December 2006
Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe
Rolls Royce have chosen the Detroit Auto Show to launch their eagerly awaited Drophead Coupe. As you might expect from the marque, this is a large, luxurious and powerful 2-door convertible.
Unusual features include rear hinging 'suicide' doors, a chrome finished bonnet panel and a wood paneled tonneau cover.
Power comes from a 6.8-liter V12 engine sourced from the Phantom sedan which is enough to take this 5800 lb car from Zero to 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds and on to a limited 130mph.
The Drophead Coupe is based closely on the 100EX concept with only small changes to make production of the car viable.
Rolls Royce's previous convertible, the Corniche, was based on the Bentley Azure platform and was only in production for two years (2000-2002) before the Crewe manufacturing plant was dedicated completely to Bentley.
December 2006
Mercedes Benz Ocean Drive Concept
Mercedes' latest concept launching at the Detroit Auto Show is testing the water for a large four door convertible. The luxurious cruiser is based on the S600 saloon and called 'Ocean Drive'.
The car is laden with top-of-the range luxuries but it's unique feature is it's smooth, pillarless four doors. It's a feature that has been seen before in the 1950's and 60's but in recent years it has been considered as a feature which results in far too much chassis flexibility. Mercedes are obviously hard at work to over come this but it may be some time before.
Being a based on the S Class this is a big car with far more interior space than we are accustomed to from a convertible.
Rumour has it that this car is a prototype in development rather than just a show car so we may be able to look forward to seeing something like this on the roads in the next few years.
December 2006
Mazda MX-5 now complete with iPods
Mazda UK have added iPod connections to the audio equipment of all MX5 Roadster Coupe models and are also equipping every car with one of Apple's iPod Nanos. The iPod is connected in the glove box and can be operated using the steering-wheel mounted audio controls.
The Roadster Coupe is the latest generation of the MX-5 convertible and the first to feature a folding hardtop. Unlike most cars of this type, the roof folds vertically behind the seats and does not reduce luggage space or raise the height of the rear of the car.
December 2006
Mini Sidewalk Convertible
Mini have added a-top-of-the-range convertible called the Sidewalk. It is available as an equipment level for the One, Cooper and Cooper S and combines over £(GBP)8000 worth of additional options to the car. And this for only £6000 extra.
The Mini Sidewalk Convertible boasts leather upholstery and sports seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, a multi-function steering wheel and the additional option of CVT transmission, while a six-speed auto gearbox can be fitted to the Cooper version.
The car is due to be launched at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit on the 10th January.
December 2006
Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Chyrysler chose the Los Angeles Auto Show to launch their new Sebring Convertible. It slots into the gap between the average mid-sized coupe convertibles and the premium brand cars. It has an excellent level of standard equipment and a range of engines for both American and European markets. In America it will be available with either vinyl, cloth or steel folding tops but only the hard roof will be made for European customers.
The Sebring has no stunning new features to offer but it does boast large luggage capacity, even with the roof down, which is rare in this sector. Chrysler claim it has enough space for two sets of golf clubs which clearly shows the target market for this car.
