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VW New Beetle Convertible gets stickerbombed

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Europe, Volkswagen, Design/Style

2011 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible

2010 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible by CFC – Click above for image gallery

German company Car Film Components decided to add a little style to the outgoing Volkswagen New Beetle. It seems strange to supply radical appearance modifications to a car that’s leaving the marketplace soon, but CFC hopes its sticker package can add some much-needed love to the New Beetle’s appearance.

The foil-wrap aesthetic upgrade covers the fenders, bumpers and side skirts. Some interior bits get the treatment as well. Setting off the look of the busybody sticker package is a set of 19-inch Oxigin wheels wrapped in Kumho rubber. Buyers can also specify a coilover suspension kit.

The bad part? Customers should expect to pay around €5,000 to achieve the look. That’s a lot of coin to stickerbomb your Volkswagen. To hear more, check out the CFC press release after the jump.

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VW New Beetle Convertible gets stickerbombed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 May 2011 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Citroen to follow Fiat’s lead with DS3 Airflow convertible [w/poll]

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Citroën

Citroen DS3

Citroën DS3 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Citroën has come a long way with its revived DS line of premium offerings. What started with the basic DS3 hatchback has since grown to include the DS3 Racing hot hatch, the DS3 R3 and DS3 WRC rally machines; the DS4 crossover, and the new DS5. Now it seems a convertible is on the way as well.

Tentatively dubbed as the DS3 Airflow, the rumored convertible will apparently follow a similar approach to that taken by Fiat with the 500C. Look for a retractable fabric roof panel that will retain the pillars and door frames, in effect bridging the gap between a full convertible and a large sunroof. The advantage is a more cost-effective development cycle and superior handling, retaining much of the body’s rigidity while offering open-air driving. For our part, we’re interested to see what Citroën’s designers do with the car’s slick B-pillar treatment once the top drops. (Ben Walsh, we’re looking at you.)

European reports say the DS3 Airflow will launch in the spring of 2013. Of course, unlike Fiat, which has finally made a splashy return to North America, Citroën seems content to stay on its side of the Atlantic. Think it’s time for the French automaker to come back so we can sample cars like the reborn DS range? Cast your vote in the poll after the jump.

Continue reading Citroen to follow Fiat’s lead with DS3 Airflow convertible [w/poll]

Citroen to follow Fiat’s lead with DS3 Airflow convertible [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 May 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M6 convertible spotted on the prowl

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, BMW

bmw m6 convertible spy shot

Spy Shots: BMW M6 convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

The new 2012 BMW 6 Series has already proven itself to be an improvement over its predecessor in many ways, with a host of updates that should make BMW fans happy. The news we’re eagerly awaiting is the official reveal of the upcoming M6 variant, as well as its drop-top sibling. We’re under the assumption that the M6 should pack the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 as the M5, with something close to the sedan’s 560 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque.

Beyond that, we’re expecting the M6 convertible to look a lot like its non-M sibling, but for now, we’ll have to peruse spy photos until we can see the real thing. Click on the photo above or the gallery below to check out the well-disguised pics. There’s a lot of paisley camouflage, but we can clearly see some upsized wheels and tires, quad exhaust tips out back and body-side molding to keep this high-pot cruiser closer to the road.

BMW M6 convertible spotted on the prowl originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac developing soft-top convertible to fit between ATS and CTS

Filed under: Convertible, Etc., Cadillac, Rumormill, Luxury

Cadillac Emblem

Cadillac may be having thoughts of jumping back into the convertible game. Recent history hasn’t been kind to drop heads with a Wreath and Crest in the grille, but rumors kicking up on the web say that the automaker is planning to unveil a new convertible based on the company’s Alpha platform.

Car and Driver reports that the vehicle will slot between the upcoming ATS and the next-generation CTS and that it will borrow very little sheetmetal from either of its siblings. Buyers can expect to find a folding soft top instead of the heavier retractable hard top favored by some competitors.

What’s under the hood? Nothing’s set in stone at the moment, though we’d guess any number of six or eight-cylinder options could pop up behind the headlights. Given that the model isn’t set to debut until 2014, General Motors may get really wild and shove a turbocharged four-cylinder into the engine bay.

Regardless of powerplant options, the topless Cadillac will likely find itself squaring off against the Audi A5 Cabriolet and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet when it touches down. Stay tuned for more information, if and when it comes.

[Source: Car and Driver | Image: Zach Bowman / AOL]

Cadillac developing soft-top convertible to fit between ATS and CTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chrysler 200 S and 200 S Convertible revealed ahead of New York

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Sedan, Chrysler

2011 chrysler 200 s sedan and 200 s convertible

2011 Chrysler 200 S sedan and 200 S convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is jumping the gun, so to speak, choosing to reveal two new family members ahead of the 2011 New York Auto Show. The 2011 Chrysler 200 S sedan and 2011 200 S convertible appear to be edgier than their non-S counterparts, which is because Chrysler has given them a shot in the styling arm, upping the visual appeal by a few degrees.

The 2011 200 S gets an S-specific Chrysler wing badge on the nose, body-colored side mirrors and door handles and a pair of headlamps with black backgrounds. Sitting underneath the fenders are four 18-inch aluminum wheels, which also all wear the S badge. Inside, the 200 S gets embroidered front headrests, heated leather front seats with suede inserts, suede door trim and a 276-watt Boston Acoustic audio system.

Under the hood, the 200 S gets the now-familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, which is good for 283-horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an automatic transmission, the duo is good for 29 miles per gallon on the highway. The fixed-roof 200 S will set you back $26,790 while the drop-top costs $32,490. Both versions are expected to show up on dealer lots sometime this spring.

Be sure to check out the full press release posted after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 200 S sedan and 200 S convertible

2011 Chrysler 200 S sedan and convertible 2011 Chrysler 200 S convertible

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2011 Chrysler 200 S and 200 S Convertible revealed ahead of New York

2011 Chrysler 200 S and 200 S Convertible revealed ahead of New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hennessey releases 602-hp Camaro HPE600 Convertible

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet

Hennessey HPE600 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

Hennessey HPE600 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible – Click above to watch video after the jump

If for some strange reason you find that the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible SS doesn’t quite pack the punch you need, Hennessey has you covered. The Texas tuner has officially pulled the sheets back on the very first example of the company’s HPE600 Camaro Convertible, complete with a walloping 602 horsepower. That’s a full 172 ponies more than the most powerful production version, and the nudge in grunt comes courtesy of a TVS2300 supercharger and host of other upgrades designed to help the big V8 breathe a little easier.

As we’ve come to expect from Hennessey, the company’s wrenches also turned their attention toward the vehicle’s suspension, and buyers who opt for the muscle-bound droptop can expect to find a KW adjustable coilover suspension and wider 20-inch wheels wrapped in super-sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

Hennessey says that the topless wonder is good for dashing to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds and can clip off the quarter mile run in 12 seconds flat at 118 mph. That’s moving. Hit the jump to take a look at a video of the car in action as well as the full press release.

Gallery: Hennessey HPE600 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

[Source: Hennessey]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey releases 602-hp Camaro HPE600 Convertible

Video: Hennessey releases 602-hp Camaro HPE600 Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: Bentley Supersports ICR Convertible is a classy drop-top rocketship

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Bentley, Luxury

Bentley SuperSports ICR Convertible - Geneva debut

Bentley Supersports ICR Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

This question is for all of our Bentley buying readers in attendance today: Do you prefer the Flying B in your driveway to be of the limited-edition variety? If you answered “Harrumph! Of course I do, you peasant!”, then we’ve just gotten up close with your next purchase. It’s called the Bentley Continental Supersports Ice Speed Record Convertible and just 100 examples will be produced.

The Bentley ICR Convertible was created to commemorate the achievements of Juha Kankkunen. Last month, Kankkunen took a lightly-modified (tires, aero bits and roll-cage) out to a long stretch of sea-turned-ice. Once there, he fired up the twelve-cylinder engine and set a new ice speed record by hitting 205.48 miles per hour.

Bentley is producing 100 examples of the Supersports ICR and each will boast standout features that make them stand out from non-ICR versions. Just three exterior color choices will be available to compliment the Dark Grey Metallic top; Beluga, Quartzite and Arctica White. Inside, carbon fiber has fitted on the dashboard and center console, while the familiar Breitling dashboard clock gets red accents.

The Bentley Continental Supersports Ice Record Convertible is the most powerful Bentley ever (going by horsepower alone). Its 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine produces 631-horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque – enough to push the hefty two-door from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds and on to a top speed 202 miles per hour.

Check out both the actual record-setting car (shown above) and the special production model it inspired in our galleries below, then click past the jump to check out the official press release.

Gallery: Bentley Supersports ICR Convertible: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Ice Speed Record Convertible

Bentley Ice Speed Record front Beluga Bentley Continental Ice Speed Record rear Bentley Ice Speed Record side

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Bentley Supersports ICR Convertible is a classy drop-top rocketship

Geneva 2011: Bentley Supersports ICR Convertible is a classy drop-top rocketship originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley Supersports “Ice Speed Record” Convertible looks for warm reception in Geneva

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Bentley, Luxury

Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible 'Ice Speed Record

2011 Bentley Continental Supersports “Ice Speed Record” Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

To celebrate its recent ice-speed record, Bentley is rolling out a special edition of the Continental Supersports convertible at this week’s Geneva Motor Show. The record was set a mere two weeks ago by Finnish rally star Juha Kankkunen, who went 205.48 miles per hour on the frozen Baltic Sea in a Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible. Kankkunen’s run eclipsed his 2007 record of 199.83 mph, which was also set in a Bentley Continental GT.

The Bentley Continental Superspots “Ice Speed Record” Convertible sports the Flying B’s most-powerful engine ever, a 631-horsepower W12 kicking out 590 pound-feet of torque and sporting flex-fuel capability. The car Kankkunen set his record in ran exclusively on bio fuel.

Behind the impressive engine is a six-speed Quickshift automatic. The combo is good for a 3.8-second 0-60 sprint, with 100 mph coming up in just 9.5 seconds. Bentley claims that running the car on E85 will cut C02 emissions by up to 70 per cent.

Outside, the “Ice Speed Record” Supersports Convertible gets one of three unique colors: Beluga (above), Quartzite or Arctica White. Never one to stop at enough, Bentley has gone as far as to cover the soft top in a composite weave sporting its own metallic finish. Rounding out the package is a set of black 20-inch Supersports wheels. Both the special edition Supersports and Kankkunen’s actual record-breaker will be on display at the Bentley booth in Geneva, so stay tuned for live images of them both soon.

Get in line now if you want one, as Bentley says it’ll only build 100 of these worldwide.

Gallery: 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Ice Speed Record Convertible

Bentley Ice Speed Record front Beluga Bentley Continental Ice Speed Record rear Bentley Ice Speed Record side

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley Supersports “Ice Speed Record” Convertible looks for warm reception in Geneva

Bentley Supersports “Ice Speed Record” Convertible looks for warm reception in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI convertible: Worst idea ever?

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Subaru

blue 2011 subaru sti convertible custom made by dealership parked in a showroom

2011 Subaru WRX STI convertible – click for high-res gallery

Car dealers do the strangest things to their vehicles. Just think about how many cars are out there with awful vinyl and fabric roof add-ons, a generation after manufacturers nearly swore them off entirely. Manchester Subaru in Manchester, New Hampshire isn’t content to create some sticker-and-tape fake trim level on a top-dog 2011 Subaru WRX STI. Instead, the dealer has gone all Chainsaw Massacre on the rally-bred performance sedan. The result is a picnic basket of automotive woe.

At least the “handle” left after all the chop-shopping maintains a fleeting semblance of rigidity. The rest? Awful. There’s an ill-fitting tonneau, chopped door pillars and the STI’s trademark enormous wing still hangs off the trunklid. The worst part? This poor Subaru’s price is purportedly $75,000. Not kidding. Sure, there’s an “exclusivity” factor, but 75 large buys an awful lot of real high performance convertible; the kind that won’t corner like an overcooked noodle. The dealership reportedly commissioned five of these abominations, which is likely five more than anyone wants. Thanks for the tip, Jason!

Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Convertible

[Source: Manchester Subaru]

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI convertible: Worst idea ever? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Bentley Continental Supersports “Ice Speed Record” Convertible coming to Geneva

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Bentley, Luxury

Bentley Ice Speed Record Continental Supersports

Bentley “Ice Speed Record” Continental Supersports Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like Bentley isn’t wasting any time when it comes to capitalizing on the company’s latest feat of speed. According to Cars UK, the automaker is planning to roll out 100 special-edition models to commemorate Juha Kankkunen’s recent record-breaking ice-speed run. Officially called the Bentley Continental Supersports Ice-Speed Record Convertible, the special-edition cars will be available with one of three unique paint colors; Beluga, Quartzite and Arctic White. Red detail accents will be found all over the vehicle, and a special dark gray soft top caps off the whole shebang.

Under the hood, buyers won’t be disappointed to find a 6.0-liter W12 engine with a galactic 631 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque on tap. Those numbers are identical to the standard edition, though given that Kankkunen’s record-breaking vehicle was powered by the same lump, we can’t exactly fault Bently for not turning up the heat.

Bentley isn’t saying exactly how much the new special-edition vehicle will set you back, but we do know that the drophead is supposed to show its face at this year’s Geneva Motor Show next month. Expect to hear more then.

Gallery: Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible sets world speed record on ice

[Source: Cars UK]

Report: Bentley Continental Supersports “Ice Speed Record” Convertible coming to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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