autoMedia Auto News Blog : Convertibles

Quick Take Test Drive: 2010 Lexus IS 350 C F-Sport

Editor — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:03:00 GMT

Sometimes you get lucky. And sometimes you get really lucky. We’ve been looking forward to testing the new Lexus IS C retractable hardtop convertible for a long time. Aimed squarely at competitors such as the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G37 retractable hardtops, the IS 250 C with a 204-hp V6 starts at $38,940, while the more powerful 306-hp IS 350 C starts at $44,390. Either model gets you a sophisticated looking 2-door coupe that transforms into an even-better looking open vehicle in just 20 seconds with the touch of a button. So about that lucky part — Well, we’d have been happy to test any IS C, but Lexus sweetened the deal with a very special IS 350 C, brimming with performance goodies from Lexus’ F-Sport catalog. And frankly, this transformed the car into the most exciting and well-balanced Lexus we have ever driven. Yes, even including the $58,000 416-hp, V8 IS F sedan. At first glance, our tester was a jaw-dropper. In Obsidian black, with a black leather interior, it was sleek and sophisticated. Sitting on its lowered suspension with massive charcoal 19-inch forged wheels, it was the epitome of badness. The IS had the performance goods to back up the looks. A beautiful stainless...(read more)

Fashion Week Connects Haute Couture and Cars

Editor — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:29:00 GMT

Planning for SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) 2009 is in the works for its November 3rd opening in Las Vegas. Ford will be the featured automaker, but accessories for nearly every make and model of car, truck and SUV will be on display for those who covet anything having to do with automotive customization. Mercedes-Benz kicked off its sponsorship of Fashion Week in New York September 10th with a super model that some may consider the ultimate fashion accessory: the 2010 Limited SL63 AMG Edition IWC.

The IWC reference comes from Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhauser, who has created a limited edition "Grosser Ingenieur" (Great Engineer) watch that will be featured at Fashion Week in connection to the car and delivered as a gift with purchase to the few and lucky buyers. Two hundred SL63 AMG Edition IWC roadsters will be built, with only 63 available to U.S. customers. The matte-finish Magno Cashmere White paint is the first of its kind on a Mercedes-Benz model. The roadster's interior features Tobago Brown Nappa leather and carbon fiber touches on the center console and door panels.

Each Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG roadster is powered by a 6.3-liter, 518-horsepower, AMG-autonomous V8, with 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Electronically-regulated top speed has been increased from 155 to 186 mph. A seven-speed MCT (multi-clutch technology) transmission features four shift modes and a double-clutch function, and eliminates the need to remove a left-foot stiletto. Finishing touches include 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, beefy AMG body moldings, and chrome double-twice pipes to finish the look.

~ Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

Freshened: 2010 Volvo C70 Convertible

admin — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:35:00 GMT

Ahead of its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid September, Volvo has released a sneak peek at the updated C70. The retractable hardtop sees significant changes ahead of the A-pillar for 2010, giving it a leaner, more sloped appearance. The front clip is all new, with fresh fenders, grille, headlights, and fascia. The grille protrudes more now, with a dramatic dog-legged design in the bumper cover that reminds of the Volvo XC70 styling.

The rear has been updated with bolder shapes and high-tech LED tail lamps, similar to those used on the Volvo XC60 crossover. The combined effect is a significantly updated exterior that suggests a ground-up redesign, which hasn’t happened.

The interior has a new instrument panel that is elegant in its Swedish simplicity. The slender center stack is pure art with four rotary dials flanking what looks like a television remote control. While an intriguing design, accessing the closely placed button while driving may be a challenge.

The sole powertrain is a turbocharged five-cylinder production 227 horsepower and 236 lbs.-ft. of torque.

The C70 will make its U.S. debut at the Miami auto show in late October.

Read our last Volvo C70 review.

25 in 24: GM Reveals New Models for its Core Brands

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:04:00 GMT

One month after it emerged from bankruptcy, General Motors reintroduced itself on Tuesday by revealing to journalists an array of all-new cars, crossovers, and trucks that will be debuting now through 2011. Watch a repeat of the webcast at this link.

Among the many offerings, GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson also confirmed that Cadillac is developing an entry premium sport coupe to capitalize on the growing market for smaller luxury vehicles in the U.S. and globally. The rear- and optional all-wheel drive ATS model will launch as a coupe to compete in the segment below the CTS, promising outstanding performance and driving dynamics. A sedan variant will arrive later.

At GM's Design Center and Milford Proving Ground, GM promised 25 new products in the next 24 months, and previewed six all-new 2010 vehicles as well as a glimpse of what will be introduced through the end of 2011:

Chevrolet alone will be releasing 10 new models, including the 2011 Volt (due Q4 2010), the miniscule Spark hatchback (debuted at the 2007 New York Auto Show and currently on sale in Asia, due Q1 2012), the next-gen Aveo, the compact Cruze sedan (due Q3 2010), the seven-seat Orlando crossover SUV, the Corvette Grandsport which outfits the current Corvette powertrain with the sporty appearance of the Z06, the completely redesigned next-gen Malibu, and a Camaro convertible (due Q2 2011).
Buick and GMC are adding 10 new entries. In addition to the lovely new 2010 LaCrosse sedan and library-quiet Enclave SUV on sale now, Buick will introduce a plug-in hybrid compact crossover in 2011 developed from the Saturn Vue, a brand-new small crossover "Baby Enclave" similar in size to the now-retired Pontiac Vibe, and a compact sedan promising premium content without a premium price. The Buick showcase was most intriguing, but because they sealed up the lenses of all our cameras with orange tape when we entered, I was unable to even sneak any blurry spy photos with my cell phone cam.
Cadillac is introducing five new models through 2011, and will be expanding its CTS lineup to include a sport wagon, the small ATS coupe and sedan, a gorgeous XTS full-size sedan that will replace the STS and DTS models, and the SRX crossover.

Repeating a familiar focus point of the new General Motors, Henderson emphasized the company's commitment to producing quality vehicles and an increased focus on customer satisfaction. "The key to restarting this company lies with GM's customers, cars and culture," Henderson said. "With four focused brands, we are committed to exceeding our current customers' expectations and giving consumers plenty of reasons to choose a Chevy, Buick, GMC or Cadillac car or truck."

Want to find out more about these vehicles? Check out more Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC products in the autoMedia.com Buyer's Guide.

By Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor

Mini to Add 17 New Dealers – Any Near You?

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:08:00 GMT

Mini has weathered the economic storm well, being laser-focused on fun, fuel-efficient vehicles. The larger Clubman broadened the brand’s appeal, and there is reported a new crossover type model now in the works. Where other company’s are cutting their dealer body by the hundreds, Mini is about to increase its by 20 percent over the next 18 months. (Read our Mini Cooper Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works reviews.)

Of course, that is a modest 17 new stores, added to the current 83. This speaks well to Mini USA’s health and future prospects. Further, it means Mini dealers will be more accessible to shoppers and owners. A critical weakness for consumers has been how few and far between dealers are, compounded by the fact that BMW dealers won’t service the Mini Coopers. This made it hard for owners, making routine maintenance a logistical challenge that may involve time off from work and considerable drives.

Well, that will soon change in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, Mini will later open dealerships in the following cities: Pensacola, Florida; Alexandria, Virginia; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Fort Myers, Florida; El Paso, Texas; Ontario, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Raleigh, North Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; Loveland, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin; Mount Laurel, New Jersey; Allentown, Pennsylvania; San Diego, California and Tempe, Arizona.

Research the Mini Cooper coupe, convertible, and Clubman in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.

Pricing: 2009 Infiniti G37

admin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:54:00 GMT

Infiniti has expanded its G line with a convertible model, now on sale starting at $43,850 with a seven-speed automatic transmission. For an additional $50, it can be had with a six-speed manual transmission. Just in time for summer, the G37 is a late 2009 model introduction.

The G Convertible features a three-piece power retractable hardtop, well-suited to for blue-sky, open-top driving at the push of a button, while being able to transform into a quiet, secure coupe as needed. To heighten the top-down experience, the convertible is fitted with a Bose Open Air Sound System, front seat personal speakers, climate-controlled front seats, and an adaptive climate control system that adjusts fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed.

Like the coupe and sedan versions, the convertible has a 3.7-liter V-6 engine. In this application, the engine produces 325 horsepower. Of the powertrain, in our sedan review, we wrote: "The 3.7-liter six is comfortably powerful, though the motor’s 328-hp rating sounds higher than it feels under foot. The seven-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and effectively widens the engine’s power band."

Major options:
Premium package: $3,250
Premium package - Sport 6MT: $3,050
Navigation package: $1,850
Technology package: $1,150
Sport package (with Premium package): $1,350
Sport package (without Premium package): $1,550
Performance tire & wheel package: $650
Wood trim: $550
Premier Edition: $3,000
19-inch wheels: $2,200

Read our 2009 Infiniti G37 review. Research Infiniti in the 2009 new car buyer's guide.

Sneak Peek: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

admin — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:23:00 GMT

Chevrolet has pushed the Corvette to its highest levels of performance, comfort, and quality with the C6. The base car stands tall against anything in the storied five decade history. Then there is the mighty 505-hp Z06 and downright exotic 638-hp ZR-1. And now, Chevy will resurrect another legendary moniker: Grand Sport.

Grand Sport history
Back in the Sixties, the Ford-powered Shelby Cobra was just beginning to dominate road-course racing. In retaliation, GM engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov took the then-new Corvette Sting Ray and whacked 1,000 pounds off the car, throwing everything that didn't contribute to speed into the dumpster. He employed a tubular chassis with aluminum reinforcements, and was rewarded with the Grand Sport, a Corvette that quickly proved to be a Mongoose capable of eating a Cobra—alive. Even though there were plans for 100 more Grand Sports, GM management scrapped the program, and the five originals disappeared from the track, melting into private hands.

Learn more about classic Corvette Grand Sports and how to build your own replica.

Modern Grand Sports
Last seen in 1996 to mark the close to the fourth-generation Corvette, the Grand Sport name denoted special C4s fitted with a more powerful, 330-hp LT4 V-8, rear wheel arch lips, bold white stripe running bumper to bumper, and red front fender hash marks. A total of 1,000 were made.

For 2010, the Grand Sport is a special edition, though doesn’t carry the enviable power boost its predecessor did. The ’10 Grand Sport will feature the familiar, and laudable, LS3 V-8 with 430 horsepower and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 horses.

Street and track performance is enhanced with the Z51 suspension package, bundling wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications; and specific gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of 1.0 g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60 mph acceleration compared against standard LS3-powered models. Braking is improved with Z06-sized discs, with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers at the rear. Functional brake ducts deliver extra cool air for these pizza-sized discs.

The exterior is distinguished with wider front and rear fenders, Z06-style front splitter, rear spoiler, unique 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, and obligatory badging. Unlike the C4 edition, the latest Grand Sport will be offered in all current Corvette colors. An available Heritage package adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery.

The Grand Sport can be ordered with 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim packages, too.

Read our Chevrolet Corvette and Corvette Z06 reviews, and research Corvette coupes and convertibles in the new car buyer’s guide.

Pricing: 2010 Lexus IS Convertible

admin — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:10:00 GMT

Lexus is introducing a new convertible version of its IS luxury sport sedans, with the IS250C starting at $38,490 when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. The IS250C with a six-speed automatic transmission will be $39,660. The IS350C will have a MSRP of $43,940. Add to those figures an $875 destination charge. These retractable hardtops join the IS range in May, well timed for warm weather.

These convertibles share their powertrains with the IS sedans, with the IS250C featuring 2.5-liter, 204-hp V-6 and the IS350C fitted with a 3.5-liter, 306-hp V-6. Where they differ, naturally, is with their top. A three-panel, aluminum roof retracts to transform the secure, quiet coupe into a sleek convertible. The doors are 11.8 inches longer than the IS sedans, and rear-seat access is aided by a simple, one-touch mechanism that slides and tilts the front seats forward.

Read our IS350 and high-performance IS F reviews.

Pricing: 2010 Ford Mustang

admin — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:11:00 GMT

Ford is about to release the 2010 Mustang from the corral, with a starting price of $20,995, excluding destination charges, for the V-6 coupe and $25,995 for the convertible. The V-8 powered GT coupe base price is $27,995; the GT convertible starts at $32,995. The Shelby GT500 Coupe has a MSRP of $46,325, while the GT500 Convertible starts at $51,225.

The base price is within a few hundred of the 2009 Mustang’s list price, though transaction prices have been notably lower in recent months.

The Mustang MSRP positions it competitively against the Dodge Challenger ($21,320) and the Chevrolet Camaro ($22,995). However, both of those coupes have more muscle, with the Challenger packing 250 horsepower and the Camaro boasting 300 horsepower in base trim.

Available this spring, the new Mustang features a new exterior and interior design, upgraded materials and a long list of must-have technologies and standard safety equipment – such as electronic stability control, all-speed traction control, antilock brakes, and front and side airbags. A key option is the factory-installed glass roof offered on the V-6 and GT premium models for $1,995.

Performance enthusiasts will lust for the Shelby GT500 offered as a coupe and convertible with 5.4-liter, 540 horsepower supercharged V-8.

Now is a great time to get a deal on the 2009 and previous Mustangs! Research the Mustang in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide, or browse the Mustang listing in our massive used-car marketplace.

RIP: Honda S2000 Retired After 2009

admin — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 03:24:00 GMT

It is official: After nine years of high-revving, corner-carving excitement, the Honda S2000 will be retired. First introduced in 1999, the S2000 was originally envisioned as a limited-edition tribute to Honda's 50th anniversary. Production was extended in response to customer demand and critical acclaim. It has served as the performance icon for the green-focused automaker, giving it sports car street cred, while remaining true to the core values of fuel economy, low emissions, and reliability.

Sold in 64 countries around the world, the S2000 has tallied more than 110,000 worldwide sales since its introduction. Over 65,000 S2000s have been sold in the United States, although this past year the S2000 sold just 2,500 stateside.

See our most-recent Honda S2000 review, and research the S2000 in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide. Interested in a used S2000? There are (coincidentally) more than 2,000 in our used-car listings.

Pricing: 2009 Porsche Boxster, Cayenne, Cayman, 911

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:56:00 GMT

Car prices tend to head in only one direction, up. Porsche holds true to this maxim as it announces minor increases for its Boxster, Cayenne, Cayman, and 911. On average, the per-model increase is $900.

First to take effect, the bump up on Cayenne and 911, with the new prices taking effect on February 3, 2009. (See our 2009 Porsche 911 preview.)

The 2009 Boxster starts at $46,600 for the base version and $56,700 for the Boxster S. The Cayman base price will be $50,300 for the base Cayman and $60,200 for the Cayman S.

For that coinage, both models feature new, more powerful flat-six engines with improved fuel efficiency. The 2.9-liter flat six cylinder develops 255 hp in the Boxster and 265 hp in the Cayman. The 3.4-liter power unit in the S versions, which benefits from Porsche’s Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), now delivers 310 hp in the Boxster S and 320 hp in the Cayman S. An innovative seven-speed double-clutch gearbox Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, aka PDK, is available.

In addition, these mechanical twins add new standard and optional features for the 2009 model, including Porsche Communication Management with touchscreen operation, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and iPod interface to name a few.

The updated Boxster and Cayman models go on sale in the U.S. in March of this year.

AUTO SHOW: Kia Soul’ster Open-Air Concept

Editor — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:57:00 GMT

It’s cold outside Cobo Center, home of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, but Kia’s Soul’r Yellow open-air concept vehicle—Soul’ster—radiated a lot of excitement at its debut. Based on the upcoming, unconventionally designed Kia Soul crossover, the Soul’ster is a two-door, four-seat convertible with a funky, hip attitude and LED headlamps, dual chrome exhaust tips, 19-inch wheels, non-floor-mounted “cantilevered” seats that when viewed from the side look like they’re suspended in air, tons of storage and a choice of possibly up to four engines, including a turbodiesel. “Soul’ster delivers something new, intriguing and relevant to today’s buyers—a fun, affordable convertible for active people who like to share good times with friends,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer, KMA.

Detroit Show Preview: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500

admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:58:00 GMT

With just days until the 2009 North American International Auto Show opens to auto industry guests, followed by public-access days, automakers continue to tease about upcoming production and concept car unveilings. At the LA Auto Show, we saw the next-generation Ford Mustang introduced. We have since reviewed the 2010 Mustang and can appreciate the basis for the latest treat to escape Ford’s pony corral, the drool-inducing Shelby GT500 variation.

Ford's Special Vehicle Team used the gains made on the 40th anniversary edition Shelby GT500KR "King of the Road" Mustangs as the performance starting point and built from there upon the revised 2010 Mustang platform. Like the KR, the new GT500 boasts 540 horsepower from a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine with a 6,250 rpm redline. The engine is rowed with an upgraded six-speed manual transmission, with revised gearing that sees fifth gear change from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50. Translation: the 2010 Shelby GT500 will turn lower engine RPMs in those gears and deliver improved fuel efficiency.

Carroll Shelby says, "Building on what we learned to create the Shelby GT500KR, this new car offers a great combination of power, handling and braking. It is truly a special car that is a great deal of fun to drive."

We look forward to testing that claim! The 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring 2009.

Learn about all the enhancements with the next-generation 2009 Ford Mustang in our review.

Unveiled: 2010 Mini Cooper Convertible

admin — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:55:00 GMT

Well ahead of its scheduled debut in January at the Detroit auto show, the next-generation Mini Cooper Convertible has been officially unveiled online. Following the pattern with the previous Mini, and also with each BMW 3 Series generation, the Mini hardtop has been on sale for a couple years before being joined by the redesigned convertible.

The new Convertible has a neat trick: there is a sliding roof section that can be opened while driving, like a moonroof, leaving the rest of the soft top up. This allows for spontaneous open-air motoring. The entire top can be lowered in just 15 seconds, and the transformation can occur at speeds up to 20 mph. A fun extra, the car has a unique Openometer next to the tachometer that challenges the driver to log as many top-down miles as possible by recording the hours spent open-air motoring.

To maximize the limited storage space, the split rear-seat backrests fold flat and there is a rear tailgate that exposes the luggage space. Behind the seatbacks is a single-piece rollover protection bar. It tucks neatly away without obstructing the driver’s visibility, and it moves into position automatically when a potential rollover is detected.

Like the hardtop, the Convertible will be offered with two 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine variants: 118 horsepower and 172 horsepower, with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection. For those seeking peak fuel economy, the base engine delivers among the best available in America. The turbo engine provides a good balance of spirited performance and fuel economy. Both engines come with a six-speed manual transmission, though a six-speed automatic is optional.

The new Mini Cooper Convertible sees a price increase from a base $22,600 to $24,550. The Cooper S Convertible shows a smaller increasing, moving from $26,050 to $27,450. All prices include the $650 destination charge.

Mini is accepting pre-orders for this certain-to-be-hot convertible, with the first deliveries expected to begin on March 28, 2009.

Read our last Mini Cooper Convertible review and our 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman review. Research Mini Coopers in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.

LA Show Preview: Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Convertible

admin — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:47:00 GMT

General Motors could use a ray of sunshine, and its day is coming with the Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Convertible concept schedule to make its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week. Underscoring the need, GM has disclosed that it will not have a press conference at this important event. With drastic budget cuts, the General has less eye candy to show off and a by-the-numbers business presentation would be depressing.

So, we have essentially an open-top version of a basic concept that has been shown repeatedly throughout the world over the last couple of years. (For example, the 9-X BioHybrid.) In fact, at the recent Paris Motor Show, Saab presented this convertible and a coupe version of the 9-X Air. OK, we get it. Saab wants to offer a three-door hatchback. Maybe a convertible.

This concept is a four seater powered by a small, 1.4-liter Saab BioPower engine that combines turbocharging, biofuels, and hybrid technology. Running on E85 fuel, the engine delivers 200 horsepower and uses GM’s next-generation hybrid system to deliver performance, fuel economy, and squeaky clean emissions.

In LA, green and sunshine should play well in the massive convention center.

For more on the Saab line of concept vehicles, read "Future-tech: Saab 9-X BioHybrid."

Research Saab in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.