Hardtop Convertible 2007-09-22 03:55:00 Rumour has it Ferrari
is to launch a 2+2 coupe-cabriolet with a folding hard-top roof at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2008. Codenamed the F149' and refered to in rumours as the 430 GT California, however it is far from a re-designed F430 Spider. The F149 is expected to be a front engined design styled by Pininfarina. As with the F430 it will have a new generation aluminium spaceframe chassis and a 450bhp version of its direct-injection 4.3 litre V8 engine. The F1 'Superfast' sequential-shift transmission will be standard with a manual gearbox as an option. as in the F430 Scuderia launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show, although manual transmission will be optional.The layout of this car is expected to have small rear seats and the usual rear wheel drive. Pricing is expected to be considerably less than the current F430 Spider at around €130,000. Read more:Convertible
MTM Bentley Continental GTC 2007-09-20 03:05:00 Hot on the heals of Mansory another German tuning house has also been hard at work on developing their own version of Bentley
's Continental
GTC. In comparison MTM or 'Motorentechnik Mayer' have gone about their modifications in a more understated manner. Few of their modifications are visible from the outside, choosing not to 'distort its character', however they are not inconsiderable. MTM supplies various performance kits. The spectrum ranges from optimized programming of the control electronics through to the complete conversion of the engine unit. With 560 bhp as standard and a top speed of 318 km/h the GTC is already more than enough for most drivers but MTM wanted more. Firstly they boost the power of the 12 cylinder engine by recalibrating the engine electronics to 635 bhp / 467 kW and the torque to an impressive 780 Nm. With the second performance kit, MTM conjures up to 650 bhp / 478 kW out of this large 6-liter W12 engine, which then generates a staggering 795 Nm with ea
Mansory LE MANSory Convertible 2007-09-16 06:51:00 Mansory, German tuner of high end 'British' cars such as Aston Martins and Rolls-Royce have chosen the Frankfurt Motor Show to launch their 'LE MANSory Convertible
' a much modified version of Bentley's Continental GTC. The limited edition widebodied customisation will total 24 cars reflecting the 24 hours of the famous La Mans endurance race. The visual modifications include a new front spoiler with LED lighting, side skirts and a redesigned rear end with extended wheel arches. The performance package uprates the engine to 641 bhp and takes the top speed up to 205 mph. 100km/h (60mph) is reached in just 4.6 seconds from standing and can be reined in just as quickly with a Brembo braking system.Inside the trim is finished in perforated leather and alcantara with carbon fibre inserts and stainless steel door-sill plates are illuminated with the LE MANSory logo.The launch car is decorated with Mansory's usual bold style which always gets a response although beauty is very much in th
Daihatsu OFC-1 Concept 2007-09-14 02:53:00 Daihatsu's OFC-1 Concept
is on show at the Frankfurt Motor Show and shows the way forward for a replacement for their Copen micro convertible. The OFC-1 features a special transparent folding hardtop canopy. The glass used has a liquid crystal sunshade so that the driver can electrically adjust it's level of transparency to give privacy or an open-air feeling, regardless of the weather.The 3-piece electromotive roof completes operation in less than ten seconds and preserves independent trunk space even when the roof is open to improve the convenience of the compact convertible and allow enough trunk storage space for two adults to take an overnight trip.The interior is 'an expression of the sports mind compressed into a compact space' and a high-contrast interior color arrangement is intended to provide a progressive, high-quality and sporty interior space.For running performance, the powertrain technology combines a high-performance 658cc 3 cylinder turbo engine together with CVT
Karmann VW Polo Cabriolet 2007-09-13 04:34:00 Among the attractions of the Frankfurt Motor Show was Karmann's VW Polo GTI Cabrio looking suspiciously close to production.Karmann are a coachbuilder who specialise in building convertible versions of larger manufacturers cars. They are famed for producing the original VW Beetle Convertible and more recently built the Volkswagen Golf Convertible as well as developing many innovative designs (including the Mercedes-Benz SLK retractable hardtop) and components for global manufacturers.The Polo Convertible concept has several innovative features including a glass sliding roof, an illuminated internal headliner, foldable back seats and a wide-opening tailgate are the highlights. But what really sets this car apart from the current crop of small convertibles is it's cavernous and useable interior space.The principal feature of the innovative flexibility incorporated in this convertible is the Cabrio Overhead Protection System (COPS). The rollover bar does more than just provide occupant
Honda S2000 Type-S 2007-09-13 04:12:00 Honda appear to be planning a high performance S2000 Type-S model according to a teaser on their Japanese website. No specific details are shown but given the ability of other cars with the Type-S branding it should be something very special. The S2000 has been in production for several years and this model may well be it's final development before a replacement is launched. There is no news yet whether this car would be available outside of Japan but we look forward to the Tokyo Motor Show next month for further news.>> Further details and wallpaper images of the Honda S2000 Read more:Honda
Smart BRABUS Ultimate 112 Convertible 2007-09-12 04:52:00 Brabus have announced that the Frankfurt Motor show will be the venue for the launch of their 'Ultimate
112' version of the ForTwo SmartConvertible
. The engine power from the turbo-charged three cylinder engine is uprated to 112ps, hence it's name and the production run will also be limited to 112 cars. All of these cars will be finished in metallic orange with an orange trimmed black interior.The Brabus Ultimate 112 is designed to be the ultimate city car, combining the small size and agility of the ForTwo with the high level of equipment associated with the Brabus brand. It replaces the Ultimate 101 which was based on the previous shape Smart ForTwo but takes the development even further. A sporty body-kit reflects the increase in power and this is matched to black Monoblock VI double-spoke wheels transferring the power to the road. This is accompanied acoustically by the Brabus stainless-steel sport exhaust and its dual tailpipes made from cast aluminum.The interior includes emb
Alfa Romeo customisation programme 2007-09-06 18:30:00 Alfa Romeo have announced their intention to return to the American market with four models along with a new ‘Unique Alfa’ customisation programme with a new selection of options. Alfa's first new cars to reach American soil will be 99 of the limited edition 8C Competizione coupes but this will be followed by (among others) this year's new Spider. The Spider is reviewed in our new free downloadable magazine.The Alfa Romeo Unique Alfa programme was born from the bespoke level of customisation offer to 8C Competizione customers. By the same principle, the new programme now extends this opportunity to the other Alfa Romeo models with three different areas. 'Vintage' is a retro style with classic racing touches, ‘Collezione’ has a contemporary, fashionable style and finally ‘TI’ (Turismo Internazionale) has modern racing inspiration reflecting cutting-edge technologies.Each of the options has a host of cosmetic details for both the interior and exterior of your new car.>>
Tesla Roadster confirm battery 245 mile range 2007-09-29 12:35:00 The new CEO of Tesla Motors, Michael Marks, has sent out a letter to all customers on their waiting list confirming that Tesla's engineers have recovered of most of the range that had been lost to weight increases and other engineering changes. The Roadster
has now been validated on the EPA combined cycle with a range of 245 miles (252 city and 236 highway) per charge. They have also made structural improvements with one of the validation prototypes now having passed the side impact test that caused problems for an earlier version. However, prospective buyers will have to wait longer for their cars. Tesla's updated production schedule will see them only building a small number of production cars by the end of this year with the first fifty being delivered in the first quarter of 2008. Once production increases they plan to produce a further 600 cars by the end of the 2008 model year. Read more:battery
Convertible Car Magazine available for free download 2007-10-03 02:45:00 The first edition of Convertible
Car Magazine
is now available
for free download here:http://www.convertiblecarmagazine.com/downloads/convertiblescarmagazine-01.pdfThis Autumn edition of the magazine features the mighty Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Roadster, The Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe and the up-coming BMW 1-Series convertible among many others. We also have a feature on accident safety where we have looked on how convertibles rank compared with their fixed roof cousins if the unthinkable should happen.We have been working hard to produce a magazine that our readers will find genuinely interesting and informative. If you have any ideas on how we can improve this publication or our website then please use our new 'Suggestions Box' feature to tell us more.The magazine is available in the PDF (Portable Document File) file format which can be read by the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed on most computers and available here.
Mazda launches a Japan-only 'Prestige Edition' MX5 2007-10-02 13:12:00 The car which lead the resurgence of roadsters onto our roads over recent years is still going strong. The latest incarnation with it's optional retractable hardtop has now been developed into a special edition model specifically for the Japan
ese market.The car is set apart from the standard model by a high specification which includes leather upholstery, height adjustable heated seats, 17 inch BBS alloy wheels, fog lamps and special stainless steel scuff plates. There are no alterations to the power output, however handling may be improved by a strut brace under the bonnet and dynamic stability control added for those cars equipped with the six-speed automatic gearbox. Read more:Mazda
, Prestige
, Edition
Rumour round-up 2007-10-13 08:46:00 We are not ones for spreading rumours but there have been so many in the air recently that we have decided to produce a summary of the various stories floating around
. The latest set of automotive rumours are based around four different brands:BMW leads the field with their claims to be investigating new brands to spread their target market. This has led to speculation that the Triumph brand could make a return, perhaps with a low budget 2-seater sports car. BMW Group have gained ownership of the Triumph, Mini, Rolls-Royce and Riley brands through various deals in recent years.The possibility of a budget BMW group roadster would support the presumption that BMW are developing a more up-market replacement for the current Z4. A highly disguised car has been seen undergoing testing on several occasions. The prototype appears to be larger than the current Z4 but it is difficult to make any other conclusions.Also seen undergoing test drives has been a convertible Audi A3. This car, seen com
Toyota FT- HS concept 2007-10-12 10:23:00 Among the sustainable concepts Toyota
will be displaying at the Toyota Motor Show is the FT- HS, a next-generation hybrid sports car. The rear wheel drive hybrid system has a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with high fuel efficiency, reduced CO2 and other emissions.The unusual folding hardtop design sees the roof slide back over the rear window and lowering to improve vision. Other features of this convertible include carbon-fibre wheels, special large-diameter and wide tyres and despite being a 2+2 seat convertible coupe they say that full attention paid to utility. Although the style of this car is radical, it's a practical concept which could make it to production in one form or another.
Nissan Round Box (R.D/B.X) concept 2007-10-10 06:21:00 This latest concept from Nissan
shows their view of a convertible car of the future. Billed as a 'youth-oriented compact convertible', the Round Box represents a new take on open-air motoring, providing exhilaration for all passengers - not just the driver - through its uniquely shared experience of fresh air stimulation.Contributing to the shared sensation of speed are unique "road surface windows," small glass panels placed close to the ground on both sides of the car, providing passengers with a view of the rapidly passing road surface, without the risk of road contact.
Ariel Atom 3 revealed 2007-10-05 06:58:00 Despite producing one of the most formidable trackday racers, the Atom 2, Somerset based Ariel
Motor Company were still not satisfied. The promise of KTM launching their X-Bow concept as a street-legal racer was all it took to get the people at Ariel rolling their sleeves up and playing with bits of carbon fibre.The third generation Atom may look just like it's predecessor but Ariel assure us that radical changes have been made. Indeed both the chassis and engine are new components. Every tube of the Atom's skeletal frame has been revised. The result is a car with an additional 60mm in width and 100mm more elbow room. The new chassis also has the option of 10-way adjustable dampers allowing the owner to 'dial-in' their desired balance of response and roadholding. The engine is still a Honda iVTEC but is the new two-litre unit used in the latest Civic Type R. As before it will be available in both normally aspirated and supercharged forms giving up to 300bhp. The main benefit of the
Porsche extends Boxster contract 2007-10-18 04:44:00 Ten years back Porsche
had such an unexpected hit with the Boxster that it ran out of production space in their Zuffenhausen manufacturing plant. The solution was provided by Valmet Automotive of Finland who now build all of the Boxster series car (including the Cayman) at their plant in Uusikaupunki.So pleased are Porsche with Valmet's work in producing 180,000 cars that they have extended the contract
a further 4 years to 2011."Over all these years in which we have been building premium sports cars together, Valmet has been a fair, reliable and calculable partner for Porsche. The product quality, so significant particularly for Porsche, has remained excellent throughout the years" said Michael Macht, Member of Porsche's Board of Management, at the ten-year cooperation celebration in Uusikaupunki.With 100 new cars rolling off the the production line every day there is no sign of popularity for the capable Boxster waning and with Porsche's regular updates it remains at the front of Read more:extends
Lotus Elise SC 2007-10-25 04:45:00 Lotus has announced upgrades to their Elise
convertible sportscar in 2008 with the most powerful production version so far.The Lotus Elise SC will create 217bhp from it's supercharged engine giving breathtaking performance estimated at 0-60 in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 150mph. The Lotus designed supercharger uses a smaller rotor pack and no intercooler compared to the current Exige S coupe, and is married to the intake manifold plenum as part of a single-piece casting which saves 8kg over its hard-top sibling. Due to it's light weight the Elise SC will remain frugal returning 31mpg on a combined journey.Lotus have improved the the safety and security of their cars, by making driver and passenger airbags standard on all models, and creating a bespoke, integrated alarm and immobiliser system. 2008 cars will also feature improved instruments and in response to customer demand, Lotus' four option packs have been amalgamated into two, simplifying the process of buying a new car.The Read more:Lotus
2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 2007-10-25 04:37:00 Chrysler has announced the official manufacturing launch of the 2008 DodgeViper
SRT10 at the assembly plant in Detroit. Each car will be individually hand built by 48 'Craftspersons'. "Compared to our other manufacturing facilities, this is a very labor-intensive plant, but to build the Dodge Viper
any other way wouldn't be right." commented Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President – Manufacturing. "This small craft shop allows us to produce a true American legend."For 2008, Chrysler ups the ante with a new, 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces an astounding 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque. That's an increase of 90 horse power over the previous model and with 0-to-60 performance in less than four seconds, the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT
10 sets a new benchmark for the ultimate American muscle car.The new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 will arrive in Dodge showrooms in North America this Autumn with a new level of customisation options, including five new exterior colors, four
Alfa Romeo Spyder gets diesel power 2007-10-24 03:12:00 Alfa Romeo has recently put its thoroughbred dieselpower
plant – the 2.4 JTDM 20V unit that develops 200bhp – in its award-winning Alfa Spider.The result is sports car looks, performance and handling with city car fuel consumption.Mated to a six speed gearbox, this Alfa Spider guarantees an entertaining and engaging drive with maximum torque available from as little as 2000rpm. With a top speed of 141mph, the Alfa Spider 2.4 JTDM covers the 0-60mph sprint in a respectable 8.4 seconds.Around town the diesel Alfa Spider consumes 30.7mpg. On long legged journeys, it will stretch a gallon of diesel for 52.3 miles and in the combined cycle it will return a wallet-stretching 41.5mpg.The Alfa Spider’s new five cylinder MultiJet engine complies with Euro 4 emissions limits and incorporates a DPF (diesel particulate trap) that eliminates fine dust, already meeting the limits currently envisaged for future Euro 5 legislation. Significantly this feature is a ‘for life’ system that does Read more:Spyder
Peugeot winner scores a try 2007-10-24 03:09:00 Saturday wasn’t England’s night; however, for one person in the packed Stade de France Stadium the celebratory mood could not be dampened. Jessica Wright won tickets to the final, along with a brand new Peugeot
207 CC as part of the manufacturer’s sponsorship of the 2007 iRB Rugby World Cup.Jessica was presented with her Flamenco Red 207 CC 1.6-litre HDi 110 Sport, in time to see England’s heroic performance against South Africa. “I was so excited about going to the final, and completely gutted for the England boys, they fought so hard against South Africa.”The Peugeot 207 CC is the UK’s leading small Coupe-Cabriolet and is available in showrooms now with a 1.6-litre petrol or HDi diesel engines.>> Further details and wallpaper images of the Peugeot 207 CC Read more:winner
, scores
Recommend Site To A Friend
