August 2007
Callaway C16 Speedster
Callaway Cars launched their flagship model the C16 Speedster at the Pebble Beach Concourse d'Elegance. Like the other convertible cars in the Callaway range the Speedster is based on the current Corvette but receives radical modifications.
Underneath the car's bodywork lies a supercharged, intercooled, 6.2L all-alloy hand-built powerplant produces 700hp and 660lb-ft of torque, propelling the Speedster from 0 to 60 in an estimated 3.2 seconds. Maximum speed of the C16 Speedster is over 210 mph.
Overall handling and road feel is transmitted by a newly developed Callaway/Eibach Multi-Pro coil-over suspension system. This joint development effort produced an advanced spring/damper system, featuring 10-position compression and rebound adjustability, allowing the driver to customize settings for specific road conditions.
A unique element the Speedster shares with its C16 siblings – Coupe and Cabriolet – are Callaway/Dymag Carbon wheels that weigh approximately 40-percent less than the lightest aluminum wheels, significantly reducing unsprung weight for improved acceleration, cornering and braking. These TUV- and DOT-tested wheels feature forged magnesium spiders surrounded by carbon fiber rims and measure 19" x 10" front and 20" x 13" rear. Residing behind the wheels is a Callaway / StopTech brake system, which utilizes 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers gripping 355mm x 32 mm rotors.
The C16 Speedster was penned and modeled by Paul Deutschman, designer of the original 1990 Callaway Speedster. Every body panel has been redesigned and a hand-tooled German leather interior adds exclusivity. Door sills, the steering wheel and dash area all carry signature Callaway badging. Each Speedster is tailored to the buyer's specifications, including interior and exterior colors and a personalized build plate.
The Callaway C16 Speedster will be available for purchase in the autumn of 2007 and starts at $305,000 USD. Speedster No.1 of the series will be delivered to its new owner at Pebble Beach.
August 2007
Citroën C3 Pluriel
Citroën are running cashback offers throughout August for the UK market along with the introduction of a new 'Kiwi' special edition of its convertible supermini, the C3 Pluriel.
The new Kiwi model comes in a unique, eye-catching yellow/green metallic body colour and features alloy wheels and a luxurious air conditioned all-black leather upholstered interior, with leather finish to the door handles and steering wheel.
At the same time Citroën has added a number of style upgrades to the funky C3 Pluriel Cote d’Azur. There are two body colours (Pearlescent Black and Ivory), new body-coloured bumper inserts, rubbing strips and door handles, as well as enhancements to the interior trim that include ivory coloured seat-backs and a translucent ruby gear knob.
C3 Pluriel Kiwi and Cote d’Azur models are both equipped with the 75hp 1.4i petrol engine. Prices for the cars including the cashback offer are £10,995 for the Cote d’Azur and £12,495 for the C3 Pluriel Kiwi.
>> Further details and images of the Citroën C3 Pluriel convertible
July 2007
New Saab 9-3 Convertible range
The new Saab 9-3 range features bold, more assertive looks, reflecting a series of power train improvements and more powerful diesel, petrol and BioPower flex-fuel engines. The 1.8 and 2.0 turbo BioPower engines are designed to run on both fossil fuels and organically produced bio ethanol, providing convertible drivers with a more environmentally friendly alternative.
The distinctive frontal styling, inspired by Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept car, is designed to reinforce the range’s sporty appeal.
The new 9-3 convertible range features a powerful new four cylinder diesel engine with a unique twin turbocharging system, giving class-leading levels of efficiency. The 1.9-litre, 16-valve engine, badged TTiD, produces 180 hp (132 kW) and 400 Nm of maximum torque
The 1.9 TTiD will be available to order a few months after launch of the rest of the new 9-3 convertible range this September.
>> Further details and images of the Saab 9-3 convertible
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
May 2007
First IIHS crash safety tests for convertibles
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have conducted their first ever crash tests of convertible cars. A selection of ten of the world's best selling convertibles were rated. The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The first requirement for a vehicle to become a Top Safety Pick is to earn good ratings in all three Institute tests. A new requirement for 2007 is that the winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control. This addition is based on Institute research indicating that ESC significantly reduces crash risk, especially the risk of fatal single vehicle crashes, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency manoeuvres.
The Saab 9-3 and Volvo C70 earn the Insurance Institute's "Top Safety Pick" award for superior crash protection. The performances of the 9-3 and C70 are impressive," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "These cars combine what convertible buyers should look for if they're shopping with safety in mind. The Saab and Volvo not only provide good protection in high-speed front and side crashes but also have good seat and head restraint designs for protecting against whiplash in rear crashes."
May 2007
Mercedes Benz McLaren SLR Roadster
Mercedes have officially confirmed that a Roadster version of the McLaren SLR coupe will be going into production. The new car is expected to closely resemble the Vision SLR concept pictured here when it is launched. The first sight of the convertible SLR will most likely be at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Performance is expected to be similar to the SLR Coupe with a 0-60 mph time of less than four seconds and a top speed of around 200 mph. Prices are yet to be confirmed but delivery dates for the lucky few first owners should be in time to catch the summer of 2007.
More details of the SLR Roadster here.
March 2007
Daihatsu Copen
Daihatsu have dramatically slashed the UK price of their micro convertible, the Copen by £2,500.
Equipment levels are excellent and the Copen now comes with a more powerful, cleaner, more economical engine and is also faster than the previous model.
Unfortunately this car is as small on the inside as it is on the outside but if you are equally small then you could get yourself a bargain for only £10,995.00 on the road.
>> Furter details of the Daihatsu Copen
February 2007
Kia ex_cee'd
Kia are due to launch their first convertible model at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Based on the cee'd hatchback, the ex_cee'd enters the already crowded mid-sized convertible market.
The ex_cee'd has a fabric roof and benefits from the increased luggage space from not having a folding hardtop. Kia's excellent quality for it's price range along with the car's modern styling are likely to make it a success when it reaches our roads in 2008.
January 2007
Peugeot 207 Coupe Cabriolet
The replacement for the popular Peugeot 206 CC will be available from March 2007. The new car has more flowing lines than the previous model but like other cars in this category needs a rather bulging rear end to store the sophisticated folding roof.
The roof is now fully automatic with no annoying catches to get in the way. Like the 207 hatchback the interior is well designed and should be well put together. Standard equipment levels will be higher than ever with air conditioning, sports seats and 5 airbags included with all cars. Options include leather trim, GPS satellite navigation and a 'fragrance diffuser'.
The 207 CC will be 8cm lower than the 206 but the engines offered don't suggest the sporting performance to make the most of this. Three engines will be offered all 1.6 litre capacity. The standard version gives 120bhp, a turbocharged version offering 150bhp and a 110bhp HDi diesel model to complete the range.
Peugeot promise a more rigid chassis so we look forward to seeing if the new CC will have as smooth a ride as the hatchback.
>> Furter details of the Peugeot 207 CC
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