Autoblog

SEMA 2009: Knee-high tri-axle pickup by Air-Zenith is down and (not so) dirty

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:39:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Convertible, Truck, Specialty

Air-Zenith custom pickup - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not exactly sure what this used to be in its former life, but it all kinds of cool in its current iteration. Just knee-high to a Hobbit, this six-wheel convertible was parked in the shadow of Bigfoot and we almost tripped over it.

We were able to locate an Air-Zenith banner on the windshield, however, we couldn't find any other info. But really, what else do you need to know? Air-Zenith is the same group that dropped the drag pickup we saw at SEMA 2008. That one might have been quicker, but this one has a cool bike in the bed!

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Knee-high tri-axle AirXenith pickup truck

SEMA 2009: Knee-high tri-axle pickup by Air-Zenith is down and (not so) dirty originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: We expected a Camaro Convertible, but got two

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Convertible, Performance, Chevrolet

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible by Drop Top Customs - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we received the press release from Drop Top Customs saying that they would be bringing a Camaro convertible to SEMA, we could hardly contain ourselves. Ever since the Camaro Concept was first shown some way too many years ago, we've been expecting a droptop version as well. General Motors has had a lot on their plate lately and we consider ourselves lucky that we've even got the coupe now. With things starting to change at the top within the GM brass though, we fully expect things to change at the top of this classic bit of American iron as well.

Right now, unfortunately, a genuine factory convertible isn't available, so it's up to the aftermarket to fill that need. Drop Top's droptop looked like a decent attempt from the early pics but we wanted to see it in person before we really signed off on it. We knew it would be here at SEMA but it took us a while to find it. The odd thing is that we found another Camaro convertible first. We eventually found the Drop Top, which you see above, though too.

The yellow car looked pretty much like the photos we had seen earlier, except that it was real and sitting in front of us finally. The conversion seems really well done. We know it's hard for any aftermarket firm to match the level of development that the automaker itself can do, but these guys are experts at building chop-top vehicles. If you have to have a Camaro convertible and you simply cannot wait for Chevy to produce one of their own, then this might be a good option. Of course there is at least one other option as well, as we found out when we canvassed the show's North Hall.

A black Camaro convertible was also on display, featuring a large chrome grille and Forgiato wheels. This conversion was done by Newport Convertible and seems roughly as good as the Drop Top job. The top mechanism looks like it fits pretty low in the rear deck and the materials seem top notch, just like on the yellow car. Newport didn't have a full boot fitted, but it looked professional, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. We didn't get a chance to see either with their tops up (or in motion), however, so we still need to reserve final judgment. In the meantime, just know that there are now two convertible Camaro options for those who absolutely, positively need a Camaro convertible today. Check out our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Camaro convertible conversions

SEMA 2009: We expected a Camaro Convertible, but got two originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: 1962 Corvette C1-RS is a worthy Goodguys Street Machine of the Year

Drew Phillips — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:37:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, Convertible, Performance, Chevrolet

1962 Chevrolet Corvette C1-RS - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It takes a lot to win the the Goodguys Street Machine of the Year award, but this custom 1962 Corvette convertible you see here easily deserves the honor. The car not only looks incredible, but it posted the fastest time at the Goodguys autocross track as well! Every single one of the body panels on the car has been modified, and the majority of the components are constructed either of aluminum or carbon fiber.

Powering the C1-RS is an LS7 V8 putting out more than 600 horsepower, but we were most impressed with the eight carbon fiber intake trumpets on either side of the engine that bring air into the intake manifold. The interior was beautifully crafted as well, with a custom fabricated aluminum dash and console and Alcantara and leather seats. Check out the high-res gallery below to see all the details yourself, or follow the jump to read more about the car.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: 1962 Chevrolet Corvette C1-RS

Continue reading SEMA 2009: 1962 Corvette C1-RS is a worthy Goodguys Street Machine of the Year

SEMA 2009: 1962 Corvette C1-RS is a worthy Goodguys Street Machine of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Turbo rotary Mazda MX-5 begs to be flogged

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mazda

Turbo Rotary Mazda MX-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you get the impression things are all high gloss and dubs in Vegas, you wouldn't be far off. But walk around the SEMA compound long enough and you come across something cool that that speaks to the gearhead, track rat in each of us.

Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of details about this red NA Mazda MX-5, but we do know it's been worked over by Mike Burlas Designs from Rialto, California, and it has a turbocharged 13B rotary underhood. Further, it has been kitted out with an adjustable suspension, upgraded brakes and what appears to be a fiberglass (or Kevlar) blistered fender kit.

But the crowning jewel is the carbon fiber fastback roof which the company is selling in fiberglass form for $1,800. It's not quite as cool as the MX-5 coupe concept from way-back-when, but it's nice to see the Miata getting some S2000-style fixed roof love in Sin City.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Turbo Rotary Mazda MX5/Miata

SEMA 2009: Turbo rotary Mazda MX-5 begs to be flogged originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seven new Porsche models reportedly due over next four years... could there be more?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:39:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Crossover, Porsche, Luxury

It doesn't seem that long ago that Porsche was a two-car company. But since then, the German automaker has come out with the Cayenne and the Panamera, taking it into new territory - for better or worse. Now that it's part of the Volkswagen Group, sources expect Porsche to begin expanding its lineup even more, and British rag Autocar has what they're calling a comprehensive outline for seven new models in the works at Stuttgart that will arrive over the course of the next four years.

Starting with next year, we should see V6 engines on offer in the Panamera, including gasoline and - in certain markets anyway - diesel-burning sixes. The same year should bring the new Cayenne, the third-generation model, with a more curvaceous body to look even more like a 911 on stilts.

Two years from now in 2011, we should be seeing a hybrid version of the Panamera coupling either a V6 or V8 engine to an electric motor for green propulsion. An all-new 911 is due by the summer of 2012, and is expected to be a significant departure from the existing model, both longer and wider with an all-new design - but don't expect the rear-engine set-up to go anywhere.

2013 could see the debut of the so-called Roxster, a baby brother to the Cayenne likely to share its platform with the Audi Q5, as well as the anticipated successor to the 928, based on the Panamera and arriving in both coupe and convertible body-styles. To Autocar's list we'll add the electric sportscar currently under development, the Boxster Spyder that we previewed earlier this morning, and the rumored RS Spyder-based supercar to succeed the departed Carrera GT, giving the Germans a more grandiose expansion plan than we've seen in over 60 years.

[Source: Autocar]

Seven new Porsche models reportedly due over next four years... could there be more? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: Porsche reveals new lightweight Boxster Spyder [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Porsche

Porsche Boxster Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're less than a month away from the LA Auto Show, which means that automakers are starting to dribble out some of what we'll be seeing there. The gang from Zuffenhausen will be rolling out a new lightweight edition of the Boxster dubbed "Spyder" especially for those who live where the sun shines and the roads twist. Like the classic 550 Spyders of the Fifties, the top mechanism in this new Boxster is merely a formality - rather than providing fully enclosed driving is more of a sun-shade than anything else.

Overall, Porsche's engineers have pared off about 176 pounds from the Spyder, bringing it down to 2,811 pounds. Propulsion comes via a direct-injected 3.4-liter boxer six with a 10 horsepower boost over the Boxster S for a total of 320. With the automaker's seven-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox, the Spyder gets to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and manages a combined 25.3 mpg (US) on the EU drive cycle.

In Porsche's time-honored "less is more" (money) world, the Boxster Spyder goes on sale in February 2010 with a base price $61,200. We're quite sure your local Porsche dealer will happily offer to put back some additional weight in your car in the form of options, but, hey - at least your wallet's heft will be pared back significantly to help offset the difference. For the rest of you dreamers, be sure to check out our high-res gallery below along with the some videos and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading LA Preview: Porsche reveals new lightweight Boxster Spyder [w/VIDEO]

LA Preview: Porsche reveals new lightweight Boxster Spyder [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Lexus F-Sports sitting in the sun

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Convertible, Sedan, Performance, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus GS 350 F-Sport - click above image for hi-res gallery

It's tempting to dismiss Lexus' F-Sport as a direct Audi S-Line rip off. But unlike Audi's visual-only appearance upgrades, F-Sport actually offers some performance (intake, exhaust, brakes, etc.), handling and exterior body mods. Advantage, Lexus.

And we like the Yakuza-y stance of this GS 350 F-Sport. The GS has in many ways been the forgotten Lexus for the past few years (it's a 5 Series competitor, don't you know), but this TRD tuned GS has us remembering. First, is the paint - in this case Vibrance Orange Glow Candy. Hubba bubba. There's also a full ground effects package and a grill insert (which kind of makes it look like the new Subaru Legacy), F-Sport wheels, shocks, springs and brakes. All in all a well done if not enticing package. And get this -- the IS 350 C F-Sport is done up in the exact same way.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Lexus F-Sport

SEMA 2009: Lexus F-Sports sitting in the sun originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler to launch four Special Editions in first quarter of 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Hatchback, Chrysler

Much has been made of Chrysler's apparent lack of new products for the 2010 model year. Suffice it to say, while there are big things in store for Chrysler, they will take at least another year to get into production. For instance, while removing the unsightly strakes from the hood of the unloved Sebring sedan and convertible is a nice gesture, it's not nearly far enough to make the car suddenly competitive with its chief rivals in the ultra competitive mid-size sedan arena.

Not entirely surprisingly then, Chrysler is trying its best to add a few reasons to purchase its current models before the major changes happen in the next few years. Each of Chrysler's current nameplates - 300, Town and Country, Sebring and PT Cruiser - get Special Editions that will hit the market in the first quarter of 2010.

First, the 300 is slated to get a complete redesign later on in 2010, probably as a 2011 model vehicle. Regardless, the current 300 will get a Sport Edition that's targeted at the youth market before the reboot button is officially pressed. The Town and Country gets a Fashion Edition and the Sebring gets an Ocean Edition (we have no idea what that means).

Lastly, the long-in-the-tooth PT Cruiser gets a Final Edition (finally final? Promise?) and the nameplate is not scheduled to live on past the 2010 model year. So, if you want one... better hit your local dealer post haste. As a parting note, Chrysler never actually mentioned it, but take a good look at the new Chrysler 300 brochure at the top right of the image above - that doesn't look like the current 300 grille, does it? Hint, hint.

Chrysler to launch four Special Editions in first quarter of 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: A trio of modded Lexus customs drop their tops

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Convertible, Performance, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus IS250 and 350 Cs at SEMA - Click above for high-res image gallery

While it might be tempting to dismiss the Lexus C (either the 250 or 350) as a bustled buttocksed luxury faux-sports car, Lexus implanted enough good handling (in the 250 C) and/or POWA! (in the 350 C) to make 'em pretty much OK in our book. Still, this is SEMA -- pretty much OK is never even kinda close to good enough.

Meet the IS 350C by Fox Marketing. First of all, check out that Foxy Green paint. We like it, and it reminds us of the Snake Skin Green found on the Dodge Viper -- bonus! But Fox's IS 350C is much more than several coats of high-gloss paint, there's a supercharger bolted to the 3.5-liter V6 making six pounds of boost and increasing the motor's gumption from 300 horses to a pretty dang respectable 405 hp. There are no less than eleven custom body panels, including a Foxy Green Lexus badge. We like this one.

Next up is the IS 350 C by Auto Salon and JTuned.com. Unlike the shiny Foxy Green C, this one is matte. And red. With a touch of black. And while there's (sadly) no supercharger, there is about $15,000 worth of mods and baubles, including performance enhancing goodies like a custom intake, exhaust and air filter. There's also a reworked fuel mapping schema and a new throttle system. There's also a set of big old Hankooks and more carbon fiber than a Boeing Dreamliner. Just kidding on that last bit, but you get the idea.

Lastly, we've got 0-60 and Design Craft Fabrication's custom IS 250 C. From a handling perspective, this might be pick of the litter, as we've always dug the more balanced dancing ways of the smaller 250 to the faster but nose-heavier 350. Add to that a KW coilover setup, chipped ECU, tuned exhaust and custom Brembos stopping one-piece Advan racing wheels and you've got quite a tasty package. And the Pontiac G8 looking twin hood vents are kinda growing on us.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Lexus' tuned trio of IS Cs

SEMA 2009: A trio of modded Lexus customs drop their tops originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drop the Hammer: Getting schooled with AMG Driving Academy at Lime Rock

Chris Paukert — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

AMG Driving Academy at Lime Rock - Click above for high-res image gallery

The world's sickly economy not withstanding, selling luxury vehicles is easy. From the suppleness of a swatch of leather to the exquisite graining on a piece of rare wood veneer to having every electronic gewgaw available at one's fingertips, what defines a luxury car is essentially self-evident. To a substantial degree, everyone knows quality and true luxury when they see and feel it. The same cannot be so easily said when it comes to matters of high performance.

Selling luxury may be easy, but as AMG has figured out, selling high-performance is a heck of a lot more fun.

As one of the globe's premiere aspirational brands, Mercedes-Benz would appear to have the luxury selling routine knocked. But the company's AMG performance division has become an increasingly prominent part of its portfolio and bottom line, and these vehicles attract a different sort of customer and require a different marketing approach. Thankfully, as AMG has become increasingly important to Mercedes, its product line has risen in quality and dynamic performance. But while luxury and quality are easily conveyed, how do you sell four-wheeled thrills?

The thing is, as an automotive marketer, you can preach how great your sports car is until you're blue in the face, but until you're able to really show people how superior your vehicle is, you're never going to win them all over. And if you're like AMG, your offerings have become way too fast and capable to be safely exploited on public roads. So what's Mercedes to do? Why, give current and potential owners the chance to explore the dynamic limits of both their automobiles and themselves in a fun, legal, educational, and most importantly, safe environment. Enter the AMG Driving Academy.

Mercedes has offered its AMG driving program overseas for some time now, but this year is the first time they've brought the experience to the States. With events at Connecticut's storied Lime Rock Park, Florida's Palm Beach International Raceway, and California's legendary Laguna Seca, the venues Mercedes has chosen are certainly top-notch. But what about the experience? We had to find out for ourselves.

Gallery: AMG Driving Academy at Lime Rock Park

Continue reading Drop the Hammer: Getting schooled with AMG Driving Academy at Lime Rock

Drop the Hammer: Getting schooled with AMG Driving Academy at Lime Rock originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Convertible Toyobaru FT-86 in the works

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Japan, Subaru, Toyota, Rumormill

Toyota FT-86 - click above image for hi-res gallery

In news that will only shock those that haven't been paying attention, Toyota has reportedly confirmed that if the market demands it, there will be a convertible version of the new FT-86. Though Toyota still hasn't settled on a name for the upcoming budget rear-drive sports car, the announcement of a drop-top option lends a bit more credence to the rumor that the Celica nameplate might be brought back from the dead.

Now, the notion of a convertible Celica really shouldn't shock anyone. However, what should shock you (at least a little) is the possibility of convertible Subaru. Because, besides a few one-offs and at least one was-never-going-to-see-the-light-of-day concept, Subaru has never built a convertible. And of course, this means that the very real possibility of an all-wheel drive, 300+ horsepower, 300+ lb-ft. of torque, six-speed manual Subaru roadster exists. Where do we sign up? Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept

[Source: Auto Telegraaf via Motor Authority]

REPORT: Convertible Toyobaru FT-86 in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zagato marks the end of an era with custom Ferrari 550 GTZ Barchetta

Noah Joseph — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Ferrari, Specialty, Design/Style

Ferrari 550 GTZ - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Ferrari took the wraps off the 550 Maranello in 1996, it represented an important step in the company's evolution. Replacing the aging F512M (nee Testarossa), the 550 Maranello marked a shift back to front-engine V12 GTs for Ferrari - the niche market for which the company became known. But if the 550 Maranello was a pivotal product for Ferrari, the 550 Barachetta Pininfarina was even more desirable.

Characterized by its open-top format with rear cowling and leather-trimmed roll hoops, Ferrari only made 448 examples of the open-top 550 before the model line was replaced by the 575M. Another 559 drop-top Superamericas were built on the 575M's basis, but the rarest example was the solitary 575 GTZ built by Zagato for one Yoshiyuki Hayashi, an avid Ferrari collector in Japan.

For better or worse, the window of opportunity that, for a time, allowed coachbuilders like Zagato to create specials like the 575 GTZ is now closing, with Ferrari's own customization program bringing the carrozzeria tradition back to the Maranello gates - to the exclusion of others. But not before the Milanese design house gets in one last hoorah, celebrating the 90th anniversary of the first such collaboration between the two Italian houses of rolling style.

Taking five pristine examples of the aforementioned 550 Barachetta as their basis, the 550 GTZ borrows the shape from Hayashi's 575-based coupe and gives it a roadster body style. There's no word on whether any modifications have been carried out on the coupe's mechanicals, but the rolling stock appears to have carried over unchanged if that's any indication. All five examples have reportedly been spoken for at a price of £1 million ($1.6 million) apiece, which may seem like a lot for a car long since replaced, twice, but hardly too much to ask for historic artifacts of automotive Italiana.

Gallery: Ferrari 550 GTZ Barchetta by Zagato

[Source: CarsUK]

Zagato marks the end of an era with custom Ferrari 550 GTZ Barchetta originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW builds E34 M5 Convertible, keeps it secret for 20 long years

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Europe, BMW

BMW E34 M5 Convertible - Click above image for high-res gallery

Amongst M Division cognoscenti there rages an eternal debate concerning what's the best ever BMW M car. To the casual Bavarian-enthusiast the answer is quite simple: E39 M5. However, strong cases can be made for both the E30 M3 and the OG E28 M5, which featured the M1's race-bred 3.5-liter straight-six. In fact, there's a whole subculture of folks that feel a car's not really a BMW (let alone an M) without an inline-six. With that said, the E34 M5 is a pretty compelling candidate for best ever M car, as is the M1. Oddly, no one ever advocates in favor of the E60 M5. Moving on...

Think about it now -- the E34 M5 is the last of the totally hand built M cars. Sometimes one worker made an entire car, though usually the cars were built by specific teams. In fact, BMW test engineers could tell which person (or people) had built each individual car. That's pretty nifty. Only thing is, all those doors. And that roof! Who needs it? Sadly, it was only with the introduction of the E63 M6 that the big M cars got back to just two doors and a drop top. Or was it?

Turns out that back in the late '80s BMW built a convertible E34 M5 and they've kept it under lock and key for the past 20 years until showing it to a select group of journalists during a 25 years of M5 celebration. Based of the E34 chassis, the convertible version featured lengthened doors and was actually all set to go into production.

But then, just one week before its introduction at Geneva (they'd booked space for the car and everything), BMW pulled the plug and canceled the M5 convertible, fearing demand for non-M5 convertibles would cut into the highly profitable 3 Series convertible sales. Too bad, as this thing looks sweet. Also, if BMW pulls the long-rumored-though-(maybe)-never-built M8 out from some dark corner of the storage bin, well, we'll be pretty upset. Yet thrilled at the same time.

Gallery: BMW E34 M5 Convertible

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: BMW builds E34 M5 Convertible, keeps it secret for 20 long years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: BMW tests new wind tunnel with a model we can appreciate

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Technology, Videos, BMW, Luxury

Sylvie van der Vaart and a BMW E30 Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

The more things change, the more things change. If you would have asked our opinion, we would have told you that open top motoring means feeling the wind in your hair. NEIN! says BMW. And to prove just how far they've come in two short decades, the boys and girls at Bimmer decided to stick footballer wife and all around hottie Sylvie van der Vaart in a wind tunnel with two very different BMW droptops.

At first, Sylvie gets all tarted up in her best Falcon Crest summer ensemble with matching Aqua Net hair and gets behind the wheel of a 1987 E30 convertible. The wind tunnel is switched on and a 60 km/h (about 37 mph) wind is upon her hairdo. Rats, says her stylist. Ruined. Then Mrs. van der Vaart changes into some late first-decade-of-the-twenty-first-century duds and climbs into a folding hard top E93. Wind starts blowing and... not a thing, at least in terms of Sylvie's hair. It's as if her and the porcine 3 Series aren't in a high tech wind tunnel. Says van der Vaart, "What a difference from the older model! I couldn't feel the wind at all - I even had to check to see if they'd even turned it on."

A couple of points - sadly, Sylvie was diagnosed with cancer right after the photo shoot was completed. She was treated, so far so good, but now wears a wig. We know this because BMW chose to exploit her illness to point out that despite the wig, Sylvie still rocks out in a convertible. Thanks, BMW! That said, automotive aerodynamics have sure come a very long way since Malcolm Sayer taped tufts of wool to the E-Type. Also, not only were BMWs better looking in the Eighties, but fashion was, too. Video and press release after the jump.

Gallery: BMW windtunnel test with model

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW tests new wind tunnel with a model we can appreciate

VIDEO: BMW tests new wind tunnel with a model we can appreciate originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steward of the Seven, Graham Nearn, passes away at 76

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:39:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Etc., UK

Graham Nearn helped develop and sell the Lotus 7, creating Caterham Cars in 1959 as a retail outlet for the lightweight roadster. After having seen the car through its years of broadcasting fame on the BBC show The Prisoner (that's Nearn on the right with Prisoner star Patrick MacGoohan), he then saved the 7 from the death dealer's axe when Lotus wanted to bury the car in 1973.

Nearn took over the manufacturing rights and kept the car true to its origins -- the Caterhams we reported on from Tokyo last week are still Nearn's children. Nearn passed away last weekend. AB sends its condolences to the entire Caterham family worldwide.

[Source: Caterham]

Steward of the Seven, Graham Nearn, passes away at 76 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get mild rhinoplasty

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, BMW, Luxury

The 3 Series coupe and convertible have had a little surgery done and been caught post-op. The actual changes aren't monumental, but up front appear to have quite an effect on the looks. We'll wait to see the uncovered version without the tape over the headlights before final judgments are issued, but from the three-quarter view the increased sweep, the changes to the kidney grille, and the drawn headlights makes the front look a little -- forgive us for saying -- vintage Grand Am.

In back the car gets revised taillights and a bumper massage. Inside expect slightly upgraded ergonomics and iDrive. The sedan and touring are rumored to get this look as well, and should appear next year.

[Source: Carscoop]

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get mild rhinoplasty originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: 400-hp supercharged Lexus IS C hits the road to Sin City

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Convertible, Performance, Lexus, Luxury

Fox Marketing 2010 Lexus IS350 C - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fox Marketing is back for the 2010 SEMA show, following up last year's tuned IS F with a supercharged 2010 Lexus IS350C. While Lexus' hard-top cabrio may be an odd choice for a performance makeover, you can't deny the equipment Fox used to create the lime green, 405 horsepower drop-top.

A ProCharger C2 blower huffs six PSI into the stock 3.5-liter V6, with a Yonaka intercooler keeping the charge in check while spent hydrocarbons are shuttled out an F-Sport exhaust. Lexus' internal tuning division was tapped to supply the stoppers, with 14-inch discs clamped by six-piston caliper in front. iForged wheels, sized 20x9 inches in front and 20x11.5 inches in the rear, are wrapped in Toyo T1Rs and dropped over a set of Yonaka SPECII 36-way adjustable coilovers.

Since this is a Fox creation, the exterior mods are both extensive and custom, with a bespoke front lip, side skirts, grilles, badges and a two-inch fender flare up front. Make the jump for the lengthy list of modifications and expect live coverage from the show floor in just over a week.

Gallery: Fox Marketing 2010 Lexus IS350C

Continue reading SEMA Preview: 400-hp supercharged Lexus IS C hits the road to Sin City

SEMA Preview: 400-hp supercharged Lexus IS C hits the road to Sin City originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Maserati relabels GranCabrio as GranTurismo Convertible for North American market

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Maserati

Maserati GranTurismo Convertible (nee GranCabrio) - Click above for high-res image gallery

What's in a name, you ask? A lot, especially when you're trying to increase market share against such storied brands as Aston Martin, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, to name just a few.

Maserati took the wraps off its first proper four-seat convertible at last month's Frankfurt Motor Show. But while the open-air version of the GranTurismo coupe will be sold as the GranCabrio in overseas markets, the Italian automaker has seen fit to give the vehicle a more straightforward name in North America.

When the GranCabrio goes on sale in the United States, Canada and Mexico - as well as Australia and New Zealand - it will be sold as the GranTurismo Convertible. Pricing has yet to be officially announced, but dealers are already taking orders for the new cabrio in advance of its arrival in time for next summer. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Maserati GranCabrio

[Source: Maserati]

Continue reading PSA: Maserati relabels GranCabrio as GranTurismo Convertible for North American market

PSA: Maserati relabels GranCabrio as GranTurismo Convertible for North American market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inden Design gets Mercedes-Benz SL 500 to go "deep and wide"

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty

Inden Design SL -- Click above for image gallery

The Inden Design SL will turn your ordinary aging SL 500 into a previous-gen SL65 AMG lookalike and then some. The firm installs fascias front and rear and exhaust pipes that mimic the SL65, then the whole body is given the blackout treatment right down to the door handles. And could we even call it German tuning if it didn't get a set of custom 20-inch wheels tucked fender-deep on Pirelli rubber bands?

Interior bits get some varnish, the SL65 steering wheel makes an appearance, and to combat that ridiculous ride height an adjustable suspension module is installed to provide 50mm of vertical movement. The engine, however, only gets a 15-hp upgrade to 330 horsepower. So if you see any real SL65 AMGs, you'll probably want to keep looking straight ahead.

You can read about all the mods in the press release after the jump, and check it out in the gallery of photos below.

Gallery: Inden Design SL500

[Source: Inden]

Continue reading Inden Design gets Mercedes-Benz SL 500 to go "deep and wide"

Inden Design gets Mercedes-Benz SL 500 to go "deep and wide" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World's Largest Rebate? Save $42,000 on Tesla Roadster in Colorado

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Government/Legal, Tesla, Alternative Fuel

Tesla Roadster - Click above image for high-res gallery

We didn't believe it until we verified it with our own eyes - and amazingly it's true: Colorado is offering a $42,083 rebate on the 2009 Tesla Roadster until December 31st. Carry the one, move the decimal point... yep, that's a 38-percent discount on what must be the most desirable electric car currently for sale in the United States.

So, exactly how did this come about? Is the thin air up there distorting people's better judgment? Not exactly. The incentive actually applies to a slew of qualifying hybrid and electric vehicles and will be paid in the form of an income tax credit that's calculated by determining the difference in price of the alt-fuel car or truck as compared to a competitive gas-powered model. In the case of the Tesla Roadster, Colorado figures the EV costs a whopping $50K more than its competitive set... which we imagine might be the Lotus Elise.

Want to take advantage of the rebate but not interested in a fully-electric sportscar? Buyers can also get a $20K rebate on the 2009 Lexus LS 600h L or about three grand on either the new Honda Insight or Toyota Prius. But we urge you to buy the Tesla instead, because you could then get a loaded Ford Mustang GT with all the money you save just for irony's sake. See the complete list in PDF form here.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster

[Source: Green Car Reports]

World's Largest Rebate? Save $42,000 on Tesla Roadster in Colorado originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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