Convertible Car Magazine News

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3

2008 BMW 6 Series
2007-11-15 01:35:00
BMW will updated the 6 Series for 2008 with numerous small improvements all over the car. Most noticeable is the sharper design detailing including a reshaped boot lid and LED tail lights. The interior is also mildly updated with increased use of brushed aluminium and a leather-wrapped center console. The 6 convertible will also now receive the sun-reflective technology seen in the 3 Series convertible to keep seats cooler even in bright daylight.
More About: Erie

Mitsubishi Colt CVC
2007-11-12 11:04:00
Mitsubishi have dramatically dropped the UK price of their 1.5 non-turbo Colt CZC by 25% and divided this base model into two variants.A limited run of 2000 of the new cars named CZC1 and CZC2 will retain the design of the original car but feature individual equipment levels. The CZC1 will only be available in Espresso Black and will be equipped with air conditioning, ABS with EBD, a CD / radio with MP3 capability and steering wheel audio controls, driver, passenger and side airbags, and a full colour-keyed body kit. As well, of course as its electric folding hard top roof.The Colt CZC2 comes with all of this plus the choice of four colours and additional alloy wheels and fog lamps.The Colt CZC1 1.5 will be priced at £9,999 while the CZC2 1.5 will sell for £10,399. The Colt CZC Turbo 1.5 Coupe Cabriolet will remain unchanged at £15,999>> Further details and wallpaper images of the Mitsubishi Colt CVC
More About: Mitsubishi

Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 Roadster
2007-11-11 13:12:00
To celebrates Aston Martin 's success in the ADAC 24-hour race at Germany's Nürburgring with the Vantage N24 race car, they have released the limited edition Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 Roadster . The power output of the 4.3-litre V8 is increased by 20 bhp to a total of 400 bhp by engine modifications and a new free flowing exhaust.The limited edition model also benefits from a sport pack that includes lighter-weight, graphite-finished alloy wheels and stiffer springs, revised shocks and a new anti-roll bar. The improvements to the V8 Vantage N400 are intended to allow the car to break the 8-minute lap time barrier on the Nürburgring's famed North Loop. Seen here in Karussell Orange, the car will also be available in the less conspicuous Bergwerk Black or Lightning Silver. The bodywork is set apart from the standard V8 Vantage Roadster by new side sills, boot lid, clear rear lamp lenses, mesh for the side strakes and a polished grille.Inside, the cabin features perforated black ...

Autodelta Spider J6 3.2 C
2007-11-07 00:09:00
Autodelta, tuners of Alfa Romeo's have launched their latest creation at the MPH07 motor show in London. The new Spider J6 3.2 C is Autodelta’s no-compromise interpretation of the Alfa Romeo Spider, which collected the prestigious accolade of ‘Cabrio of the Year’ upon its launch at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. It is Autodelta’s second bespoke model to be based on the new generation of Alfa Romeo models, following the launch of the Autodelta Brera J5 3.2 C just over a year ago.The Spider J6's features a supercharging system which allows the Alfa 3.2 V6 engine to now turn out 348 bhp and 430 Nm of torque. This equates on the road to 0-100 km/h in an impressive 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h.Each car will be uniquely personalised to the individual customer’s tastes and requirements and Autodelta's desire to create the ultimate driving experience for the Alfisti. In addition to the powerplant, performance upgrades have also been wrought to the transmission, suspensi...

Chrysler drop Crossfire and PT Cruiser Convertible
2007-11-04 13:22:00
Chrysler LLC, owners of the Chrysler and Dodge brands, announced they will be dropping several models from its range in order to scale down their spiraling losses.  These include the Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible and Chrysler Crossfire.Chrysler reduction of the range will allow Chrysler group to cut nearly 13,000 jobs including over 1,000 management personnel.  These cuts are in addition to the 13,000 North American redundancies announced back in February 2007.Sales for both PT Cruiser variants were down by 27% in September despite the model being Chrysler's third best selling.  The convertible is one of the most labour intensive of these variants and has never sold well in comparison to it's hard topped siblings. The Crossfire is based on a Mercedes platform which is now showing it's age. Since Mercedes sold an 80% share in the group to private-equity firm Cerberus Capital, there has been a question mark over the future of this car which will now not be replaced.Chrysler LL...
More About: Chrysler , Convertible , Drop , Vert

Scion xD Dalek convertible
2007-11-01 11:00:00
Scion, Toyota's brand aimed at 'Generation Y' has presented this striking concept at the Las Vegas show. The compact convertible sits on 20 inch alloy wheels which are gloss black just like every other inch of the exterior. Even the head and tail lights have smoked lenses and the badges are finished in black chrome.Inside the trim is complemented by beechwood features and custom built and stitched diamond-tucked black leather seats. The beechwood rear center console features a hidden 7" monitor and hidden champagne and flutes.Under the bonnet are minor modifications however Scion obviously consider that generation-Y will consider style as a greater priority than substance.
More About: Scion , Convertible , Vert , Dale

Pontiac Solstice SD-290 Race Concept
2007-11-01 10:35:00
The Pontiac Solstice gets a purposeful restyle for this concept launched at the 2007 SEMA show in Las Vegas yesterday. Obvious weight savings are made by removing the luxuries of interior fittings, air conditioning and even the passenger side windscreen.Under the heat extracting grilles of the bonnet is the 2 litre turbo charged Ecotec engine of the standard car tweaked to create 290 horsepower. To keep the power in check Pontiac have fitted their optional Club Sport suspension package and Forged 19-inch wheels wrapped in Hoosier R6 racing tires. Performance figures are not given but with the weight and drag savings along with the power boost they should certainly be impressive for a budget convertible.Pontiac may be testing the water to see if there is a market for such a car or perhaps it is just designed to simply promote sales of the Solstice road car.>> Further details and wallpaper images of the Pontiac Solstice
More About: Race , Concept

Lotus Elise SC
2007-10-25 11:45:00
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.T...
More About: Lotus

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10
2007-10-25 11:37:00
Chrysler has announced the official manufacturing launch of the 2008 Dodge Viper 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 SRT10 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, fo...

Alfa Romeo Spyder gets diesel power
2007-10-24 10:12:00
Alfa Romeo has recently put its thoroughbred diesel powerplant – 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 do...
More About: Power , Diesel , Alfa Romeo , Alfa

Peugeot winner scores a try
2007-10-24 10:09:00
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
More About: Winner , Scores

Yamaha Tesseract concept
2007-10-24 00:03:00
Somewhere between a (very) convertible car and a motorbike, the Tesseract is Yamaha 's vision of the future. The chassis is supported by four wheels and yet is only a little wider than a motorcycle. It leans into turns like both the Piaggio MP3 scooter or a standard motorcycle while a locking system keeps the vehicle upright when at rest without a stand. The Yamaha features a hybrid power source with both a V-Twin petrol engine and an electric motor. The Yamaha Tesseract concept will be on view at the Tokyo Motor Show.
More About: Concept

Porsche extends Boxster contract
2007-10-18 11:44:00
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 ...
More About: Contract

Rumour round-up
2007-10-13 15:46:00
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 ...
More About: Round Up , Rumour , Round

Toyota FT- HS concept
2007-10-12 17:23:00
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.
More About: Concept

Nissan Round Box (R.D/B.X) concept
2007-10-10 13:21:00
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.
More About: Concept

Ariel Atom 3 revealed
2007-10-05 13:58:00
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 ...

Convertible Car Magazine available for free download
2007-10-03 09:45:00
The first edition of Convertible Car Magazine is now available for free download here:http://www.convertiblecarmagazine.co m/downloads/convertiblescarmagazine-01.pd fThis 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.
More About: Download , Free , Available

Mazda launches a Japan-only 'Prestige Edition' MX5
2007-10-02 20:12:00
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.>> Further details and wallpaper images of the Mazda MX5
More About: Edition , Prestige

Tesla Roadster confirm battery 245 mile range
2007-09-29 19:35:00
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.>> Further details and wallpaper images of the Tesla Roadster
More About: Battery , Mile

Upgrades for Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI S line
2007-09-23 10:39:00
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...
More About: Upgrades , Line

2008 Ferrari Hardtop Convertible
2007-09-22 10:55:00
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.
More About: Hardtop , Convertible , Vert

MTM Bentley Continental GTC
2007-09-20 10:05:00
Hot on the heals of Mansory another German tuning house has also been hard at work on developing their own version of Bentley 's Conti nental 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...

Mansory LE MANSory Convertible
2007-09-16 13:51:00
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...
More About: Mans , Vert

Daihatsu OFC-1 Concept
2007-09-14 09:53:00
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 C...
More About: Daihatsu

Karmann VW Polo Cabriolet
2007-09-13 11:34:00
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 occup...
More About: Cabriolet , Arma

Honda S2000 Type-S
2007-09-13 11:12:00
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
More About: Honda , Onda

Smart BRABUS Ultimate 112 Convertible
2007-09-12 11:52:00
Brabus have announced that the Frankfurt Motor show will be the venue for the launch of their 'Ultimate 112' version of the ForTwo Smart Convertible . 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 ...
More About: Brabus , Vert

Alfa Romeo customisation programme
2007-09-07 01:30:00
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....
More About: Alfa Romeo , Programme , Gram , Misa

Nissan Micra Convertible show car
2007-08-30 12:14:00
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
More About: Nissan , Convertible , Vert