Section: Convertibles
Written By: David Yang
May 9th, 2008 10:35 AM
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Compared with Roewe, we haven’t heard much from the MG brand ever since the SAIC-Nanjing Auto merger. It seems the MG guys finally decided to make some noise by bringing two new cars to the Chinese dealers at the end of this month.
As the first made-in-China roadster, the rear-drive MG TF, offers two transmission options along with its 1.8 DOHC four burner: the manual MT and a CVT. The 1.8-liter MT accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds, hitting a top speed of 133 mph. It takes the 1.8-liter CVT 9.7 seconds to make the 0 to 62 mph dash, and it will reach a top speed of 124 mph. As it has almost no competitors in its class, the mid-engine roadster will likely be priced around 300,000 RMB (roughly $ 42,860 USD).
Another to hit the Chinese market later this month is an MG crossover called the 3SW. The new model has two engine options: a 1.4-liter four and a 1.8-liter four. The 1.4-liter generates maximum power of 102 horsepower and of maximum torque of 91 pound-feet while the 1.8-liter engine produces maximum power of 118 horsepower with max torque of 118 pound-feet. The price of 3SW will range from 80,000 – 120,000 RMB (roughly $11,428 - 17,142 USD).
(Have a look at the brace of Chinese MGs in our gallery below.)
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 8th, 2008 9:15 AM
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MG fans will be happy to hear that new Chinese owners Shanghai Automobile Corporation (SAIC) seem to be moving along at full speed towards the goal of producing an all new TF roadster.
Auto Express has used what it calls “insider information” to develop these renderings of the new model, which is said to be targeted at such European droptops as the Alfa Romeo Spider and the Audi TT, as well as the dominating Mazda MX-5. The new TF will be slightly larger than the Mazda but is said to be shooting for a very similar price tag, along with the hearts and minds of the roadster-crazy British public.
The new car will be based on the Roewe 550 compact hatchback, though its driven wheels will be in the back, and will be powered by either a 1.8-liter turbo or a 2.5-liter V-6. The MG TF could be available through a new Roewe dealership network in the UK by 2010. Click through the link to see a few more images of the new convertible and then let us know what you think, in comments.
+ AutoExpress: Reborn MG TF is ready at last!
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 7th, 2008 3:00 PM
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This Suzuki Cappuccino is a classic example of a sports car in the Japanese Kei car segment, diminutive in its homeland and utterly tiny in comparison to most American vehicles.
The two-seat roadster is powered by a 657cc DOHC three-cylinder engine which was officially rated at 63 horsepower, though the seller claims that its output is likely closer to 100 horsepower. In either regard the small mill is more than enough to provide spritely acceleration to a car that weighs about 1,500 pounds.
The little Suzuki also offers a roof system that allows a driver to choose between a full hard top, a targa-style removable center panel, and a fully open convertible. It’s also likely to be a real head turner, both for its cuter-than-a-Miata looks, and its absolutely charming size. The main drawback for buyers here would seem to be the premium being charged for the Cappuccino’s rarity; it carries an OBO price of $15,900. For the discerning (and short) collector only.
+ eBay Motors: 1980 Other Makes CAPPUCCINO ROADSTER
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 1st, 2008 2:45 PM
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Mercedes-AMG brings another 6.2-liter V-8 bomber for the ‘burbs. The thumping SL63 AMG makes us both dismiss and appreciate the outgoing SL55 AMG.
Continue –>
Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 1st, 2008 10:20 AM
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Former leading mind at Britain’s TVR, engine designer Al Melling, is planning to release a back-to-basics sports car this year that sounds like it would be right up our alley.
Focusing on simplicity and light weight, the Markham 450 is a rear-driven two-seat roadster, powered by a Chevy-sourced 5.7-liter V-8, and built around a steel spaceframe chassis. The big Chevy motor will be tuned to produce around 450 horsepower (hence the name), and should offer old-school thrills in a sexy convertible package.
Melling wants the 450 to be a relatively accessible package and one that’s easy for future owners to modify as they see fit. Autocar reports in the April 16 issue of its print magazine that the car will have a target price of around 40,000 pounds and could be on sale by the end of 2008.
+ Autocar
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 30th, 2008 9:00 AM
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Our old friends at Newport Convertible Engineering are at it again, with yet another one-off drop-top that has people remarking, “It was only a matter of time.”
The popularity of the Toyota Prius Hybrid may dictate at least a few of these bespoke offerings, but the beauty of the final product certainly doesn’t. Through no fault really of either Toyota or NCE (we’re putting the blame squarely on the shoulders of the customer that ordered this up), the Prius makes a rather grisly translation to a soft top, with an intrusive roll-hoop that looks as if it were salvaged from a PT Cruiser convertible. Likewise, the remaining window frames look, to put it charitably, odd.
Still for those who want the iconic hybrid and the wind in their hair, NCE has got your jam.
+ Newport Convertible Engineering
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 14th, 2008 5:00 PM
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While the flattened wedge styling and less than sterling reliability reputation may turn some instantly off, there’s no denying that the TVR 280i is an interesting choice for a collector car.
The 1986 TVR has a lot to offer from an enthusiast point of view. In addition to the fun of being a rare open top car, the 280i featured Ford V-6 power, a fiberglass body shell, and driving dynamics consistent with a true sports car. Unfortunately for this example, the plastic fantastic body seems to have had better days, and the interior is showing at least its twenty year age worth of wear. The seller is pretty candid about these points, asking potential buyers to please not expect “the build quality of a Toyota,” fair enough.
We would guess that interested parties should also not expect the anonymity of Toyota ownership, as this dramatic (if flawed) roadster is sure to draw attention and questions wherever it goes.
+ eBay Motors: 1986 Other Makes TVR 280i Series 2
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 14th, 2008 12:00 PM
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The long-heard rumors of Bugatti developing an open-top version of its Veyron super car appear to be true, as parent company Volkswagen has said that such a variant will enter production next year.
Bugatti spokesman Georges Keller has confirmed that the company is developing a Veyron convertible, though the car will offer a removable roof panel instead of a more traditional convertible top. An unnamed former Bugatti executive said that the panel was the only solution because, “there was no other solution which could fit with its safety cage.” The same source let on that there would be no storage space in the car for the panel.
No word yet on how many examples of the new car will be made, but Bugatti has held that it will only produce 300 copies of the standard Veyron.
(Have a look at the Veyron 16.4 below.)
+ Automotive News Europe: Bugatti will add open-air Veyron (subscription required)
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 11th, 2008 9:00 AM
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Despite creating what would seem like an even greater overlap between the Z4 Roadster and Coupe, reports are that BMW will be handing out a lot more hardtops in 2009.
Sources say that the Germany automaker will be offering a hardtop as standard equipment to anyone who takes delivery of a 2009 Z4 roadster, in a policy that mirrors the on Mazda has adopted with the Miata. Great news four those convertible buyers with the four-seasons spirit.
+ Jalopnik: 2009 BMW Z4 Reportedly To Come With Hard And Soft Top
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 4th, 2008 12:00 PM
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Boutique German carmaker Wiesmann has plans to introduce two more powerful versions of its idiosyncratic Roadster.
The current Wiesmann Roadster is badged the MF3, and is powered by the same 3.2-liter six that powered the last generation BMW M3. Not content with that engine’s hearty output, Wiesmann is set to add MF4 and MF5 Roadsters to the mix, powered by BMW-sourced 4.8-liter V-8s, and 5.0-liter V-10s respectively. Both cars are slated to debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show.
More fun for the European customers rich and brave enough to pilot the screaming convertibles, but no help to longing U.S. drivers as Wiesmann still has no plans to import any of its products here.
(Check out the Wiesmann MF5 in our gallery below.)
+ Autoblog: Wiesmann set to introduce MF4 and MF5 Roadsters in Geneva next year
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 3rd, 2008 5:00 PM
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While most peopled who attended the New York Auto Show launch of the Pontiac Solstice GXP admired the curvaceous silhouette of the coupe, fewer mentioned the car’s performance potential. That could soon change as new rumors tell us that Pontiac is planning turbo-charged version of the Solstice’s Ecotec four-cylinder that could be good for 300 or more horsepower. That kind of power would seemingly put the Solstice Coupe into far closer competition with cars like Nissan’s Z.
If such a performance variant does come about, look for the engine to find its way into the Saturn Sky Redline as well as the convertible Solstice, and to be hooked up to a manual five-speed transmission. The high-po model is said to be slated for just after the coupe goes on sale next year.
+ Autoblog: Pontiac Solstice Coupe to pack 300 horses?
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
March 28th, 2008 8:00 AM
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Just when you thought the Camaro madness was about to die down, resourceful Chevy fans at Camaro5.com have come through again with some more sneaky handiwork.
This time the fan site has posted pictures of a completely undisguised Camaro convertible, with the top down and everything. The roofless pony car is a natural extension of the coupe, though lifting the lid has a bit of a lengthening effect, somewhat negating the standard car’s aggressive lines.
With the luxury of four seats, and the advantage of being box-fresh, we don’t doubt that if the price is in line with Ford’s Mustang, Chevy will be able to sell a boatload of these ragtop Camaros. Tell us what you think of the new images, in comments.
+ Camaro5
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