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MG TF returns to forecourts plus a new model due in 2010
2008-05-08 21:43:00
MG are running rather late in returning the MGTF to UK production. The first cars were initially expected to roll off the Longbridge production lines late in 2007 but delays have put this back by several months. The TF LE 500 features the same mid engined powerplant as the previous TF while the styling has been subtly updated. Production for the TF belongs to Shanghai Automobile Corporation (SAIC), however the MG brand is owned by Nanjing Automobile Corpor ation (NAC). In order to get production moving the two Chinese giants had to join forces after extensive negotiations. Production is now due to start in August with the first deliveries in September.Meanwhile the MG design team based in Warwickshire are working on the TF's replacement. The new car will be based on the platform developed to replace the Rover 45/MG ZS and take styling cues from the MG SV supercar and X80 concept. The rear wheel drive design is likely to be front engined and larger than the current roadster. Power i...
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Toyota Prius Convertible by NCE
2008-05-05 16:28:00
Newport Convertible Engineering have put together a bespoke Toyota Prius Convertible for an unnamed client. The prius is one of the best known hybrid cars on the market bringing in excellent fuel economy for a car of it's size. Perhaps the owner was looking for a guilt free open top cruiser without the wait for any of the electric offerings currently in the pipeline.The California firm have been producing convertible versions of fixed roof cars for over 25 yearsIt's interesting that none of the mass manufacturers have yet to realise that people may want a car that is both kind to the environment AND fun. Perhaps this convertible will give some inspiration.
More About: Toyota Prius

Evisol Thorr electric sports car
2008-05-03 22:52:00
While the Tesla Roadster and Venturi Fétish already offer high performance with zero emissions these may be beyond the budget of most motorists. Dutch company Evisol think they have the answer. Their Thorr combines light weight with a potent electric power source to make this minimal roadster a force to be reckoned with.Loosely based on the Lotus Seven and sharing it's stripped down spirit, the Thorr tips the scales at 755kg. In fact it not only lacks luxuries of power steering and ABS, it doesn't even stretch to a windscreen. Match that to a Siemens-sourced electric motor and a set of lithium-polymer batteries giving a peak power delivery of 272 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque and the result is a 0-60mph time of less than 4 seconds. The most interesting difference with electric power over conventional fuels is that all that power is on tap from zero revs per minute an the high revving motor takes away the need for gears.
More About: Sports , Electric

2008 Cadillac CTS Convertible by Coach Builders
2008-05-01 09:53:00
Those looking for something both individual and practical need look no further than Coach Builders Ltd's latest creation. The fully convertible version of the 2008 Cadillac CTS turns this award winning car into a sporty drop-top. This latest addition to Coach Builders' range of convertibles is a sure way of standing out from the crowd. The company offer conversions on several US built cars which compliment the lines of the original design without the hacked about look of conversions of the past. With the lack of choice in the mass produced market for larger 5 seat and 4 door convertibles these cars offer a viable alternative for those who don't want to sacrifice fun for practicality.The Cadillac's top can be made in a choice of colours to compliment your car's paintwork and interior. For convenience all tops have hydraulic power, insulation and full fabric headliners to match your interior. Also fitted is a heated glass rear window designed specifically for each model.To stop t...
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BMW M3 Convertible goes on sale
2008-04-29 01:29:00
The new BMW M3 Convertible has now gone on sale here in the UK. Priced at £54,760 on-the-road, BMW expects to sell approximately 900 M3 Convertibles in a full year. This compares to 1,900 M3 Coupés and 400 M3 Saloons.Not only is the new open-topped M3 the first M car to feature a Retractable Hard-Top, it's the first M3 Convertible to be powered by a hkgh revving V8 engine and the first BMW to feature an all-new seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox.The new M3 Convertible produces more than twice the power of the original 1988 model, yet the spirit and design philosophy remains the same. With outputs of 420hp and 400 Nm, and following the precedent set by its forebears, the M3 Convertible engine comfortably breaks the all-important 100hp per litre barrier. What's more, despite it's extra weight, the new model has a power to weight ratio that is over 10 per cent higher than the outgoing E46 M3 Convertible – i...
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Daihatsu Copen gets 5 year warranty
2008-04-29 00:41:00
British customers of Daihatsu 's cute Copen sportscar will now receive five years’ unlimited mileage warranty plus five years’ UK roadside recovery. The offer is not transferable and applies to all retail sales. It runs until the end of the year when it will be reviewed.The introduction of a new 1.3 litre engine last year plus a £2,500 price cut, the curvy Copen is enjoying an enthusiastic following with supplies still not keeping up with demand.Popular for it's fun styling and effortless electric metal folding roof, the revised Copen costs £11,495 on-the-road.This is despite having alloy wheels, air-conditioning, remote central-locking, radio/CD player, boot spoiler and many more standard features.>> Furter details of the Daihatsu Copen
More About: Warranty , Year

Brabus SLK
2008-04-21 23:56:00
Brabus have released there new customisation program for the latest face-lifted Mercedes-Benz SLK. The program consists of aerodynamic enhancements, custom alloy wheels, suspension as well as a power upgrade.Brabus' 6.1 litre version of Mercedes' V8 engine takes the power up from 360 hp to a hefty 445 hp compared to the AMG 5.5 litre unit. All this power is transfered to the wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox and Brabus' own limited-slip differential. Brabus claim all this results in a 0-62 mph time of just 4.3 seconds leading to a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h).The selection of Brabus 17-19 inch custom alloy wheels are pinned to the road by sports suspension springs which lower the car by 30mm all round. Meanwhile stopping power is increased by six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 355 mm vented and slotted discs in front and 300 mm discs with four-piston aluminum fixed calipers at the rear.For the new aerodynamic body parts wind tunnel testing was used to maximis...
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Live online convertible car auctions
2008-04-06 15:16:00
BCA Blackbushe will be staging two special Live Online UK convertible sales on behalf of LloydsTSBautolease and Black Horse on the 14th and 28th April.The sales are expected to attract hundreds of buyers from all over the country to bid on the 200 or more convertibles featuring at each event. Additional buying power will be generated by BCA’s Live Online internet bidding service, which is open to all account card customers and Black and Gold loyalty card holders who are unable to attend in person.Both events are expected to feature a wide selection of convertibles ranging in value from under £5,000 to over £50,000 with a mix of business, ex-lease and finance cars on offer. All the cars will be pre-sale prepared by BCA Smart Prepared to look their very best.There is a mouth-watering selection of vehicles already entered for the first sale including Audi A4 and TT, BMW 3-series, M3, Z3 and Z4, Chrysler Crossfire, Lotus Elise, Mazda MX5, Mercedes CLK and SLK, MG-TF, Porsche Boxst...
More About: Auctions , Convertible

Convertible Car Magazine - Spring Edition
2008-03-27 16:52:00
The second edition of Convertible Car Magazine is available to download now.It's a free car magazine and readers don't even need to sign up or log in to download the PDF. This issue we have a whole raft of new convertibles and concepts as well as reviews and previews of some of this year's most exciting new cars. On the cover and featured inside is the gorgeous new Alfa Romeo 8C Spider which we look at along with the new BMW M3 Convertible and Audi A3 Cabriolet among many others.The new magazine is available now for free download at Convertible Car Magazine.
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2008 Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet
2008-03-08 13:55:00
Ford's folding hardtop Focus model has received a face-lift in time for the Geneva Motor Show. The changes are mostly cosmetic with new front end styling and an updated interior. Engines remain the same with 1.6 and 2.0 litre petrol engines as well as a 2.0 litre diesel. The convertible roof is also unchanged as an efficient two-piece folding hardtop.The Focus Coupe-Cabriolet is built on Ford's behalf by Pininfarina at their Bairo plant, near Turin in Italy. Despite requests from US drivers it remains only available in Europe. Ford's decision not to market this car in the US may lie with Pininfarina's manufacturing contract and the cost of imports however the Volvo C70 is based on the same platform and sells in both continents.>> Further details and wallpaper images of the Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet
More About: Ford , 2008

2008 Opel/Vauxhall Tigra
2008-02-25 00:13:00
Back in the 70's manufacturers went through a phase of putting vinyl roofs on cars to give them the romantic look of a convertible. The fashion passed but GM are exploring a similar concept with their Opel and Vauxhall Tigra TwinTop model.The standard Tigra has an effective folding electro-hydraulic hardtop giving the owners the pleasure of a full convertible with the security of a hardtop. The new “Illusion” keeps the quick-changing TwinTop but this time it is covered in a Bordeaux red canvas, which gives the car the soft-top look of a classic fabric-roofed cabrio. It's certainly an interesting progression in a market where soft and hard tops each have their place. This variant also comes with many standard features, such as leather trim, heated seats, air conditioning, MP3-compatible CD-Radio, on-board computer, two-layer metallic/pearlescent-effect lacquer, aluminum sport pedals, color-coordinated safety belts and footwell mats, as well as 17-inch light alloy wheels in bi-c...
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2008 Alfa Romeo Spider
2008-02-22 14:05:00
Alfa Romeo have updated their Spider model for 2008 with some genuine improvements rather than the reshaped plastic panels we have seen from other manufacturers.The Spider benefits from modifications to both the wheels and suspension to reduce weight where it effects driving the most. This in turn should give sharper handling and small improvements in economy and performance.The new Spider also benefits from a new Q2 differential system which balances torque between the wheels, improving performance and reducing both wheel spin and torque steer. This has proved a real benefit on some of Alfa's other models, particularly those putting lots of torque through the front wheels.Inside is a sprinkling of useful new gadgets including a dual-zone climate control system and a new satellite navigation system. There are new, more figure hugging seats and the dashboard has been improved with better quality materials and a more sporty layout.Visual changes come in the form of new 18-inch alloy ...
More About: Alfa Romeo , Alfa

Rinspeed build a submersible convertible
2008-02-15 12:43:00
Have you ever had dreams of being like James Bond, driving a white Lotus into the sea? Well this dream has been made a reality by Swiss design company Rinspeed . Their Squba is so far a one-off experiment to create a car that performs as well underwater as it does on the roads.This is done by electric power which removes the need for an air supply and cuts emissions to zero. The amphibious convertible has three electric motors. One drives the wheels and a further two power a pair of propellors at the rear. At the front are two Seabob jet drives which control the vehicle underwater.Unfortunately, being a convertible the driver does not share Mr Bond's cocooned comfort and must use a scuba mask for an air supply.The Squba makes it's debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show.
More About: Build , Convertible

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL AMG
2008-02-09 14:05:00
Following the first shots of the new Mercedes -Benz SL, now come pictures of the AMG versions of the car. The more aggressive look continues and is added to by a full body kit, new wheels and a leather and carbon fibre interior.The engines have also been revised with the SL55 being replaced by a more powerful SL63. The SL63 retains the V8 engine but in a highly modified form increasing the AMG's naturally-aspirated powerplant to a capacity of 6.2 litres and resulting in an output of 538 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Also added is a seven-speed twin-clutch SpeedShift MCT (Multi-Clutch Transmission) with four drive modes. This promises smoother, faster gear changes for a more responsive drive. If that's not enough, performance options include a limited-slip rear differential, ceramic front brake discs and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with metal shift paddles.The V12 powered SL65 AMG is retained but with fewer mechanical updates than it's V8 sibling. Both of these roadsters ...
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2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
2008-02-05 10:18:00
The Mitsubishi Eclipse receives a facelift for 2008 (though some manufacturers insist on referring to this year's cars as 2009 models). Under the skin there is little changed although a new rear end with dual exhaust system squeeze an extra 2 hp out of the V6 engine giving a total of 265 hp.The main changes are the usual nose and tail modifications. With the Eclipse this means a blacked out front bumper giving the effect of a gaping mouth in the same style as the latest Lancer Ralliart and EVO X. It certainly gives the car a much more aggressive look.The Eclipse is manufactured in the US and focuses on the local market. It has been criticised for it's handling which is typical of a high powered, front heavy, front-wheel-drive car though this compromise gives considerably more interior and luggage space. The folding roof remains a compact fabric affair with a heated glass rear window.>> Further details and wallpaper images of the current Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

2008 Mercedes Benz SL
2008-02-02 11:17:00
Mercedes Benz have revealed their new SL model, due to reach showrooms in the Spring. Most noticeable is the new more aggressive styling. The wider front radiator grille with it's single horizontal louvre and twin bonnet bulges draw inspiration from the SLs 50 year history, while the new headlamps, which are drawn deeply into the flanks, further emphasis the impression of breadth at the front end.At the rear of the new-generation SL the more sporty styling continues with a diffuser-style bumper and reshaped exhaust tailpipes. The base model SL 350 receives a sporty new high revving engine giving not only a boost in power up from 245hp to 315hp but also a small improvement in fuel economy. This reduction in fuel consumption is carried through to the larger engined SL 500 and SL 600 giving a 3% improvement.Also among the many new additions is the option of a direct-steer system which provides more responsive handling by variably adjusting the steering rack ratio.
More About: Mercedes , Mercedes Benz , Mercedes-Benz , 2008

BMW M3 Convertible
2008-01-18 11:07:00
The first official pictures of the new BMW M3 Convertible have arrived ahead of schedule due to a breach of the press embargo. The new car introduces a new super-fast DKG dual clutch 7-speed transmission and combines it with the folding hard roof of the other 3-series convertibles and the V8 engine from the M3 coupe.More information will be revealed in our forthcoming magazine.

Lexus LF-A Roadster concept, the shape of things to come?
2008-01-15 12:40:00
Although this car looks very much a concept it may give clues to the design of a new Lexus convertible currently being tested and due for launch later this year replacing the SC430. The LF-A concept is based on an earlier coupe design and is powered by a 5 litre V10 engine which Lexus predict would be good for 200mph. The gear change is provided by a sequential system and along with the carbon fibre and aluminium construction suggest a more sporting outlook to the previously more sedate marque.>> Further details and wallpaper images of the Lexus SC430
More About: Shape , Things , Concept , Roadster

Audi TT-S Roadster
2008-01-13 14:09:00
Audi are celebrating the tenth anniversary of their TT by unveiling the new S version of the car in both coupe and cabriolet form at the Detroit show and adding it to their performance range for the first time. Naturally it features Audi's Quattro four-wheel-drive system and power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo FSI four cylinder engine producing 268 hp and 350Nm peak torque. This gives the Roadster a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds, a limited top speed of 155mph and combined fuel economy of 29.3mpg.Suspension, steering and brakes are all revised to complement the enhanced performance while the standard Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system should give optimum handling composure.On the outside bi-xenon headlamps are standard along with the Audi family LED strip daytime running lights. At the front is a redesigned front apron with larger air intakes which link to deeper side skirts and 18-inch alloy wheels. While at the rear the revised bumper has four tailpipes protruding from its ex...
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Hummer HX concept
2008-01-13 14:01:00
Producer of large all-terrain and military vehicles Hummer have produced this concept to gauge whether it can tap into the long established Jeep Wrangler market.The design is clearly part of the Hummer family but the HX has a modular roof panel arrangement which gives options ranging from a convertible layout to a fastback coupe in the style of the new BMW X6.The 3.6 litre V6 engine powers all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission and front and rear locking differentials. All that should mean that the HX is a capable off-roader while the youthful styling would attract those living the California lifestyle. The Hummer HX makes its debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit today.
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Meals on wheels
2008-01-09 14:20:00
For those who want a new Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster without the 12 month waiting list, pukka chef Jamie Oliver might be able to do you a deal. His car has been delivered unused to Coys auction house in London directly from the Aston Martin factory. The Roadster is supplied in Black with a black leather interior. It is fitted with the paddle shift gear change option and in fact every other factory option, including red brake callipers, satellite navigation, telephone kit, top of the range Bose Hi-Fi sound system and electrically-operated seats.Perhaps he just changed his mind or perhaps he saw the investment potential of selling a new Aston without a waiting list and his own brand attached to it, at an inflated price.>> Further details and wallpaper images of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster
More About: Wheels , Meals

2008 Mercedes SL
2007-12-31 11:59:00
Mercedes-Benz have released this teaser view of 2008 's revised SL. The only image so far available is of the range topping SL 65 AMG with 612 horsepower twin-turbo V12 under it's re-styled bonnet.The rear features an aggressive new diffuser under the bumper. Rumours suggest the front end will receive a more dramatic design modification to keep in line with the new C-Class but this is yet to be confirmed.The SL 55 AMG will be dropped from the the model range and be replaced by the SL 63 AMG with a larger 6.3 litre V8, 525 horsepower engine and AMG's seven-speed 'Speedshift' gearbox.The official launch of the 2008 Mercedes SL is expected to arrive during January.>> Further details and wallpaper images of the current Mercedes-Benz SL>> Further details and wallpaper images of the current Mercedes Benz SL AMG
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GM recalls 313,000 vehicles
2007-12-22 16:33:00
General Motors have announced a recall of more than 313,000 Saturn, Pontiac and Cadillac vehicles around the globe to fix a rear-axle seal that may leak and cause the cars to lose control and crash."A fluid leak in the rear-axle pinion seal may cause the vehicles' rear differential to lock up, possibly causing a loss of control" GM said in a letter to NHTSA.The company said it had received a “higher than normal” number of warranty claims for the faulty seal. Two crashes were reported, one involved an injury caused by moving around inside the car as the vehicle lost control.The recall effects the 2007 Saturn Sky and 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice both of which are based on GM's Kappa rear-wheel-drive compact performance platform.
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2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
2007-12-21 09:52:00
Mercedes-Benz have released the first official images of the new SLK Class Roadster. this updated car features 650 new parts of which the most obvious are the new nose and tail body sections. The nose continues the Formula 1 inspired theme further while the rear benefits from a diffuser-style lower section and new tail lights.All of the engines in the new 2008 line-up are more economical on fuel and have lower emissions despite a an increase in power in many cases. The V6 of the SLK 350 has received special attention and now generates 305 hp a rise of 33 hp over its predecessor. The various modifications to this engine now allow it to red-line at 7200 rpm rather than the previous 6800 rpm.Mercedes have developed a new direct-steer system for the SLK which will be standard in the SLK 55 AMG version and an option for the other models. This system allows variable steering assistance to give better feel for sporting driving. The SLK 55 AMG is technically unchanged but will receive a new...
More About: Mercedes , Mercedes Benz , Mercedes-Benz

Loder1899 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante
2007-12-04 11:44:00
German tuner Loder1899 have managed to squeeze an extra 40hp out of Aston Martin 's V8 Vantage by fitting a specially developed exhaust. The heady total of 425hp is achieved by optimizing the shape for least resistance and a stainless steel sport catalytic converter. Loder also claim that their modifications give a sound which has "more substance". Not a fault we had ever noticed as this is when of the best sounding cars you could imagine.In addition to the sports exhaust the Loder1899 car unveiled at the Essen Motor Show features a selection of carbon fiber accessories, new 20 inch Vertigo Viginti alloy wheels and a 35mm lowering kit to finish off the look.>> Further details and wallpaper images of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

Audi A3 Cabriolet launch
2007-12-03 10:49:00
The much anticipated Audi A3 Cabriolet has been announced and will see it's public launch at the Bologna Motor Show. Apparently focusing only on the European market the A3 will be available with a choice of 2 petrol and 2 diesel engines, all cars being front-wheel-drive.The compact four seater comes with a power operated fabric folding roof giving excellent luggage space and versitility. In fact, the Cabriolet even has folding rear seats so that the luggage space can be maximised whether the roof is up or down. The roof can also be operated at speeds up to 30 km/h.It will be interesting to see how the Audi compares to BMW's 1-Series when they reach our roads in the summer.
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TechArt Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
2007-11-20 11:45:00
For those who find that quick is never quick enough Germany based tuning house TechArt will unveil this latest creation at the Essen Motor Show on Friday. Their upgraded Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet , named the 'TechArt Turbo Cabriolet' sees a multitude of performance enhancements for this highly capable car.Their modifications include a raise in power by 50hp to 630hp through larger turbos, carbon air intake, sport air filter, custom fabricated intercoolers and stainless steel exhaust with high-flow catalytic converters. TechArt also performed wind tunnel testing to perfect their aerodynamic body package.These modifications result in a 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) time of just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 345 km/h (214mph). We can only imagine what it might be like traveling at such speeds with the roof down!>> Further details and wallpaper images of the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

Audi R8 Roadster
2007-11-17 16:18:00
At Convertible Car Magazine we are rarely ones to get into wild speculation. The web is always full of rumours related to cars under development and concepts being brought to reality. We however prefer to keep quiet until we have some fairly solid confirmation of the reality.That said, when the totally unfounded rumour of an Audi R8 Roadster reached us we couldn't help getting our scissors out to get an idea of what it could look like. With the R8 being based on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform, of which there is a rather magnificent Spyder model, it is a distinct possibility that the popular R8 could get the same treatment. However VW group would not want to damage sales of the higher priced Lamborghini and with the likelyhood of a takeover bid by Porsche in the not too distant future, who knows what lies ahead.

Suzuki Makai
2007-11-17 14:50:00
The 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport has been given the California treatment for the latest in the Suzuki LIVE Series intended to create transport for "adventurers and thrill-seekers".The sunset orange Makai concept is designed to make the ride to the beach just as enjoyable as the beach itself. A shaved windscreen and targa rear hoop support custom surfboard mounting rack and dual matching sunset orange trimmed boards. The Makai's al fresco cabin is complete with custom interior components, including ventilated, suspended seats in all four positions, a high output audio system, Momo Sport steering wheel and colour-keyed interior accent lighting.The Makai concept was launched at the Los Angeles Motor Show where orange seems to be the order of the day.

Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro
2007-11-15 02:02:00
Audi have been exploring niche markets again and have come up with an all-road convertible presumably for those wanting to enjoy the top-down lifestyle where roads are poor or lacking at all.A 240hp 3 litre TDI V6 engine powers Audi's famous Quat tro permanent four-wheel-drive system on an enourmous 4.62 m long, 1.91 m wide chassis. For convertible fans, Audi say that the "muscular, powerful, but also elegant Cross Cabriolet quattro offers a new dimension in spaciousness: as an SUV, the Cross Cabriolet quattro provides its occupants with copious headroom, legroom and shoulder width in addition to an off-roader's typical height and comfortable sitting position. So when cruising along the beachfront, for instance, all four occupants can enjoy the open-air experience to the full."Here at CCM we can't make up our minds if it's the best of both worlds or a Jack-of-all-trades.
More About: Audi