Volkswagen will transform one of its many concept cars into a reality at this year’s Geneva Motor Show with the reveal of a high-performance version of the Golf Cabriolet.

The Golf GTI Cabriolet, which was previewed at the Worthersee GTI meet last year (along with a Golf R Cabriolet), will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 208 hp. In addition, the drop-top GTI will get an upgraded suspension and interior, a choice of six-speed manual or DSG transmission, 17-inch wheels and VW’s impressive electronic limited slip differential.

While VW does offer the same engine in the Eos convertible, this is the first time a full GTI package has been offered with a convertible option since the original GTI.

With the big reveal announced, the only question remaining is whether the Golf R Cabriolet will also see production.

[Source: AutoExpress]

With the launch of its new Roadster model MINI is seeking to rejuvenate the struggling segment says U.S. brand boss Jim McDowell.

The Roadster and its sibling, the new MINI Coupe, were developed in tandem, but to appeal to very different segments of the population. And perhaps more importantly, they were developed to bring in buyers who might not have otherwise bought a MINI.

Speaking with AutoGuide at the Detroit Auto Show, McDowell explained how when research into the cars started several years back a trend became immediately obvious in respect to the open-top two-seat segment. “We were amazed at how much the market had contracted over the last 10 years,” he said. “In fact, it contracted almost as fast as the average price went up.”

A BMW Z3, which started at just $31,200 back in 2000, has now transformed into the Z4, with a sicker price of $48,650. The MINI roadster, however, will start at just above the $25,000 mark. Miata aside, “There has not been such an attractively priced roadster in a long, long time,” says McDowell.

Ignoring, rather obviously, the Mazda MX-5, McDowell does comment that there’s a certain equity to the Roadster being a European model. “I wouldn’t call MINI owners snobs,” he says quite frankly, instead stating that they simply appreciate the attention to detail and quality common to European vehicles. And yet the MINI offers another quality that pricey German machines can’t match.

True the Roadster is an oddity in the segment, as a front-driver rather than a rear-wheel drive machine, though McDowell has commented in the past that he doesn’t believe it matters what wheels power that car, so long as it’s fun to drive.

Along with the attractive $25,000 starting price, a MINI, says McDowell, is the sort of thing you can still drop your kid off at school in without looking like you’re showing off. “A MINI is always socially acceptable.”

Still, McDowell says the Roadster will draw people from many brands, particularly those top-down drivers that once existed and McDowell believes they still do. “With this car we will bring back dormant roadster drivers that have disappeared,” he declares.

The Roadster is the latest model to join the expanding MINI lineup, which now includes the Coupe, Countryman, Clubman, as well as the conventional MINI Cooper and its convertible counterpart.

GALLERY: 2012 MINI Roadster

Sorry fans, but the possible successor to the Porsche 550 of the 1950′s is going to stay in the stable for quite a while longer.

CEO Matthias Mueller of Porsche is waiting for the next generation of consumers to see if the sales numbers justify the release of such a vehicle and wont make their move until they do. If you were one of the people waiting for the mid-engine drop top Mueller announced in February of last year for a 2014 release, then you probably want to take up a hobby to pass the time. There really isn’t any telling how long this will take.

On the other hand, if you’re just Porsche-bound and eager for something that isn’t already on the market, there is still the small Cajun SUV to look forward to in the 2013 model year and the 2013 Boxster (pictured above) to fulfill that convertible craving.

GALLERY: 2013 Boxster

[Source: 4 Wheels News]

The Tokyo Auto Salon isn’t just about Japanese cars. On the contrary, there’s a large selection of European models, especially thanks to the growing trend for RAUH-Welt Begriff modified Porsches.

Originally a company that modified Toyota AE 86s, founder Nakai-San took his passion for unique style and applied it to classic air-cooled Porsches. So what does the founder of the RWB movement drive? The answer is this machine.

A classic cabriolet model, the Spearmint Rhino car is, understandably, topless. It’s features the usual ultra-wide-body stance, though without the massive rear wing and has been finished in a pristine matte white finish. And even if you’re not a fan of the RWB movement, you simply have to love those wheels.

GALLERY: RWB Porsche

See AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon Coverage here

MINI is bringing a race inspired convertible into the market with the unveiling of the Roadster at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. This is the first two seater open topped vehicle in the English brand’s history and makes the MINI lineup six vehicles strong after the recent introduction of the Coupe (read our review here).

The Roadster will be offered with four engine options, although the Diesel variant will not be offered in North America. The John Cooper Works packaged Roadster will be the largest engine offering possible for the MINI with a 1.6-liter twinpower turbo putting out 208 hp and accelerating the roadster from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The MINI Cooper S Roadster will be outfiitted with the same 1.6L twinpower turbo, but without some of the race inspired upgrades of the JCW Roadster, and will crank out 181 hp and run from 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds . The MINI Cooper Roadster is the base model and will sport the 1.6L four cylinder as well, but without the turbo unit, and will generate 121 hp and run 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds.

The MINI Roadster borrows quite a few features from MINI’s race teams, including a rear spoiler which lifts at 50 mph, stainless steel roll bars, an Electronic Differential Lock Control, and even the choice of sport stripes for the exterior. These features come standard with JCW edition of the roadster. The MINI Roadster also stands 20mm lower than the MINI convertible which shows the cars push to be sportier and even better handling then any of MINI’s other offerings.

In terms of looks, the Roadster keeps all the same classic MINI styling like the round headlights and half moon grill, but appears a little more race inspired thanks to the lower stance, harder swept back windshield and low to the ground skirts.

All in all the MINI Roadster looks like a fun little car.

GALLERY: MINI Roadster

See AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show Coverage here

The 2013 Porsche Boxster S is going to look more aggressive with fresh lines a new interior and bigger air scoops, but the real change is going to be how it feels on the road.

New looks are cool, but just wait until you see what the folks over in Stuttgart cooked up this time for the iconic roadster: a turbo cramming 50 extra ponies in for a grand total of 360 hp. What’s even more exciting is the fact that Porsche is doing this without it’s 3.4-liter flat-six. In fact, they’re slicing two cylinders right off in favor of a 2.4-liter flat 4, meaning a faster car that’s more forgiving at the pump.

A less potent version will also make its way into the Cayman and base Boxster models. This is great news for anyone thinking of buying a Boxster, because they know how much fun they are already with 310 ponies pushing past curvy roads. Furthermore, the car will shed some curb weight, meaning that extra power will punch even harder.

The official debut is slated for this year’s Geneva Auto Show, look for more details and pictures to come

[Source: Road & Track]

Details and pricing for Volvo‘s 2012 C70 Inscription package have finally been announced with pricing set at $3,900 for the package and will be limited to just 500 units in North America, 2,000 in the world.

The C70 Inscription adds subtle modifications to Volvo’s C70 hardtop convertible, adding horsepower, torque, plus interior and exterior accessories. Performance tuning to the Engine Control Module is exclusive to North America and is provided by Polestar, a Swedish racing and performance products company partnered with Volvo.

The result is 23-hp more and 37 lb-ft torque more, bringing the grand total to 250-hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the performance, US C70 Inscription owners will also get a set of 18-inch Midir wheels in a polished / gloss back finish, leather-covered dash with contrasting stitching, active dual Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights with chrome trim, a new front grille in a glossy black finish, a rear spoiler and aluminum sport pedals in the interior.

The Volvo C70 Inscription will only be available in two colors: Ice White and Black Sapphire Metallic. It will go on sale during the first quarter of next year.

GALLERY: Volvo C70 Inscription

Lamborghini won’t be the only exotic car maker debuting a convertible at the Geneva Auto Show this March, with a new report that Aston Martin is planning a drop-top reveal.

According to one source, the maker of British exotics will undress a convertible version of its V12 Vantage model. The same chassis that is shared with the rest of the Vantage lineup, the V12 model trades its 420 hp, 4.7-liter V8 for a 510 hp, 5.9-liter V12.

The same source cites Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez as revealing that a DBS replacement is in the pipes, making 600-hp.

GALLERY: Aston Martin V12 Vantage

[Source: GTSpirit]

With the recent launch (and first drive) of the BMW 3 Series sedan, we now have these spy photos to show of the convertible version. Unlike its counterpart, however, both the coupe and convertible are expected to wear a “4 Series” badge as part of a new model naming structure that BMW is following.

As is obvious from the photos, BMW is sticking to the folding hard top design, which first appeared in the 3 Series convertible on the current model.

When it hits production look for a car that is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, with a familiar turbocharged inline-six in the 435i model making 306-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while a 428i model will trade its six cylinder engine for a new turbocharged 2.0-liter unit making 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

An M version is expected to arrive later in the production cycle.

GALLERY: BMW 4 Series Convertible

Read AutoGuide’s 2012 BMW 328i Review Here

Back in the 1950s and ’60s, when you bought or ordered a Ferrari, being able to select individual colors, features or options was virtually par for the course, a big reason why today, survivors from that era tend to fetch huge money when they come up for sale.

Now, Maranello has launched a new bespoke cosmetic program, that aims to build on those age-old traditions of customer excellence and exclusivity. Called “Tailor Made,” it allows Ferrari clients to essentially personalize every last interior and exterior detail of their new car, with assistance from a Personal Designer who works with them through the entire selection and creation process, right up to the point at which the customer takes delivery.

In fact, customers are actively encouraged to visit the Ferrari facilities where they can browse different materials and concepts, as well as preview the final results of their selection. They can even collect their completed car from Maranello personally if they so choose.

The Tailor Made program embodies three distinct elements;

Scuderia, a race inspired category which provides customers with such options as carbon-fibre trim, rubberized leather, Alcantara, chamois and other such finishes such as diamond quilted fabric (inspired by such a pattern found on the 1957 250 Testa Rossa), as well as specific exterior colors and even, racing stripes, such as those found on original North American Racing Team (NART) cars.

Classica, which includes pastel colors inspired from Ferrari exterior hues of the past, along with traditional materials such as rich wools, cashmere, leather, or velvet.

And finally, Inedita, which takes an experimental approach, combining new themes with traditional ones,  such as as offering a novel range of materials, like as denim or suit fabric, for upholstery.