Tag Archives: convertible
3 Things We Learned About the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster
Mercedes-AMG is finally making a top-down version of the GT R—following the footsteps of the GT C version and the GT S Roadster. There have been rumors that the Germans are planning a top-down version of the Mercedes-AMG GT R, and now, it looks like they are coming true.
Spy shots of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster have been leaked as the car made its first testing session.
1. Exterior
The GT R Roadster will be similar to the coupe version from the waist down. The AMG grille with chromed out vertical slats and big Mercedes emblem are very recognizable even through the camouflaged photos.
The big difference will be with what happens from the waist up. There will be a soft top, of course, as well as modifications at the rear deck. The windshield will be shorter and fully framed, there will be no rear quarter glass, and there will be roll bars behind the seats for safety purposes.
2. Interior
The interior of the GT R Roadster will be identical to the coupe, except for the unlimited headroom during open-air drives and the roll bars behind the rear seats. There will be two, manually-adjustable bucket racing seats with AMG lettering and contrasting seatbelts, flat-bottom steering wheel, and a digital instrument cluster. All of these are wrapped with Nappa leather and Dinamica microfiber treatment. There will also be a large infotainment display at the center of the stack.
3. Drivetrain
The GT R Roadster will have a similar powertrain as the coupe version, except that its 4.0-liter Biturbo V8 engine will make 577 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That’s an increase of 74 ponies and 35 pound-feet of torque over the same engine in the GT S. The Roadster will be a bit slower in reaching the 60-mph sprint by 0.1 seconds. The coupe can reach this by 3.5 seconds while the GT R Roadster will likely take 3.6 seconds. The top speed is estimated to be at 198 mph.
2019 BMW 8 Series Convertible Images Leaked
The new 2019 BMW 8 Series Convertible isn’t due for a reveal until the middle of next year, but we’re lucky enough to see its spy shots. The car was without its camouflage and was being driven around Loch Assynt in Scotland. Clearly, this was a secret photoshoot that would be used for marketing purposes later.
Regardless, we love to see the BMW 8 Series Convertible in all its glory. The drop-top version has a large kidney grille, chiseled front bumper, and slim LED headlamps similar with the coupe version revealed at the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race last month. At the back, the wide taillights and gaping chrome exhausts also remain. All these point out to one thing: the model we see here is the range-topping M850i.
The model will be using a fabric roof to save on weight, which is essential because of the extra weight that comes from strengthening the flanks to make up for the “reduced structural integrity” due to the loss of the fixed roof. Overall, this drop-top version will weigh around 2,000kg.
The engine lineup will be similar with the coupe. The base model BMW 8 Series Convertible would be a 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel motor that can make 320 horsepower. The range-topping M850i variants will get a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 530 horsepower and can go 0 to 62mph in 4 seconds. That is slightly higher than the coupe’s 3.7 seconds because the convertible is on the heavier side.
All of the models will use BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system, as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission. The M850i will also have an active rear-wheel steering, a sports exhaust, and a limited-slip differential on the rear axle.
Before the 8 Series Convertible makes it full debut, however, the German automaker will first unleash the all-new 3 Series Saloon, the Z4 roadster, and the X7 SUV.
Photos by: Iain Pollo via AutoExpress
3 Ways The 2020 BMW 8 Series Convertible Will Amaze Us
X-Tomi Design’s rendering of the 2020 BMW 8 Series Convertible.
The BMW 8 Series is back and it will officially replace the 6 Series. The 8 Series will be revived both in racing and full production forms. A BMW 8 Series Convertible model is expected to follow soon, and X-Tomi Design just came up with a rendering of the car.
1. Exterior
The 8 Series convertible will have a wide and low stance, making it look a lot like the coupe version. The electrically retractable soft top is made from fabric, and it will be the replacement for the roof that’s on the coupe model. The majority of the body will be like the coupe version—from the new kidney grille design on the nose down to the long wheelbase and set of air vents placed behind the front wheels.
The rear end will set the convertible apart from the coupe though because its trunk lid has to accommodate the retractable top.
2. Interior
The rendering shows that the interior of the convertible will be similar to the coupe version, too. That means high-end materials such as leather and aluminum are going to be used on the dashboard, the side panels, and the seats. The horizontal orientation of the Bimmer’s new dashboard and center console will be an added bonus since a lot of users have come to love the layout.
The screen behind the dashboard will be measured 12.3 inches while the digital infotainment screen is a 10.25-inch display on the center console. There will be a bevy of technology such as safety standards and more advanced systems like the gesture control.
3. Powertrain
The convertible will carry over the coupe’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8, which is also known as the N63. The unit can produce 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque in the coupe. The output for the convertible will likely be the same.
The engine of the 8 Series can reach 60 mph from a complete standstill in just 3.6 seconds while its top speed is 155 mph.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Gets More Power, Now Has 181 HP
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the most popular sports car in the history of automotive. It is so successful that there have been clamors for a much-needed update. Thankfully, Mazda heard all those appeals and decided that 2019 is the time for the MX-5 Miata to get additional power and a higher red line.
Yes, the rumors are true. The MX-5 Miata is getting a significant bump in power. It now has 181 horsepower. That’s 26 horses more than the previous generation’s engine. This little details was courtesy of Japan’s Car Watch, which recently had an opportunity to give the test mule a try.
According to the report, the 2019 Miata will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can produce 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm. That’s an increase of 26 horsepower from the current output of just 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The Miata’s predecessor has an output also of 148 pound-feet of torque, but the 2019 version would have a bump to 151 pound-feet of torque.
There are significant changes in the powertrain, which accounts for the increase in power output. Specifically, Mazda added new pistons that are 27 grams lighter and new connecting rods that weigh 41 grams less than the ones fitted in the current generation.
The car’s redline increasing is due to the automaker’s installation of larger diameter throttle body, larger exhaust valves, and wider exhaust piping. The redline went up to 7,500 rpm from 6,800 rpm. Predictably, these updates would improve thermal efficiency and would lower emissions.
Moving inside the car, the Miata gets a telescoping steering wheel for the first time ever. The wheel has 1.2 inches adjustment and has a tilt function that will allow the wheel to move by as much as 1.7 inches.
Aesthetically speaking, the Miata will get a caramel brown top, full-tan leather interior, and bright finishes for the wheels.
3 Things We’re Expecting From The 2017 BMW Concept Z4
The BMW Z4, which was introduced back in 2003, was a compact, two-seater that can be had as a soft-top convertible or a coupe. It has a sporty exterior and naturally-aspirated engines until the second generation started the turbo engine trend. The Z4 never looked back and now offers turbocharged engines.
1. Exterior
The Concept Z4 is a lot of things, including aggressive, sporty, and hell-bent on being noticed. The highlights of its exterior include the wide kidney grilles, the chrome inside the headlight lenses and the side view mirrors, and the nose that overhangs the lower portion of the front fascia.
The hood is probably the most significant of its look, thanks to those long, recessed vents that also highlights the two dominating lines on the side profile that continue from the fender area to the door. This provides a sense of depth and aggression to the overall body style.
The windshield has a frameless look to it with only the dark tint around the edges to separate it from the rest of the body frame.
2. Interior
The interior of the Concept Z4 is bold and unique, thanks to the two-tone nature of the cabin. The passenger side is covered in orange Alcantara while the driver’s side used black leather and some black Alcantara. The focus of the Concept Z4’s interior is the driver, and that can be clearly seen by the way the controls are aligned and positioned close to the driver’s seat.
At the front of the four-spoke (technically) steering wheel is the all-digital instrument cluster with two primary gauges—the tachometer and the speedometer. The gauges on the lower portion are for the fuel and engine temperature. The interior has a very futuristic design and concept, but we’re hoping to see it once the production model is ready.
3. Drivetrain
The rumor mill says that the Concept Z4 will have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter inline-six. The 2.0-liter will be the one offered in most entry-level BMWs. It would be able to produce 258 horsepower. But since this is a third-generation Z4 already, the German automaker needs it to stand out with probably something close to 270 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque.
Photos
Check out the photos of the 2017 BMW Z4 from Top Speed in the gallery below:
4 Things to Watch Out For in the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante
The Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante is out. The car debuted at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
Here are the four important things we found out about the convertible:
1. Exterior
The Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante is based on the Vanquish S coupe that its maker revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November last year. Many design elements of the coupe were carried out to the convertible.
The aerodynamic parts of the car’s body receives a couple of updates. The auto also gets new quadruple exhaust tips. The suspension of the convertible is enhanced too with its spring rates raised by 10% all round and its dampers reconfigured to deliver better balance.
2. Interior
The Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante’s interior surfaces are covered in high-end leather with satin finish and carbon fiber accents. In addition, the automaker lets buyers further add a dash of opulence in the cabin of the vehicle with their high-quality leather referred to as “Bridge of of Weir Caithness leather.” For those who want more, they can always turn to the customization options of Q by Aston Martin.
3. Engine
Within the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante is a 5.9-liter naturally-aspirated V12 engine. The unit capable of producing up to 580 hp. The power of the car is distributed via an 8-speed manual transmission gearbox that allows faster shifts and smoother transition at low speeds.
The automaker had not released details yet about its new convertible’s accelerate time from zero to 62 mph as well as its top speed. It should be noted though that its coupe version can do that in just 3.5 seconds while its max speed is at 201 mph. The Volante is expected to reflect figures close to the mentioned numbers.
4. Price
The cost of the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante is yet to be announced. As a reference, the coupe counterpart of the car has a starting price of $294,950.
Photos
See the photos of the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in the gallery below:
Top 3 Things To Know About The BMW M2 Convertible By Dahler
Dähler Design and Technik is offering to BMW fans what is not being offered by the M2. It’s an open-top version of the BMW M2 coupe!
According to source, the German company decided against manufacturing an open-top convertible for the BMW M2 because the engineers thought there was no way it can deliver a good enough droptop. Luckily, aftermarket specialist Dahler thought to make it their personal mission to deliver an open-top convertible for the M2.
1. It is Every Inch A BMW
The Dahler project is obviously made by a professional, and someone who knows how to deal with a BMW. It’s still every inch a BMW because it doesn’t even feel like someone else other than the Bavarian company handled the car. Dahler didn’t say how they converted the vehicle, though we are led to believe that they based it on the 2 Series Convertible rather than the M2 coupe.
2. Its Stage 1 Delivers 402 Horsepower
Dahler is beating out the M2 coupe, which is pretty powerful with its capacity to produce 365 horsepower (272 kilowatts) and 343 pound-feet of torque (465 Newton-meters). It can even be boosted to 369 pound-feet of torque (500 Nm).
But Dahler’s M2 Convertible has two stages: Stage 1 will bring the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 to produce 402 horsepower (300 kW) and 426 lb-ft of torque (580 Nm). This will enable the M2 Convertible to reach 62 mph (100 kph) in just four seconds. The maximum speed is 180 mph (290 km/h).
3. Its Stage 2 Produces 419 Horsepower
If you are not contented with what Stage 1 has to offer, you can go up another notch with Dahler’s Stage 2 program for the M2 Convertible. Stage 2 can deliver up to 419 horsepower (313 kW) and 450 lb-ft of torque (610 Nm). This has a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).
Photos of the BMW M2 Convertible
Check out the gallery below for more images of the BMW M2 made into a convertible by Dahler:
2018 BMW 6 Series Convertible vs Mercedes SL Roadster
Let’s get this out of the way: the 2018 BMW 6 Series Convertible has a whopping price tag of $85,100, which comes very far from the likes of the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet and the Audi S5 Cabriolet. Because of that, we’re pitting this against the SL Roadster, which is very much its competitor, price-wise in particular.
Based on the spy shots, the 6 Series is sporting a new fascia, grille, and headlights. The front end will have slightly wider kidney grilles, sleeker and slimmer headlights, and some other minor restyling. There could also be some changes in the overall bodyline.
There are two different trims available for the US market. The 640i and the 640i xDrive will get the 3.0-liter, twin-turbo, inline-6 while the 650i and the 650i xDrive will get the 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8. The 3.0-liter should produce around 350 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque while the 4.4-liter should cough up at least 475 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.
Each engine will be paired with a “sport” automatic transmission while xDrive models get an all-wheel drive. Non-xDrive models get a rear-wheel drive.
Mercedes SL Roadster
If you’re planning to spend $90,000 on a car and don’t really need a backseat, then you can check out the Mercedes SL Roadster. It’s an evil little car in terms of sportiness, power, and speed. Currently, it’s available in four trim levels—the entry-level SL450 at $86,950 can deliver 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque thanks to the 3.0-liter V-6.
On the other end is the AMG SL63 and SL65, which are priced at $151,250 and $219,850, respectively. The SL63 makes use of a 5.5-liter V-8 machine that comes up with 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. The SL65 has a 6.0-liter engine that produces 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.
The 2017 Mercedes SL Roadster has many improvements on the exterior and interior, but none is better than what it changed outside. This model now has a power-folding hardtop that has a speed of 40kph or 25mph. It has a redesigned front and rear fascia, with the former coming with large air inlets under the new LED headlights, chrome or carbon fiber accents. You can choose from either a 10-spoke or five-spoke designs for the 19-inch wheels. Aside from the existing color palettes, the 2017 model welcomed two more colors—Brilliant Blue and Selenite Grey Magno.
Sneak Peek Into The 2017 Audi A5 Convertible
The year 2016 has so far brought in new models from Audi, and the next half of this year will also see the launch of the A5 Convertible, just a few short months after the company unveiled the A5 Coupe.
After seeing the prototypes of the S5 and RS5 coupes being tested near the Nurburgring, it can be assumed that the convertible will also be having higher performance models. But as for now, let’s take a look at this standard model, which would be competing with the BMW 4 Series Convertible and the Merdedes-Benz C-Class Convertible.
The A5 would certainly be a tough competitor. Based on the spy shots, we can assume that there would be a new design language, classy interiors and updated drivetrains.
The convertible was covered in camo, but there are plenty of hints as to what it would look like once the camo comes off. It looks like the convertible will have a sharper body line, which confirms the A5 will be heavily based on the A4.
In short, the A5 should be a two-door convertible version of the A4.
The A5 would have the same size and shape as its predecessor, albeit it has reshaped body lines and slightly more angular features. Expect to see new headlamps that feature L-shaped LED stripes and redesigned twin LED lamps. At the back, there would be thinner taillights, shorter trunk lid, and a new bumper.
The interior will be completely redesigned. There’s a new “dashboard” with a continuous air-vent strip and the center console will have a sportier look. There would also be a new steering wheel with revised buttons, a larger display for infotainment system, and a new airconditioning unit.
The seats would be bound with softer materials that match the dashboard and door panels.
The range of diesel and gasoline options were updated—from a 1.4-liter TFSI rated engine to a 2.0-liter four-banger to a 3.0-liter V6.
The A5 Convertible should be a tad bit more expensive than the A4, which starts at $47,900 for the base trim and $50,200 for the premium version.
Mazda MX-5 Debuts with a Hard-Top
Everyone who’s been waiting for Mazda’s idea of a hard-top convertible can rest their cases. The company just lifted the curtains off its new Mazda MX-5 “Retractable Fastback,” named in honor of its new roofing system.
This is the fourth generation Mazda MX-5 with a 911 Targa-style top, which would lift at the push of a button. The roof folds automatically into the rear at a speed of up to 6mph. And you don’t even have to worry that the folded up roof will take up some boot space at the rear. This is not the case with the MX-5 RF. It basically offers the same space as the soft-top MX-5.
But that’s not the only thing you should look out for the Mazda MX-5 RF. It also has a unique rear roof and retractable back window that offers a new open-air feeling.
The new model will feature either of the two engines namely the SKYACTIV-G 1.5 or SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine, depending on the market. The model coming to US shores will have the SKYACTIV-G 2.0.
The convertible would also come packed with a six-speed automatic transmission. There’s no word yet on how much this would weigh, but it is estimated to be somewhere over the standard car’s 1,075 kilograms figure.
The Mazda MX-5 RF is being offered also in the new Machine Grey paint. It uses three coats but requires further details, which we don’t have at the moment since Mazda has yet to release full specifications for the MX-5 RF.
This new hard-top Mazda will make its world debut at the 2016 New York Auto Show, which will be open to the public from March 25 to April 3. Mazda is also expected to launch the Mazda CX-9, and feature current available models such as the Mazda 6, Mazda 3, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-3 and Mazda MX-5.