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New Bentley Azure Convertible

Published: 2nd May, 2010

Bentley Mulsanne Convertible

There have been consistent rumours of a Bentley Mulsanne Convertible recently and now more news has reached us that the new car will be named the Azure.

The first generation Bentley Azure debuted in 1995 as a large four seater convertible based on the Continental platform. It topped the Bentley range and had a price to match. A revised Azure was launched in 2006 based on the Arnage platform and which was upgraded to the final Bentley Azure T in 2009.

The new Azure should follow the pictured Mulsanne saloon (which launched this summer) into production a year later. Expect it to be powered by the same twin-turbo 6.75-litre V8 producing 505hp and a massive 752lb ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is likely to be the only transmission option. Although potentially a heavier car than the big saloon performance figures should be in the same region as the 5.1 seconds from 0-60mph and 184mph top speed claimed for the Mulsanne.

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TVR aiming to launch a new V8 roadster

Published: 30th Apr, 2010

TVR Roadster

Since TVR’s factory closure there has been many suggestions and rumours of the firm getting going again. Initially production was to be moved to Eastern Europe to cut production costs however the latest story is that German company Gullwing will be building the new cars. Gullwing currently build a replica of the classic Mercedes Benz 300SL as well as the latest AC Cobras.

The new car will be a roadster based on a traditional TVR chassis while power will come from a Corvette sourced V8. That means horsepower figures over 500hp and possibly 638hp if the supercharged LS9 engine is used. Sounds like a proper TVR then.

AC owner Alan Lubinsky is reportedly in on the deal as well as Russian TVR owner Nikolai Smolenski. Aims are to sell the cars worldwide, with America being the main target. There is even talk of a hybrid model that would allow the use of an automatic transmission presumably to meet environmental regulations.

Rumours suggest the new TVR will make its public debut as soon as the Goodwood Moving Motor Show in July.

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Caterham 7 special edition by Lambretta

Published: 24th Apr, 2010

Lambretta Caterham

Although historically the name Lambretta is firmly attached to the classic Italian scooters, in recent years the brand has also been used by a British fashion label. And it’s the fashion people who have recently teamed up with sports car company Caterham to produce a trendy special edition of their wonderfully fun Seven.

The Caterham Seven by Lambretta comes equipped with a 125-horsepower 1.6-liter four sourced from Ford and mated to a five-speed gearbox. There’s also a classic Moto-Lita steering wheel and an Austin Powers style Union Jack paint scheme with matching dashboard, carpets and leather seats.

The special edition is available to British customers and comes in at GBP£26,995.

Lambretta Caterham interior

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BMW offering tours in classic convertibles

Published: 24th Apr, 2010

BMW Classic Convertible

German car giant BMW have added a new service to promote their motoring heritage. The chauffeur driven tours are in rare classic convertible cars from the company’s private collection.

The tours begin at the BMW Museum in Munich and take in the sights such as the BMW Tower and 3 Series assembly plant as well as sites around the historic city. The view however may not be enough to distract occupants away from the cars. 1930′s BMW 326 and 335 Cabriolets and a 1950′s 502 “Baroque Angel” Cabriolet are to be used as well as a one-off 3200 CS Cabriolet.

The tours begin immediately and run until October 2010 at a cost of €90.

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Lexus SC430 Platinum Edition

Published: 19th Apr, 2010

Lexus SC430 Platinum Edition

Despite Lexus‘ best efforts the SC430 has never set the world on fire. It’s blend of unusual looks and lacklustre held it back compared to the almost faultless Mercedes SL.

It’s not leaving this world without a final last hoorah however. A final Lexus SC430 Platinum Edition is planned. The special edition will feature by xenon headlights, metallic paint, a rear spoiler, and 18-inch six-spoke alloy wheels. The interior gets all the usual luxuries: air conditioning, electrically adjustable seats, a big nine speaker audio system with CD changer, and a satellite navigation system. As usual, a fine car but nothing exceptional. For those looking for something different this is your final chance as the brand has given no word of a successor.

More on the Lexus SC430 here.

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Camaro Convertible first official pictures

Published: 14th Apr, 2010

Chevrolet Camaro ConvertibleThe much rumoured Chevrolet Camaro Convertible has made it’s first public appearance. Cash strapped Chevrolet have cleverly harnessed the internet revolution to whip up enthusiasm for free. We’re sure this is just the beginning of the teaser campaign. After all it’s another year until we’ll see the Camaro Convertible on the roads.

GM have posted the first images on Chevrolet’s official Facebook page.

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