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.

No one will ever accuse the Porsche 911 of being the world’s most beautiful convertible. But slap a made-in-Stuttgart badge on the front of it and people don’t seem to care what a car looks like.

With that in mind, Porsche has released details and photos of the next-generation (991) 911 Carrera Cabriolet and Carrera S Cabriolet, perhaps looking even more like their predecessors than the coupe does. (Is that even possible?)

According to Porsche, the cars get a new folding soft-top mechanism made of aluminum, magnesium and steel that helps the car weigh significantly less than the previous generation model.

Out back the engines remain the same with a 3.4-liter boxer six-cylinder in the Carrera making 350-hp, while the Carrera S Cab gets a 3.8-liter version good for 400-hp.

Both cars will hit dealers in the Spring, with the 2012 911 Carrera Cabriolet priced at $97,300 and the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet at $108,000.

GALLERY: 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet

If you thought that with the reveal of the Super Trofeo Stradale, Lamborghini was done spinning out versions of the Gallardo, you thought wrong. After a full schedule of press conferences at the 2011 LA Auto Show, Lambo has chosen an off-site venue for a private reveal of the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder – a drop-top version of the only rear-drive car the company makes.

Rather than just cutting free the front two wheels from the rest of the drivetrain, Lambo engineers have completely retuned the car’s suspension – due in part to the lighter overall curb weight. Even the aerodynamics were tweaked to account for the subsequent changes.

With plenty of drift capability in Corsa mode, Lambo insists this Gallardo retains the comfort and high-speed stability of its stablemates.

Powered by the same 5.2-liter V10 engine used in the rest of the Gallardo lineup, power output is rated at 550-hp, delivering a 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 198-mph.

“With the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder, we are expanding the Lamborghini lineup with a purist model that adds yet another dimension of driving fun. This will appeal in particular to a very special group of customers that enjoy a spirited driving style and also like to experience the sheer pleasure of open- air driving,” says Lambo CEO Stephan Winkelmann “This special model with rear-wheel drive is a logical expansion of our lineup of spyder models with all-wheel drive.”

GALLERY: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 LA Auto Show coverage here

Watch video of the car below:

Continue Reading…

Aping the roof structure of the Porsche Boxster Spyder, Mazda has unveiled its own lighter-weight drop-top at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Using a light-weight tarp-like design, the Spyder’s top is affixed in the front to the top of the windshield, while the rear buckles into mounts located in the truck. Mazda has yet to reveal exactly how much weight this removes from the vehicle, but it’s certain to shed at least a few pounds – and on an already light weight car like the MX-5, even pound counts.

Of note, Mazda goes out of its way to mention that the top was developed in association with parts supplier Magna – perhaps a solid hint that such a roof structure is being planned for the next-generation of the iconic roadster.

In addition to the roof, this SEMA Show concept is kitted out with a long list of performance goodies, from Yokohama Advan wheels, to Brembo brakes, not to mention a Racing Beat header, intake and exhaust.

The doors to the 2011 SEMA Show officially open tomorrow, so look for an update as we hunt down details on how much weight this innovative soft-top sheds.

GALLERY: Mazda MX-5 Spyder

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show coverage here

Ferrari is preparing to add more testosterone to its “chick” car, the California, for the 2012 model year. The mid-cycle update will see 30-hp added to the 4.3-liter V8 for a new total output of 483-hp, while torque will increase as well to 373 lb-ft. (That extra output may only be available with higher octane fuel, however).

But that’s not all. Boosting overall performance is a weight reduction by as much as 66 lbs, thanks to lighter wheels and new aluminum parts for some of the chassis.

In addition, Ferrari will offer a Handling Speciale package with new magnetic ride shock absorbers that can react up to 50 percent faster, with adjustments every 5 ms and total change from soft to full hard in just 8 ms.

Look for other minor upgrades like a larger hard drive and an optional silver front grille.

GALLERY: Ferrari California

[Source: CAR]

It usually only take a few days after the launch of a new sports car for rumors to begin swirling about a convertible version. But why wait until then?

It’s not set to debut until the Tokyo Auto Show in late November, but already one report has indicated that the Subaru BRZ may get a roadster variant. No decision has yet been made, reports AutoCar, but such a car is, “under consideration.”

Depending on how the platform is engineered, a drop-top two-seater version of the BRZ, as well as its Toyota FT-86 and Scion FR-S siblings, is certainly possible. If a convertible was part of the product plans since the beginning, the joint Subaru-Toyota project could even deliver top-down motoring with a minimal weight gain and little or no negative side effects when it comes to the car’s structural rigidity.

Look for more details at the upcoming LA Auto Show when Subaru shows off an STI-themed BRZ concept, with the final production version bowing at the Tokyo Auto Show two weeks later.

[Source: AutoCar]

Discuss this story at FR-SForum.com or SubaruBRZForum.com

It’s little surprise that Chevy has decided to offer its new Camaro ZL1 as a convertible, it just wasn’t expected to arrive so soon. Out-powering the Shelby GT500 by 30-hp, the 580-hp ZL1 drop top is the most powerful convertible model Chevrolet has ever built.

In fact, Chevy is touting the car’s power and capability, even comparing it to vastly more expensive (but less powerful) European models like the 530-hp Porsche 911 Turbo S, the 518-hp Mercedes SL63 AMG and the 470-hp Aston Martin DB9 Volante.

“The Camaro ZL1 convertible will be one of the most powerful and most capable, convertibles available at any price,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “This is a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you drop the top – or hit the gas.”

Much like the standard Camaro drop-top the ZL1 Convertible gets numerous chassis reinforcements, including a strut tower brace, a transmission reinforcement brace, an underbody tunnel brace, plus a front “X” brace and rear “V” braces. Beyond those upgrades, Chevy reinforced the A-pillars, the top of the windshield, and the rocker panels. To help deliver maximum performance, the ZL1 Convertible gets GM’s Magnetic Ride shock absorbers, as well as the Performance Traction Management system from the Corvette ZR1.

Set to go on sale next year as a 2013 model year car, look for plenty of photos with the car’s official debut planned for the LA Auto Show next month.

GALLERY: 2012 Camaro ZL1 Convertible

Volvo Cars plan to discontinue production of the Volvo C70 convertible at the Pininfarina Sverige AB plant of Uddevalla, Sweden, by 2013. Established as a joint venture between Italian design house Pininfarina and the Swedish Automaker since 2005, the plant is responsible of building only the C70 model and employs 600 workers for the task.

Volvo CEO Stephan Jacoby explained that while the plant produces high quality vehicles, it isn’t cost effective at current levels of production. “A Car manufacturer of Volvo’s size cannot, from a financial standpoint, justify a plant that manufactures one single model in the low volumes we have today… The production capacity in Uddevalla is only utilized to 65%.”

According to Volvo, the 600 workers of the Uddevalla plant will be moved to other facilities after its closure. However, there has been no word on the C70′s fate. Once the Uddevalla plant is closed, Pininfarina and Volvo will end their joint venture, shifting plant ownership solely to Volvo.

GALLERY: Volvo C70

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution might be the Japanese brand’s highest performance model but the most recognizable model it’s produced over the past several decades is easily the Eclipse. Axed from the company’s lineup this year the Eclipse could return admits Greg Adams, Mitsubishi Motors North America VP of marketing.

Of the two, don’t look for the Eclipse to return any time soon, with Adams commenting that sporty cars in this category have peaked. So far this year sales are up by 105.4 percent, although at 6,721 units that’s just a fraction of the car’s all time sales high of over 72,000 units in 2002. In total, the car has accounted for just shy of one million units over its lifetime.

The Eclipse was axed this year along with the Endeavor SUV and Galant mid-size sedan when the automaker announced plans to close its plant in Normal, Illinois. While having a mid-size sedan on offer in North America seems like a no-brainer, Adams says that for the most part demand for such cars is limited to North America. “If we can make the numbers work between this market and other markets, we need to take a look at it,” he said.

Adams did not comment on any possible product sharing arrangement with Nissan. The two Japanese automakers did sign an agreement last year to work together on development of mini-cars, and most recently announced that in Japan Mitsubishi would sell a rebadged version of the Infiniti M.

With larger vehicles axed from the brand’s lineup, Mitsubishi is continuing on with its Lancer and Outlander models and has added the Outlander Sport crossover over the past year with a goal of reaching the 100,000 sales mark. So far this year North American sales have reach just over 60,000 units, a 65% increase and a sign of a brighter future for Mitsubishi.

GALLERY: Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

[Source: WardsAuto]

Mercedes will launch a new entry-level sports car in 2013, using a rather unconventional engine and drivetrain pairing. While we expect to hear about front-drive 4-cylinder economy cars, from, say, Honda, it’s a surprise to learn that Mercedes is prepping this reliable combo for its new SLA roadster.

Based on the same platform as the upcoming B-Class the SLA is tipped to be a front-wheel drive machine, making use of a 1.6-liter gasoline 4-cylinder, or a 1.8-liter diesel engine. Look for some solid transmissions, with either a 6-speed manual or Merc’s new 7-speed dual-clutch unit.

In a bid to keep cost and weight to a minimum, the roof will reportedly be a soft-top only.

Styling won’t look anything like the Vision SLA Roadster Concept from back in 2000. Instead, look for inspiration to come from the new A-Class Concept.

[Source: GoAuto]

After continued speculation, an excessive number of artist renderings and then leaked photos last week, Ferrari has now officially revealed the 458 Spider with a retractable hard top.

A world’s first for a mid-engine car, the hard top is made of aluminum and fits just in front of the engine compartment without affecting performance or aerodynamics. Ferrari even claims it weighs less than a traditional folding soft top (55 lbs to be exact), and takes just 14 seconds to open or close.

The stunning look of the car is even functional, with the new rear design helping to direct air towards to engine intakes, as well as to the clutch and gearbox oil coolers. In addition, the Spider comes with an electrically-deployable wind screen to reduce turbulence in the cockpit and allow “normal conversation” at speeds of up to 124 mph.

Powering the Spider is the same 562-hp 4.5-liter V8 engine as the coupe, although Ferrari has made adjustments to the suspension setup, throttle mapping and exhaust to deliver an optimized top-down experience.

Ferrari will officially reveal the car on September 13th at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Look for plenty more pictures then.

GALLERY: Ferrari 458 Spider

Watch video of the hard-top in action after the jump:

Continue Reading…

After having revealed the SLK350 model, Mercedes‘ AMG division has just announced the new SLK55 AMG. Like the previous SLK55, this model gets a 5.5-liter V8 engine, but that’s where the similarities stop. Making 415-hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, this motor is a naturally aspirated version of the twin-turbo 5.5-liter found under the hood of the E63 AMG, CLS63 AMG and S63 AMG.

But much like its biturbo counterpart, this 5.5L V8 also features a start/stop system in order to save fuel. In the Controlled Efficiency mode, the V8 will manage its cylinders by cutting off cylinder-two, cylinder-three, cylinder-five and cylinder-eight between 800- and 3800-rpm, helping conserve fuel while still offering enough performance for day-to-day driving. The powerplant is mated to a seven-speed AMG Speedshift Plus transmission, enabling a 4.5 second 0-60 mph time.

Standard brakes are 14.2-inchers in the front while the rear features 13-inchers while suspension enthusiast looking for a true driving experience can opt for AMG’s Handling Package that features stiffer tuning, rear differential lock, two-piece front disc brakes and a leather/Alcantara-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel.

To help the SLK55 stand out from the crowd, the AMG model features a special body kit and badging. The SLK55 AMG plans to make its grand debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show next month and should be at the dealerships by early 2012. No pricing was announced, but look for it to be in the $70,000 range.

GALLERY: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG

First unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in concept form, Infiniti has now confirmed the IPL G Convertible will head into production, doubling the number if Infiniti Performance Line products.

Much like the IPL G Coupe, the drop top makes 348-hp from its 3.7-liter V6 and includes a modest list of performance and style improvements. There include a modified suspension, 19-inch wheels with upgraded sport brakes, a high performance exhaust and a limited slip differential. Plus there’s a unique aero kit, special IPL badging, an IPL engine cover, plus a Malbec Black exterior and unique red interior.

“The Infiniti Performance Line, as demonstrated by our first offering, the IPL G Coupe, challenges the concept of an ultra-high cost sports series. IPL pushes the premium performance envelope for buyers seeking a higher level of exclusivity and driving exhilaration, but does so with an Infiniti twist,” said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore. “The IPL G Convertible will deliver the goods, just like the current IPL G Coupe does. Plus, the new IPL G Convertible offers the added pleasure of open-air motoring.”

The IPL G Convertibel will officially be unveiled in production trim at the LA Auto Show in November and will hit dealers in the Spring.

GALLERY: IPL G Convertible

Ahead of its official reveal at the Frankfurt Auto Show, photos of the new drop-top Ferrari have leaked onto the net. We can’t confirm if these are in fact the official pics of the production 458 Spider, but they certainly do look authentic, and are done in the same style as Ferrari’s usual press images.

What isn’t clear from the photos is where the roof section goes, with the Spider reportedly using a folding hard top similar to the Superamerica.

Look for official images soon, followed by a mid-September debut in Frankfurt.

GALLERY: Ferrari 458 Spider

[Source: CheersandGears]

Cadillac promised the unveiling of an all new concept car in Monterey during the Pebble Beach festivities and the American luxury brand certainly delivered.

Ahead of the debut Caddy had confirmed the ConverJ concept would see production as the ELR, leading the throng of assembled journalists to assume that car was the highlight of the night. Far from disappointing, Cadillac then unveiled the new Ciel concept, a four-seater convertible it says is inspired by the California coast. For full details on the Ciel, see here, and watch video from the private unveiling after the jump.

GALLERY: Cadillac Ciel Concept

Watch the video after the jump:

Continue Reading…

As much as we love Audi‘s new R8 Spyder, there is something wrong with it – the potential to catch on fire! Not to worry, however, as Audi has issues a recall on all 920 R8 Spyders dating from 2011 and 2012.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the fuel supply line could rub against the heat shield in the engine compartment leading to a small fuel leak, which could eventually cause a fire.

This is certainly not the news any R8 owner wants to hear, especially after paying a seriously hefty fee for such an awesome vehicle. The first complaint was filed on June 6th, when the owner could smell fuel after refilling his Spyder. Those that own a 2011-2012 R8 Spyder should contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834 to have the fuel line inspected and replaced if need be. The last thing we want to hear about are burnt down R8 Spyders on the side of the road.

Click here to read AutoGuide’s 2011 Audi R8 Spyder Review

Rolling in the tire tracks of icons of failure like the Pontiac Aztek and Mercedes R-Class, the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet has been awarded the title of Most Disliked Car of 2011. Sort of…

In fact, the award is less of a title (and there’s certainly no statue associated with it), and more of a journalistic snub (yet another one) for the world’s first all-wheel-drive, crossover convertible. Called “lumpy, dumpy, shaky, and sluggish,” this most recent piece serves as to aggregate all the rotten things said about a rotten vehicle. And making the monstrosity even harder to swallow is its extravagant $47,520 sticker price.

Perhaps most brutal comments come from the Wall Street Journal‘s Dan Neil, who’s also brave enough to admit that the concept of such a vehicle shouldn’t necessarily be thrown out… just this specific version of its reality.

Still, there’s something to be said for an automaker that’s willing to take this much of a gamble. Nissan has never been one to shy away from taking risks with product, with another of its recent models being the Juke. Brazenly criticized for its misshapen bodywork, including by AutoGuide’s own Derek Kreindler, unlike the CC, it’s redeemed by its driving dynamics.

GALLERY: Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

[Source: CNN]

BMW is reportedly moving ahead with plans to modify its current naming structure, starting with the next-generation 1 Series. That car will be front-drive only, while what we currently know as the 1 Series (the Coupe and Convertible) will be rebadged as 2 Series models. But that’s not all.

Starting with the next-generation 3 Series, the two-door models will instead wear 4 Series badges. This new badge strategy is already in place in BMW’s upper range of models with the 5 Series sedans, the 6 Series coupe and convertible and the 7 Series sedan.

There will, however, be one exception: BMW’s M division. While we wondered what would become of the M3′s fate when this new first emerged several weeks back, the latest info suggests the current M naming strategy will stick around. This makes sense from a certain branding perspective, but it also seems idiotic by another, with the M-tuned 4 Series being called the M3. Strange.

[Source: Car & Driver]

Sales of convertibles are lowering like a power hardtop, with an over 50% decline in just four years.

Convertibles have never been the most popular of vehicles, owing to people eschewing fresh sunshine for such plebeian concerns such as seats and storage room. But in 2006, convertible sales still managed to account for 2% of car sales in America, with 350,000 drivers showing off their bald spots.

But by 2010, the decline of open-roofed cars sunk to 1.2% of the current car market. The stars of the convertible show are the Chevrolet Camaro, with 12.4% of convertible sales, and the Ford Mustang, following behind at 11%. And no surprise, either: no matter how bad any recession gets, the two pony cars will always have lasting appeal.

[Source: Autoblog]

Audi breathed life into the luxury coupe market when it introduced the A5 back in 2007 and several years on the German automaker has made a list of updates aimed at staying ahead in the increasingly competitive segment.

Along with some rather subtle design changes, the biggest news for the 2012 A5 is what’s under the hood. A notably more efficient 1.8 TFSI engine is now available in Europe, although the base 2.0 TFSI engine for North America remains unchanged. Joining the A5 lineup is a version of the 3.0 TFSI Supercharged V6 engine, previously used exclusively for the S5 Cabriolet. In the A5 it will make a de-tuned 272-hp. As for the S5, Audi has made the decision to drop the 4.2-liter V8, replacing it with a 333-hp version of the 3.0 TFSI Engine.

Two major changes designed to improve fuel consumption on the 2012 lineup include the use of electric power steering and a start-stop system – although it’s not yet clear if the start-stop functionality will be available on U.S. models.

As far as design goes, Audi has made changes to the A5 lineup with larger air intakes, an augmented grille and flat fog lights which the automaker claims gives the car an even more flat-fronted and wider appearance. New headlights have also been added.

Inside, there’s an extensive list of small changes to everything from the steering column stalks to the automatic transmission gear selector, to the Audi drive select button and even a new ignition key. Plus, new trim colors and materials are also now available, along with updated infotainment systems and new safety features that do everything from warn the driver to take a brake, to keep the car in its lane using slight steering wheel corrections.

U.S. pricing has not yet been released.

GALLERY: 2012 Audi A5 Lineup

Audi’s Le Mans participation this year was all forms of glorious, from insane crashes to a triumphant podium finish. But mixed in with the excitement of the actual 24 Hour race was the debut of the 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder. Sporting 560-hp and 398 ft-lbs of torque from its 5.2L V10, the ragtop Audi goes from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds, this time with its top down.

And of course we’re loving that Audi showed off the matte blue finish on the Spyder – a color we’d consider if we were so fortunate as to be able to afford one of the just 333 units being made.

GALLERY: 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder