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Ruf drops the roof on 911 Targa-inspired Roadster

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Porsche

Ruf Roadster – Click above for image gallery

In the market for a 911? Lord knows Porsche has more than enough variants to choose from. And a fair few of them – like the Sport Classic and the Speedster – draw their inspiration from 911s of yore. But if those aren’t to your liking, venerable tuning house Ruf has a new option at your disposal.

Ruf calls it a Roadster, but it takes its cues (as well as its form) from the original 1967 Porsche 911 Targa. The Ruf Roadster features a solid roll bar that offers the structural rigidity of a coupe with a variety of configurations for open-air driving. Because the roof panels and rear window can be removed separately, the Roadster can be driven with the roof open and the rear closed, the rear open and the roof closed, or completely open or closed. You could even take one of the split roof panels off to let the sun shine in on the driver while keeping the front-seat passenger sheltered.

Buyers can choose from naturally aspirated (400-horsepower) or turbocharged (560hp) engines, with prices starting at €195,000 (approximately $275k at today’s conversion rates). Hey, nobody said flexibility came cheap.

Gallery: Ruf Roadster

[Source: PistonHeads]

Ruf drops the roof on 911 Targa-inspired Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus still mulling LF-A Roadster, planning seven-seat CUV?

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Crossover, Lexus, Rumormill, Luxury

Lexus LF-A Roadster - red

Lexus LFA Roadster concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a new report from AutoWeek, Lexus has a whole slew of tricks up its sleeves that it hopes will help right the ship and keep the automaker atop the luxury car sales sweepstakes, a position that’s currently in jeopardy due to a rising tide of threats from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Starting at the tippy-top of the lineup, it seems that Lexus may halt production of the show-stopping LFA coupe after just 500 units have been delivered. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones who can afford its outrageous sticker price, though, perhaps you shouldn’t fret too much – AW says a production version of the LFA Roadster concept is once again in the cards. According to the story, the 2008 Detroit Auto Show star will likely even be built in larger numbers than its hard-hatted predecessor, though it could take a year or so for it to show up.

Also on the potential possibilities list is a so-called Lexus VX, which would supposedly be a step up from the Japanese brand’s all-conquering RX crossover. The car-based VX would feature seven seats and offer more interior room and strive to offer better driving dynamics. Interestingly, the marque is also said to be studying a rival for BMW’s X6.

Of course, we know that the CT200h hybrid hatchback is right around the corner, but Lexus is also reportedly planning a bevy of updates across its entire model range to bring some freshness into its showrooms. Want to know more? Feel free to hit up the source link below for all the gossip.

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Roadster

[Source: AutoWeek]

Lexus still mulling LF-A Roadster, planning seven-seat CUV? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Aston Martin, Luxury

2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster – Click above for high-res image gallery

There’s not much we’d change about the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, as it’s compact, stylish and thoroughly addictive already. But that hasn’t stopped the British marque from launching a series of updates and upgrades. The latest came in July with the launch of the N420 edition coupe, a race-car-for-the-street variant inspired by the company’s motorsports prowess at the Nurburgring. At the time, Aston announced that the N420 – itself the successor to the earlier N400 – would be available in both coupe and convertible bodystyles, but it has only now released the drop-top model ahead of its debut later this week at the Paris Motor Show.

Like the N420 coupe, the roadster keeps the same 420-horsepower V8 engine and the optional Sport Pack suspension as standard, and upgrades with a sport exhaust system, new wheels, aero package and reduced weight as compared to the standard model. Prices should come in around the $145k mark, available with either a six-speed manual or Sportshift automatic. Have a closer look at the Gaydon goodness in our gallery below, and stay tuned for live shots straight from the Parisian show floor.

Gallery: 2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster

[Source: Aston Martin]

Paris Preview: Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Jay Leno’s Garage revisits the Tesla Roadster

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Celebrities, Tesla, Electric

Tesla Roadster on Jay Leno’s Garage, take 2.5 – Click above to watch video after the jump

Jay Leno gets the updated version of the Tesla Roadster, version 2.5, for a spell in the garage, which goes from a two-speed to a single speed transmission, has some revised bodywork front an back, interior upgrades to add more polish and the targa will roll an EPA-certified 245 miles on a charge. Follow the jump for his lengthy take on it, and to hear him compare it to his 1909 Baker Electric.

[Source: Jay Leno’s Garage]

Continue reading Video: Jay Leno’s Garage revisits the Tesla Roadster

Video: Jay Leno’s Garage revisits the Tesla Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Peugeot celebrates bicentennial with EX1 electric roadster

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Peugeot, Electric

Peugeot EX1 concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Automotive history is riddled with examples of crossovers between cars and motorcycles. Some are made by automakers, others by motorcycle manufacturers. But if you’re going to make a go of it, it probably helps to have a company that makes both. A company like Honda, Suzuki or BMW. Or Peugeot.

Gearing up for its home expo, the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the French automaker has unveiled a unique take on the formula called the Peugeot EX1. Of course, what you’re looking at is a show car, a concept for how the company’s two core competences can be melded together in one vehicle.

The EX1 celebrates the marque’s 200th anniversary in the form of a lightweight, all-electric two-seat roadster which Peugeot claims “has already broken several world records for acceleration from a standing start.” To that end, the equivalent of 340 horsepower is channeled from a pair of electric motors to all four wheels, mounted at the rear as if on a trike, but with enough track to maintain the stability of a conventional car.

It’s an intriguing concept that reminds us of the nearly produced Volkswagen GX3 trike concept of 2006. While you’re waiting to get our firsthand snapshots and commentary from the Port de Versailles show floor, you can check out the massive high-res image gallery below and the full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Peugeot EX1 concept

[Source: Peugeot]

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Paris Preview: Peugeot celebrates bicentennial with EX1 electric roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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That was quick – Ferrari 599 Roadster preview confirmed

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Ferrari, Design/Style

That didn’t take long. As soon as the Ferrari 599 Spyder post went live this afternoon we started hearing from multiple sources that Ferrari did indeed preview a 599 “Roadster” in Monterey a few weeks ago and that the letter posted on Luxury4Play is authentic. It shouldn’t be that surprising, after all, we did a post predicting the unveiling a while back.

Apparently the invitees had to negotiate a tricky path after clearing a security gate to get to the venue. They all had to sign NDAs and their phones and cameras were confiscated. The car that was presented to them was a 599 convertible with a part-time fabric roof that included a removable glass panel for the back window. It was described as an occasional use roof, making this more of a barchetta than a spider in Ferrari parlance. Actually one person described it as nothing more than a piece of fabric that connected to both sides of the body. We’re thinking a Porsche Boxster Spyder-type arrangement.

This particular 599 roadster was rosso fuoco – a rare and expensive multi-layer red – and had silver buttresses. It also had a new wheel design. The best news about this new model was that the engine will come from the recently unveiled 599 GTO and that the convertible will weigh no more than the current 599 GTB coupe. It will be priced at a premium over the GTO and will be limited to just 100 units. There was no indication of what this new model will be called, but Barchetta and SuperAmerica were used on the 550 and 575 convertibles, so maybe one of those will be resurrected…or possibly another name from Ferrari’s past, like Monza. Sales were tentatively promised for Summer 2011.

That was quick – Ferrari 599 Roadster preview confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Was a Ferrari 599 Roadster present at Pebble?

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari

Ferrari 599 HGTE

We may have obsessively covered the cars of Pebble Beach Week out in Monterey, California, but it appears that we – and everyone else in the media – may have missed one.

If a letter sent to a Ferrari owner is to be believed (and we’re not convinced it should be), the automaker held a special gathering for a select group of owners to view a 599 Roadster prototype. The letter, which you can view at Luxury4Play.com, thanks the attendees for their “first feedback” on this “upcoming limited edition product.” There’s no way to verify the authenticity of this letter, but if we’re honest, it looks kinda-sorta legit.

Ferrari usually does a pretty good job of keeping these things under wraps, and since we didn’t get to see the 599 Roadster during our time in Monterey, we wouldn’t be surprised if it shows up at a future auto show (Paris, perhaps?). We’ll keep our eyes peeled.

[Source: Luxury4Play via 0-60 Magazine]

Was a Ferrari 599 Roadster present at Pebble? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sondergard Automotive looking for startup capital for lighweight, low C02 roadster… on eBay?

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Earnings/Financials, Design/Style, Diesel

Sondergard Automotive Prototype – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s hard to get a car company off of the ground these days – just look at Tesla. Despite strong financial backing from the federal government, partnerships with companies like Mercedes-Benz and Toyota and a strong IPO, many are still gun shy of Tesla stock. It’s notoriously difficult to come up with the kind of capital necessary to move a vehicle from a computer rendering to a full-blown production prototype, which may be why it appears that Sondergard Automotive has taken to courting investors via the miracle of eBay Motors. The company is primarily concerned with building a low-weight, low-emission sports car that’s as fun to drive as it is eco friendly.

According to the eBay ad, the company has already come up with one prototype that weighs just 1,300 lbs but packs more than 330 horsepower from an efficient diesel engine. How efficient? The company claims fuel economy well above the 80 mpg mark. Color us skeptical. If you’re more of the optimistic persuasion, Sondergard is looking for an investor willing to drop $7 million to fund the Lotus Seven/Donkervoort-like project, though it will also consider a number of smaller backers with the need to pony up $500,000 each. For more information, check out the company’s eBay auction listing.

Gallery: Sondergard Automotive Prototype

[Source: eBay Motors]

Sondergard Automotive looking for startup capital for lighweight, low C02 roadster… on eBay? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best of Show: 1933 Delage D8S De Villars Roadster

Filed under: Classics

2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best of Show – Click above for high-res image gallery

Last year’s announcement of the Pebble Beach Best of Show felt almost anti-climactic. The winning Horch 853 was so stunning that we instantly thought it would be the grand champion the moment we laid eyes on it.

In contrast, this year’s show was a bit more wide open. There were literally dozens of cars that we thought had a chance to bring home the honors – but in the end it was The Patterson Collection’s 1933 Delage D8S De Villars Roadster that brought home the gold.

Kudos to them and the rest of the winners this year. We’ve assembled a gallery of the champion below and are working on a few more galleries showing you all of the featured classes as well. But for now, click below to see the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best of Show 1933 Delage D8S De Villars Roadster.

Gallery: 1933 Delage D8S De Villars Roadster

1933 Delage D8S De Villars Roadster

2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best of Show: 1933 Delage D8S De Villars Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Abarth Roadster based on KTM X-Bow?

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Performance, Europe, Fiat, Rumormill

Now this is a rumor we can get behind. According to Auto Express, Fiat is looking to take the mid-engine, rear-wheel drive fight to the Lotus Elise with a new Abarth roadster based on – get this – the KTM X-Bow. How’s that for mouth watering?

Supposedly the Italian’s factory tuning division will snap up a slew of rolling chassis from KTM and drop in its own 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder good for around 200 horsepower. Throw in some new body work and suddenly you’ve got a world-class handling machine that’s at least somewhat drivable when the weather turns sour.

AE says that according to “senior sources within the company” the car could show up as soon as 2013. That’s still an awfully long way off, so chances are this one has about as much of a chance of coming to fruition as a rear-wheel drive Acura. That’s a shame, too. We’d love to play around with a low-buck mid-engine Italian.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Abarth Roadster based on KTM X-Bow? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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