Convertibles

Audi A5, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

But other than a much-needed catchy acronym (how about A5?), nothing else should be forgotten about the new Audi. It’s proven so popular, it’s now available in 14 configurations, with a vast range of prices. My test drive for the week, for example, had a base price of more than $15,000 less than the out-the-door price. The major culprit was the $8,300 “Prestige Model” that adds 13 features to the car — a Bang & Olufsen sound system to keyless start and Xenon headlights and a navigation system with a rear detection camera. Six other options catapulted the price into the $60,000 plateau. That’s luxury car status in a sports car. Likes: Convertible top’s ease of use. Push a button,

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Ferrari set to unveil new F1 car, team live via team's webcast

Alonso, the former two-time world titlist, is switching this season to Ferrari from Renault. The presentation is scheduled for 9:30 (GMT). Alonso will be joined by Felipe Massa, Luca Badoer and Giancarlo Fischella and other key personnel are part of the naming of the new vehicle. If weather is cooperative at the Ferrari Fiorano test track, the new team hopes to use the new car for a promotional video. Ferrari has launched its new car online every year since 1996. The webcast lauch will available in Italian, English and Japanese, according to web site information. To view the Ferrari launch, visit: Ferrari.com. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car

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Porsche to Audi, Lexus to BMW: Best (used) luxury cars under $30,000

For the past few years, I’ve become a regular reader of the AOL Autos. Its writers and editors seemingly have a never-ending stream of top-10 lists while approaching the automotive industry with the consumer in mind. The latest AOL Auto offering, written by Kevin Ransom, is the “baker’s dozen” list of best luxury cars for under $30,000. It’s a diverse selection, Porsche to Lincoln, Audi to Lexus. Says Ransom in his introduction: “For some buyers, the used-luxury market is a way of getting into that Lexus, Lincoln, Infiniti or Porsche you always wanted, without laying out $70,000 or $80,000 for something you’re not actually going to live in.” In conjunction with a recent Consumer Reports study, AOL has published its

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Hyundai unveils concept vehicle Nuvis at New York International Auto Show

Hyundai’s all-new, homegrown Hybrid Blue Drive architecture helps define the Nuvis concept. Hyundai‘s proprietary parallel hybrid drive system mates the already fuel-efficient 2.4-liter Theta II engine to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW (205 N-m) electric motor for maximum fuel economy. Hybrid Blue Drive has an all-electric mode and a parallel drive mode, meaning the wheels are turned by power coming directly from the gasoline engine, or the electric motor, or both together, as conditions demand. This parallel hybrid drive architecture will serve as the foundation for future Hyundai hybrid drive vehicles, starting with the next-generation Sonata in the United States. The Nuvis has an assertive face demonstrated by the strong, hourglass shape that frames the blue acrylic shield

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Saturn Sky (Convertible), 2008: Weidel on Wheels

Needing a little “bling” in its lineup, Saturn finally convinced parent company General Motors a sports car could elicit positive results. Although the Sky convertible wasn’t exactly unique when it came out a year ago, it provided Saturn with definite eye appeal. And even if car shoppers didn’t buy it, at least they were taking a good look at the attractive Sky, a better version of the Pontiac Solstice, another GM product. The American car-buying public has a fascination for convertibles. They represent a vehicle most people feel they want, yet can’t justify the purchase, simply because in most cases they’re impractical. I drove the Red Line, the upgraded Sky featuring a 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline-4 that produces 260 horsepower. The

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Chrysler Sebring, 2008: Weidel on Wheels

Yet some convertibles are more workmanlike, like the Chrysler Sebring. It’s a convertible with practical appeal. The Sebring is priced and performs moderately and looks sharp. And it’s endearing because it satisfies the wont to own a convertible. The Sebring experience for many comes while on a summer vacation or a visit to a warm climate. And who hasn’t been tempted to rent a convertible? If Hertz, Budget and the other agencies hadn’t stocked their lots with Sebring convertibles, sales would have been drastically lower. While the rental-friendly convertible has been a segment sales leader for Chrysler, the Sebring sedan is bland and provides a modest driving experience. I have no vacation experience with a Sebring sedan, but I did

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BMW, 128i, 2008: The Weekly Driver (Video Review)

After much anticipation, earlier this year BMW introduced to the United States its 128 series. It’s the German manufacturer’s reasonably priced coupe and convertible, and it couldn’t have been introduced at a better time. From my weekly drive with the 128i convertible and its 3.0-liter, 230-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine, the car is an unqualified success. Videographer Bruce Aldrich and I present another of in the continuing series of new car video reviews. Facts & Figures: 2008 BMW 128i Specification Details Engine 6-cylinder, 3.0L Transmission Automatic (S6) Drivetrain Rear-Wheel Drive Fuel Economy 19 city / 28 hwy / 22 combined mpg Fuel Type Premium Gasoline James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the

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BMW 128i (Convertible), 2008: The Weekly Driver

The 128i offers BMW’s trademark assertive engine, rear-wheel drive and the manufacturer’s signature take-charge steering. The convertible option with a six-speed manual transmission is the only way to really appreciate this BMW. Brand purists may disagree, but the sleek design of the smaller BMW seems ideal for the retractable ragtop. The manufacturer states that the push-button (on the console below the radio dials) convertible system will retract in 20 seconds. But it’s actually a few seconds faster than the estimate. And the reverse operation works just as efficiently. Unlike some convertibles that aren’t particularly handsome with their tops down, the new BMW convertible top fits snugly into the trunk compartment. It gives the vehicle’s contour more style, not the appearance

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Ford Mustang Tops List Of Young Drivers' Most Wanted Cars

ForbesAuto.com, in its long article written by John Adams, is quick to explain vehicles purchased by car buyers under age 21 represent only 1.2 percent of all new car sales. Nevertheless, it’s interesting]]> to examine young car buyers’ habits, particularly considering 3.2 million kids in the United States have or will graduate from high school this year. Nine of out the top-10 (and ties) favorites among young car buyers are automobiles priced under $20,000. Ford has three cars on the list, Volkswagen, Toyota and Honda are represented twice. Jeep, Dodge and Chevrolet have one selection each. 10. Volkswagen Jetta; 9. Dodge Charger; 8 (tie) Jeep Wrangler, Ford F-150; 7. (tie) Ford Focus, Chevrolet Impala; 6. Toyota Corolla; 5. 2009 Toyota

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Ford Mustang (Convertible), 2008: Weidel on Wheels

With no responsibilities on a recent sun-drenched Saturday afternoon, the candy-apple red sports car seemingly recognized my surprising block of free time and the 2008 Mustang Convertible and was beckoning for some action. Given my week with this vintage version of this 1960s dream car was coming to an end, I decided it would be a shame not to enjoy a carefree drive. So the top came down for the first time and off I went in search of some adventure, choosing bucolic Highway 193 as my stretch of pavement to explore. Despite living in and around Placer County for nearly 20 years, I had never ventured very far along Highway 193. It extends from Lincoln to Auburn and involves

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Jaguar E-Type (XK-E) Named Most Beautiful Car In (London) Daily Telegraph Survey

Several friends have owned or currently own Chevrolet Corvettes. But given the choice, it might be the last car I’d select on The (London) Daily Telegraph’s recently announced list of the “100 Most Beautiful Cars.” I’ve never been a Corvette guy. Among those who appreciate classic automobiles, I’m in the minority, however, particularly among respondents to the London newspaper’s recent survey. Its readers picked the Corvette as the 15th Most Beautiful Car, two positions ahead of the Austin Healy 3000 and one position behind the Alfa Romeo P3 8C. Still, there’s no doubt the Corvette is fascinating and legendary. And it holds its own on the newspaper readers’ top-20 list that includes four Ferrari and four Jaguar selections and three

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Pontiac, Citroen Get Dubious Honors In Top-10 All-Ugly Car List

Car lists are subjective. There are best sports cars, best luxury car lists and even an extreme list like the Top-10 Ugly Cars. And since everyone is entitled to an opinion, the “All-Ugly” list is a lot of fun. Thomas Bey, writing for the web site, www.Bankrate.com, has compiled the latest Top-10 Ugly Car list. The criteria for Bey’s new list is two-fold” 1. “The ugly cars are production vehicles sold in the U.S. at one time or another; 2. “No more than one car from a manufacturer will be on the list.” Here’s Bey’s list in reverse order and a brief comment of each vehicle. 10. Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible — “To hell in a handbasket” is an expression

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Volkswagen Convertible, 2007: Weidel on Wheels

Even though the Beetle is still loved by women, the luster has worn off over the past decade even for the fairer sex. The Beetle has become commonplace and there is no big fuss or heads turning when the little “bug” is cruising down the road. When Volkswagen came back with the Beetle after a near 20-year departure in 1997, no hype was required for the unveiling. It seemed like every woman I knew was enamored with the endearing little Beetle, which became part of a successful retro campaign that drifted through the auto industry. Even my then 7-year-old daughter made it clear this was the car she wanted. Yet when I was driving the VW convertible last month, my

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Ford Debuts Mustang (Again) To Honor Steve McQueen's Driving Legend

Approaching three decades since his death, Steve McQueen remains the “King of Cool,” most notably when it involves cars, motorcycles and high speeds. The latest homage to McQueen will occur Nov. 16-25 when Ford Motor Company introduces  a special edition Mustang to honor the 1968 vehicle McQueen drove in the movie Bullitt. The new vehicle will be available in black and in dark highland green, similar to the color of the Mustang used in the movie. Seven years ago, Ford manufactured its first McQueen commemorative Mustang. In the film, McQueen played Lt. Frank Bullitt and he often drove around the hilly streets of San Francisco in the Mustang and at excessive speeds. The climactic chase scene in the film is

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Mitsubishi Eclipse, 2007: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Driving a nicely performing convertible with the top down on a sun-baked day is about as good as it gets. But the varying functionality and quality of convertible tops can easily diminish the experience. With the 2007 Eclipse Spyder, Mitsubishi is attempting to squelch the concerns of convertible buyers who may constantly wonder just how long their vehicle’s ragtop will work properly. After restyling and adding improved safety features to the Eclipse coupe for 2006, the convertible version became available for the first time this month (March, 2006). And it’s impressive. With the flick of two side easy-to-maneuver latches and then the pressing and holding a button just above the transmission box, the convertible function works fast. The entire up

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Saturn Sky, 2007: The Weekly Driver

The Sky was introduced as the manufacturer’s first “high-performance” convertible sports car as a 2007 model although it was first available in the spring of 2006. The two-seater, which shares its basic design with the Pontiac Solstice, is available in two options, the 177-horsepower base model and the 260-horsepower, turbocharged Red Line. Both models, like the Solstice, are rear-wheel drive and have 5-speed manual transmissions as standard equipment. (A 5-speed automatic is also available in both models.) My weekly test drive was the base model, but it featured two option packages, including a premium leather trim package, automatic transmission and an upgraded sound system. Like the Solstice, Honda S2000 and Mazda Miata, the Sky is at its best with its

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