November 2006
Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster
Lamborghini have released the latest Murciélago Roadster which has several modifications not least an increase in engine capacity to give 640 horsepower.
The LP640 Roadster is a convertible version of the latest Murciélago Coupe and shares its 6.5-litre V12 engine which red lines at 8,000rpm and develop a meaty 486lb ft of torque. That's enough to take it to 62mph/100kmph in a mere 3.4 seconds, storming on to a top speed of nearly 200mph.
The car was launched at this week's Los Angeles Auto Show but the first Roadsters won't be hitting the streets until next year.
Both chassis and body see some considerable revisions which are mostly made from carbon fibre in order to keep the weight down. Among the cosmetic additions are new wheels and rear light clusters along with a large single exhaust pipe which fits nicely into the new rear diffuser. Lamborghini do provide a canvas roof for the car but stress that it is only for temporary use at speeds of under 100mph.
> Read about the current Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster and download wallpaper in our buyers guide.
November 2006
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster
Aston Martin will unveil one of the most eagerly anticipated convertibles of the year when the V8 Vantage Roadster is revealed at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday 29th November.
The new model makes an outstanding car even more desirable with a slick traditional soft top which folds under twin leather fairings.
Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “The V8 Vantage Roadster is a pure sports car, a car that heightens the senses and provides a dynamically thrilling driving experience."
Perfectly proportioned, with a low, purposeful stance, the Vantage Roadster is uncompromisingly modern yet also incorporates classic Aston Martin design cues. The elegant lines are fused with traditional craftsmanship and striking 21st century style, with an interior hand-trimmed and finished in the finest quality genuine materials.
The Vantage Roadster will be built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters at Gaydon, near Warwickshire in the UK, joining the current Aston Martin line-up. This now comprises the flagship Vanquish S, the elegant DB9 coupe and convertible, and the agile V8 Vantage Coupe.
November 2006
200,000th Porsche Boxster
Porsche has reached a milestone of the 200,000th Boxster rolling off their Finnish production line. The ever popular and always impressive Boxster has never failed to meet production targets.
Not only has the Boxster been a force to be reckoned with in the mid-priced roadster sector but it has continually set higher and higher standards for the range topping 911 to surpass.
November 2006
TVR owners put up a last stand
The streets of London were brought to a standstill as TVR owners from all across Briton descended on Whitehall in a last ditch attempt to keep production within the UK.
As production levels at TVR have fallen over the last few years the company has struggled to survive. Owner, Russian businessman Nikolai Smolensky plans to outsource to a continental European contract assembler from next year after production halted two weeks ago.
479 TVRs of all models and ages passed through London to hand a petition to 10 Downing Street in the hope of bringing the matter to the government's attention.
November 2006
Smart fortwo cabriolet
Smart have unveiled a new fortwo as they attempt to tackle the US market. As before the car is available as a convertible but is now slightly larger and more powerful. Hood operation is now electric and can be opened or closed at any driving speed. Luggage and interior space have both increased but it will be interesting to see if the new fortwo will be as handy around town as the old one. The previous model's ability to park across the width of a parking space, the sort of half space nobody else could get into, may not be always possible for this 19 centimetre longer vehicle.
November 2006
BMW 3-Series Convertible
BMW have launched not only their new 3-Series Convertible but also their first car with a folding hardtop roof. They have taken their time developing this system rather than rushing in to follow the competition and the result is a sleek, elegant design. Where many cars with folding hardtops are made with awkward styling in order to fit in the technology, the 3-Series has been carefully considered. The rear of the car follows the same flowing lines as the coupe and isn't spoilt by any nasty lumps or bulges.
The new 3-series is being launched with two variants. The 328i has a 3.0 litre straight 6 engine producing 230 horsepower. Then 335i comes with the same 3.0 litre powerplant but with the edition of twin turbochargers taking power up to 300hp. Performance-wise the 335i convertible will reach 60mph in 5.5 seconds on its way to a 150mph top speed.
November 2006
Caresto V8 Speedster
Swedish coachbuilder have created this unusual hot-rod based on Volvo's 4.4 litre V8 engine and running gear. The engine is adapted to run on Bio-ethanol rather than petrol which sees an increase in power output of 25bhp taking it to 340bhp. The enigine is mounted behind the driver freeing up the long bonnet space for luggage. This also leaves a flat interior floor as gear changes are opporated by Volvo's 6 speed automatic box.
Body panels are handcrafted in aluminium and carbon composite and cover a custom fabricated tubular steel frame. To help keep the mid mounted engine cool, the rear decklid automatically opens when a preset temperature is reached inside the engine compartment. Interior is simple but high quality, with panels and seats dressed in finest Scottish leather. Caresto's goal is to produce and sell at least six examples of this model.
November 2006
Venturi Astrolab solar-powered convertible
Venturi, the Monaco based sportscar maker has launched the Astrolab an electro-solar hybrid vehicle. The Astrolab is a two seater electrically driven convertible car.
Driver and passenger ride in tandem to reduce wind resistance and non-essential equipment is kept to a minimum to cut down weight. Power comes from a bank of solar cells across the top of the vehicle charging NiMH Venturi NIV-7 liquid cooled batteries. If required, the batteries can also be powered by external power sources. The batteries give a range of 110km and a top speed of 120 km/hr.
