Tag Archives: convertible
Mazda To Debut MX-5 Miata Power Retractable Hard Top
Sources have been abuzz that Mazda will introduce during the New York Auto Show later this month a Power Retractable Hard Top version of its MX-5 Miata.
Mazda has confirmed already that there are plans to unveil a new model during the auto show, but no details have been released regarding the said launch. What the company did say is that it would be a “world premiere” and that the car will “blow the lid off.”
With such a description, it may be safe to assume that a retractable hard top is on its way for the MX-5 Miata, currently in its fourth generation and is only available as a soft-top convertible.
This was quite a curious move for Mazda since other models have already offered both a soft-top and hard-top retractable roof. There was even one with a fixed roof.
To say that the company is simply bowing down to measure is quite an understatement. It has a valid, logical reason as to why it would introduce a retractable hard top. Since its introduction back in 2007, the variants with the PRHT have created huge following in the Miata family.
Mazda said that the hard top variant would be lighter than the ones fitted on previous models. This would, of course, help in the speed and power of the Miata. It would also provide a more compact look, and would free up extra cargo capacity.
Although the top would most likely add a bit of a weight to the roadster, this would still be popular for people living in the colder part of the world.
Under the hood, the same would probably be found in the MX-5 Miata—a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine at 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can choose between a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional six-speed automatic unit.
More details would be revealed at the New York Auto Show, so stay tuned.
Turbo Fast Jaguar F-Type SVR Launched
Boasting a speed of 567 bhp, 200 mph, the all-wheel drive Jaguar F-Type SVR can get your from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. That, in a nutshell, is how to sell this new monster machine, the first Jag to carry the SVR badge—named after the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations group.
But if you want to really get into the final specifications of the SVR coupe and convertible, then here they are: it has a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with a top speed of 200 mph, a more aerodynamically effective front bumper and splitter, a flat underfloor, carbon fiber active rear wing and rear venture, and an exhaust made of lightweight titanium and Inconel.
The Jaguar’s supercharged 5.0-liter V8 proves this is more than a coupe and convertible version of the Project 7 limited-run F-Type, which required a delicate throttle foot or a massive tire budget.
The chassis also had an upgrade to make sure this one’s going to compete well with other of its kind in the market. It has a new set of dampers and anti-roll bars, as well as stiffer suspension knuckles, wider tyres and lightweight wheels. You can also expect a standard Adaptive Dynamics, Torque Vectoring and stability control and “bespoke calibrations” for the 8-speed auto and all-wheel drive.
Outside, it looks meaner than ever, although the company hasn’t gone full rock-on weird yet with the styling. Ian Callum’s penmanship can be seen on the aesthetic designs of one of the most beautiful sports cars on the road today.
Jaguar said the pricing would begin around $126,000 (£110,000 for the Coupé and £115,485 for the Convertible), firmly putting this on the 911 Carrera GTS level. The company has released full specifications, features and photos for this machine.
Anyone wanting to get their hands on the Jaguar F-Type SVR will have to wait until this year’s summer.
Source: Top Gear
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet Coming Soon at the Geneva Motor Show
The official sketch of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet.
Next month’s 2016 Geneva Motor Show will showcase the convertible model of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class after it was lauded for its dynamics, styling and performance. So, it’s really not a surprise that execs are looking to add a larger range of models for this style.
Reports said the plan is an “open secret,” anyway, and customers will likely see the new convertible in showrooms later this year.
Mercedes said the C-Class Cabriolet will be a four-seater, although the rear seat will likely be tight. It will feature a soft fabric top like the Audi A5 Cabriolet. And unlike the BMW 4 series, it won’t make use of an elaborate retractable hardtop.
Aside from that, don’t expect major reinforcements. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet will resemble its coupe counterpart. So far, the prototypes we have seen are impressive, but the major surprise would be the use of fabric top and nothing else.
There is not much information about the full list of engines, although the detail so far is that the C300 Cabriolet will have a 241-hp 2.0-liter four, and the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet with a 503-hp 4.0-liter V-8.
The standard would be automatic transmissions. Other markets can likely have a more generous choice of powertrains such as diesels and manual transmission.
But in the United States, the car would come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in base C300 trim. Above this should sit a Mercedes-AMG C43 powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and at the top of the range should be the Mercedes-AMG C63 with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8.
The cabriolet’s price would be below of its bigger brother. It would definitely make it hard for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, whose new version won’t appear until mid 2017, to compete.
Rivals for this would be the Audi A5 Cabrio, BMW 4-Series Convertible, Infiniti Q60 Convertible and the expected Cadillac ATS.