Straightline
Convertibles
August 18, 2008
Infiniti released a photo of their upcoming G37 convertible at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The actual car, which has the now-obligatory folding hardtop, will debut at the LA auto show in November.
Here's Inside Line's take: First Official Photo of 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible Unveiled
And speaking of G37 Infinitis, here some info on the tweaked '09 G37 sedan: Revealed: 2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 18, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Convertibles, Infiniti, LA Auto Show
August 13, 2008
Whoa... Where did this come from? A Murano drop-top?
Inside Line is reporting that Nissan is indeed working on such a vehicle, and it's expected to arrive in 2011. 4-door convertibles are nothing new. Lincoln offered a Continental back in the 1960s with one; and back in the earlier part of the 20th century 4-door convertibles were pretty common. So my question is: Will they offer a dual-cowl version of this? Now that would be really cool!
Future Drop Top: 2011 Nissan Murano Convertible
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 13, 2008, 7:49 AM
- Categories: Convertibles, Nissan, SUVs
August 7, 2008
The Infiniti G37 lineup consists of perhaps some of the best looking and most desirable cars ever to come from the Land of the Rising Sun. This is even more true of the G37 Coupe, a vehicle that's so good looking that it makes the Nissan GT-R look like the morning after of a night of too much sake.
So news that there will be an AWD version of the G37 Coupe has me a just bit giddy. Better still, Inifiniti is planning on doing a folding hardtop version as well, but likely in RWD. The hardtop-convertible will debut at the LA auto show in November, and will arrive in the first quarter of next year.
Also coming for all 2009 G models is a new 7-speed automatic that will replace the current 6-speed unit, plus an uprated brake package and new 18" rims.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 7, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Ford, Minivans, New York Auto Show, Trucks
July 15, 2008
After the first round of pseudo spy photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz, we can now show you some real spy photos of the 2009 McLaren SLR Speedster in action on the Nurburgring. This is the last variation of the SLR that we'll see as the less-than-successful supercar will go out of production soon. Lighter than any of the previous SLRs, the Speedster should be the fastest and most nimble version yet. Its top speed is said to be over 200mph, bring your helmet.
July 14, 2008
Inside Line has learned that the next-generation Lexus SC430 and Toyota Avalon have been canceled. Sales on the SC430 are down 40 percent so far this year; and since Lexus is developing a production version of the LF-A super coupe, what's the point of keeping the SC430?
As to the Avalon, word is that Toyota may be developing a long-wheelbase version of the 2012 Camry. If that's the case there would be no need for the Avalon, it would certainly be cheaper for Toyota to offer a stretched Camry than a significantly different Avalon, which is based on the Camry anyway.
IL Insider: Toyota Cancels Next-Generation Lexus SC
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 14, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Convertibles, Coupes, Lexus, Luxury Cars, Sedans, Toyota
June 2, 2008
Hey Insiders,
Your votes have been tallied. See if your fellow readers agreed with your picks.
And the winners are...
Read the IL Readers' Most Wanted Results on Inside Line...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Donna Derosa June 2, 2008, 4:38 PM
- Categories: Convertibles, Coupes, Hatchbacks, Luxury Cars, Minivans, SUVs, Sedans, Sports Cars, Trucks
May 15, 2008
Bad news for Caddy fans, as the latest word is that Cadillac will not build a coupe-convertible version of their classy CTS coupe.
This is really odd, as coupe-convertibles from other luxury carmakers are hot items. To make matters worse, Cadillac's explanation as to why the decision, does nothing but raise more speculation and more questions.
"We're pleased to be the subject of speculation...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 15, 2008, 4:54 AM
- Categories: Cadillac, Convertibles, Coupes
April 25, 2008
I remember very clearly the very first Mustang I ever saw in person. It belonged to Joe Benezra, who was the older brother to one of my high school buddies. Joe, who was maybe a year or two out of high school, swung by the high school one day to show off his new ride. It was a bright orange Mustang convertible, with a pathetic (by today's standards) 105 hp 6-cylinder engine, three-on-the-floor, and skinny whitewall tires with full wheel covers...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 25, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Convertibles, Coupes, Ford, Sports Cars
March 5, 2008
Here's a variant of the second-generation, Europe-only Ford Focus that we needn't bother coveting: the restyled 2009 Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet. For starters, we already have a better version of this hardtop convertible called the Volvo C70, and even it is not particularly inspiring to drive.
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- Posted by: Erin Riches March 5, 2008, 1:44 AM
- Categories: Convertibles, Ford, Geneva Motor Show
February 5, 2008
Here we have another entry-level convertible from a luxury manufacturer. This time, Audi enters the market with the 2008 A3 Cabriolet.
Its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 is capable of 200 horsepower. It has a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and a sleek folding fabric top...
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- Posted by: Donna Derosa February 5, 2008, 5:36 PM
- Categories: Audi, Convertibles
January 14, 2008
BMW announced pricing of the 2008 M3 Coupe and Sedan and 1 Series Convertible this morning at the Detroit auto show.
The M3 coupe will start at $57,275 and the sedan at $54,575.
Launching in 128i and 135i guises, the 1 Series Convertible will start at $33,875 and $39,875, respectively.
They arrive at dealers in March of this year...
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- Posted by: Jay Kavanagh January 14, 2008, 7:28 AM
- Categories: BMW, Convertibles, Coupes, Detroit Auto Show, Sedans
November 26, 2007
Looks like the upcoming facelift for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is almost complete. Our spy shooters caught this prototype with virtually no disguise although they do admit to removing a few pieces of black tape with some help from Photoshop. As expected, this SL will get a few minor styling changes up front like new lights, a one bar grille and a more aggressive air dam. The quarter panel vents now look like those used on the SLR supercar while the rear end gets a slightly revised lower valance...
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November 14, 2007
The Germans' odd fascination with minor American celebrities continued today with the introduction of the Audi Cross Cabriolet Concept. None other than Peter Greenberg, the travel reporter for The Today Show (we did say minor), hosted today's press conference and it was about as exciting as you might expect. He started out by shelling Rupert Stadler, chairman of Audi AG, with questions about the shock of having to pay $3 for a gallon of gas in the U.S. Apparently Mr...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig November 14, 2007, 2:56 PM
- Categories: Audi, Convertibles, Future Vehicles, LA Auto Show, SUVs
October 31, 2007
A Toyota FJ Cruiser convertible is nothing new. There was one on Toyota's stand last year, and plenty of others built by aftermarket companies since then. This FJ is a little different though. Its convertible top was built by Bestop, the same company that builds the soft tops for Jeep Wranglers...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig October 31, 2007, 9:05 AM
- Categories: Convertibles, Future Vehicles, SEMA Show, SUVs, Toyota
October 5, 2007
It may be beauty-challenged but this little Australian two-seat roadster with the big Corvette engine is fast, fast, fast.
Read the Elfin Streamliner First Drive on Inside Line.
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor
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- Posted by: Donna Derosa October 5, 2007, 12:09 PM
- Categories: Convertibles
September 12, 2007
Looking like a cross between BMW's 6 Series and Audi's A5 coupe, the Citroen Airscape wasn't the most French-looking convertible we've ever seen. It was quite elegant nonetheless, with a soft fabric roof that had few of the awkward lines typical of most convertible tops. Citroen even extended the fabric all the way down the A-pillar to emphasize the curve of the structure.
It features SnowMotion traction control, which is almost as good as all-wheel drive according to Citroen...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig September 12, 2007, 5:54 AM
- Categories: Citroen, Convertibles, Frankfurt Auto Show
September 11, 2007
Everyone knows the BMW 6 Series coupe and convertible are good to drive, but would you want to wake up to that face every morning? Perhaps it's an indelicate question to ask at this price, but when you see the nose on the 2008 6 Series, you have your answer.
The front end is sleeker, and your eyes naturally follow the progression from A-pillars to grille, as opposed to honing in on the hood cutlines. Along with wider air intakes, reshaped headlight units aid in the viewing experience, and they are of course bi-xenon. All other light sources on the car (turn signals, taillights) are LEDs...
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- Posted by: Erin Riches September 11, 2007, 2:32 AM
- Categories: BMW, Convertibles, Coupes, Frankfurt Auto Show
August 27, 2007
Is the Audi A3 Cabriolet headed for the U.S.? Well, this prototype was spotted testing in Arizona, but that doesn't mean it's a done deal just yet. We've heard there's a good chance that this soft top A3 will make its way into U.S. dealerships, so if you like the way it looks you should be able to pick one up next year for around $30K...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig August 27, 2007, 6:42 PM
- Categories: Audi, Convertibles, Future Vehicles, Spy Photos
August 17, 2007
If you had $100,000 or more to burn, what car would you buy?
Here's a link to get you started.
And some photos to spark your imagination.
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor
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- Posted by: Donna Derosa August 17, 2007, 12:33 PM
- Categories: Convertibles, Luxury Cars, Sports Cars
August 8, 2007
You obviously shouldn't put much stock into the sheetmetal of this Mercedes-Benz SLC prototype, but judging by the hardware, performance is a priority for this two-seater. Stalked by spy photographers for two days now, the wraps finally came off this afternoon revealing some Dodge Viper bodywork, a set of massive slotted brake rotors and an incredibly long wheelbase. Some handiwork the night before by KGP yielded a 106 inch measurement from wheel to wheel. The true identity of this Mercedes-built supercar is still in question, but whatever it is will be big and fast for sure...
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July 23, 2007
No big surprise here. It looks as though we'll be seeing the debut of the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG in the not too distant future. The SL roadster is one of the few remaining models in the lineup that hasn't received AMG's 6.3-liter V8 powerplant, so an upgrade from the current 5.5-liter supercharged engine is only a matter of time. Not much changes on the inside, although the cover over the shifter console got us thinking there might be something going on there too...
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July 6, 2007
Power-retractable hardtop convertibles can be convenient and fun. The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Limited Convertible is attractive, has 235 horsepower and costs under $40K.
Read the Full Test of the Sebring Convertible on Inside Line.
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor
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- Posted by: Donna Derosa July 6, 2007, 10:28 AM
- Categories: Chrysler, Convertibles
Carscoop has some images of what they feel is the new BMW 1-Series drop top. The timing here is interesting as Straightline just posted about one of it's prime competitors, the Audi A3 convertible.
Even more interesting is that there is a rumor that this BMW may be offered in two body types: One being a traditional soft top, and the other being a folding hardtop. Power choice are likely to be the same as those found in the coupe...
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July 3, 2007
Audi will be offering a new A3 convertible in 2008. The vehicle will be built at the Gyor, Hungary factory.
So it looks like there will be a worthy competitor to the very successful BMW 3-Series convertible. All I can say is great!..
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 3, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Audi, Convertibles, Future Vehicles
June 26, 2007
These are the first spy photos of the upcoming 2010 Maserati Spyder. It's based on the recently introduced Gran Turismo coupe and it appears as though the Spyder will switch to a hardtop configuration. We never liked the odd proportions of the previous Spyder, so this revised version should offer a significant improvement in the styling department. The new roof should help it to maintain the GT's lines despite its shorter, two-seat configuration. Expect to see the same 405hp V8 used in the Gran Turismo under the hood of the Spyder when it goes on sale in 2009...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig June 26, 2007, 7:50 AM
- Categories: Convertibles, Future Vehicles, Maserati, Spy Photos
June 22, 2007
Remember the Spider of the 1960s. You know, the one Dustin Hoffman drove in The Graduate.
Well, there's new Alfa Romeo Spider Coming to America for 2010 and hoping to capture the hearts of a new generation.
What do you think?..
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- Posted by: Donna Derosa June 22, 2007, 11:10 AM
- Categories: Alfa Romeo, Convertibles
June 11, 2007
What was the worst Camaro every built? In our humble opinion, it's gotta be the 1976 version.
But that didn't stop us from driving one.
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- Posted by: Donna Derosa June 11, 2007, 10:28 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Convertibles
June 6, 2007
The 2008 Saab 9-3 convertible was caught out in the open without any camo masking. Saab is giving the front of the 9-3 more visual presence with a stronger grille with more bits of chrome added, new lights and bumper as well as a tweaked profile and rear.
Full story here at Autoblog (via GMInsideNews).
More photos after the jump.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 6, 2007, 6:47 AM
- Categories: Convertibles, Future Vehicles, Saab
May 21, 2007
We saw what looked like an AMG version of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL roadster weeks ago, but our latest spy photos reveal a few more details on the standard SL 550. Design changes up front include a revamped grille with a single blade of trim across the front while the headlights have a more rectangular design in place of the current model's twin ovals. Changes to the rear are minimal and don't expect big news under the hood either as the new 5.4-liter V8 is already putting out a healthy 382 horsepower.
When these spy photos of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK showed up we had a hard time figuring out what was different. Side-by-side scrutiny of the current model with the spy shots didn't help either. Even the interior pic looks nearly identical to the current model. Given all the camouflage there must be some changes in store for the midcycle refresh of Mercedes' entry-level roadster, but it won't be anything drastic. Expect to find out the details later this year.
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