June 2007
2007 Porsche Boxster and Boxster S
Porsche has refreshed it's boxster range with considerable engine modifications. The power units now feature Porsche's VarioCam Plus variable valve timing and lift system. In addition the Boxster S has been enlarged from 3.2 to 3.4 litres. All this means that both models see a moderate increase in power and torque, resulting in small improvements in performance.
The revised optional Tiptronic S transmission features new hydraulics and electronics to improve responsiveness, and also provides variable shift programs. Combined with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the sporting characteristics of both these mid-engined roadsters are enhanced. With the Sport mode engaged, up- and downshifts are only made at engine speeds above 3000 rpm, and downshifts for engine braking are subject to less delay and take place at higher engine speeds. In the manual-shift mode, up-shifts are not made automatically when the engine reaches its rev limiter.
>> Furter details of the Porsche Boxster
June 2007
Mercedes-Benz four-door convertible
Mercedes-Benz has approved the S600-based 'Ocean Drive' concept for production in the 2011 model year. It will join another luxury four-seat convertible, the Audi A7 cabriolet. The two cars will not be direct competitors however as the Mercedes is expected to be considerably larger than the Audi as well as more expensive.
The car could be powered by any of the S-Class's engines including the V12 which is a good thing as to keep a convertible of this size rigid will need considerable and heavy chassis stiffening.
June 2007
2008 Audi RS4 Convertible revealed
Audi has revealed its new 2008 Audi RS4 Cabriolet along with the announcement that for the first time it will be available in the US. Previously the US market was only treated to the RS4 saloon (production of which is now being wound up) despite the convertible and Avante models being available in Europe.
The RS4 Cabriolet shares the same high-revving 420 bhp 4.2 V8 FSI engine found in the RS4 saloon. The Cabriolet will also share the six-speed manual gearbox, quattro four-wheel-drive featuring the asymmetrical dynamic torque split, 19” alloy wheels and sport-tuned suspension.
Approximately 300 of the limited-production RS 4 Cabriolets will be sold in the U.S. The RS 4 Cabriolet models will arrive in fall of 2007.
>> Furter details of the Audi RS4 Cabriolet
June 2007
2007 Porsche 911 Convertibles
Porsche have released their 911 Turbo and 911 Carrera Cabriolets for 2007. The cars are based closely on the coupe models and clearly show Porsche's policy of continued evolution and refinement of the 911 brand.
As we would expect from Porsche, both of these convertibles have exceptional performance. Both have the traditional horizontally opposed “flat” six-cylinder engine mounted at the rear of the car. In the Carrera it provides 325 horsepower in its 3.6-litre version and 355 horsepower in the larger, 3.8-litre variation found in the 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera S. The twin turbocharged version of this engine in the 911 Turbo produces 480bhp and features the overboost function of the coupe, so torque increases from 457lb ft to 502lb ft during hard acceleration.
These figures translate to a 193mph top speed and propel the 911 Turbo from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds if you opt for the Tiptronic S transmission. The traditional stick-shift getting there just 0.2 seconds behind.
The new cabriolets feature a selection of updated features such as tire-pressure monitoring technology as standard equipment as well as weight saving features to keep their performance comparable with the coupes.
The 911 Turbo Cabriolet goes on sale in the UK from September 8 and will cost £106,180.
>> Furter details of the Porsche 911 Cabriolet
