Convertibles

Car companies’ attempts to turn crossovers into ragtops have resulted in such unholy creations as the Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet and the slightly more successful but still odd Land Rover Evoque Convertible. Well, it turns out that Porsche also tried their hand at making a convertible crossover.

It’s been a long time since automaker MG produced its iconic MGB roadster. Now, the UK-based, Chinese-owned automaker is working on a new 2-seat convertible with a decidedly more modern look and drivetrain. Previously, MG showed off a battery-electric concept car called the Cyberster and is now teasing what appears to be a production version of that car.

Novitec has taken the already awesome Ferrari F8 Spider and turned it into the Ferrari F8 N-Largo Spider. Previously, the German tuner produced a coupe version of the car. It was limited to 15 units and sold out in a few days.

I’ll go on record now and say that the 1990s wasn’t exactly my favorite decade for automotive design. Cars became more and more homogeneous in style, and mediocre performance seemed to be the name of the game during those days, with none-too-thrilling cars like the Dodge Neon, the Pontiac Trans Sport, and the Ford Tempo.

Ferrari has unveiled the latest version of its Portofino convertible grand tourer, the Ferrari Portofino M. The 2+2 has a new twin-turbo V8 engine that displaces 3.9-liters. The new engine uses turbos that can spin much faster than in past models, allowing it to produce 612 horsepower an increase of 21 hp.

It’s not very often I get a chance to test multiple variants of the same vehicle. It’s nice when I do, as it really gives me a better perspective on its possibilities. So, when I got seat time in the 2020 BMW 840i coupe and then the convertible, I was very excited.

The current-gen Aston Martin Vantage is a pretty incredible looking car in coupe form, but if you love open-air driving like I do, then you’ll be happy to know that the Vantage is now available as a convertible.

Not too long ago, we got a chance to go up close and personal with the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible, and it’s quite a stunner. We’re still several months away from the drop-top going into production, but one lucky bidder at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 auction will be able to get their hands on one sooner.

Among the many cars I’ve driven in the past decade, the Lexus LC 500 ranks among the top five for sure. It’s got stunning looks, handles brilliantly, and has a wonderfully satisfying V8 engine that makes lots of power and some great sounds.

The prospects of mid-engine Corvettes hitting the roads is pretty damned exciting all on its own. But the idea that you can enjoy all of that power, balance, and handling prowess with the wind in your hair makes it even more appealing.

Ferrari fans looking for the next V8-powered convertible will be happy to hear that there’s now an open-top variant of the prancing horse’s F8 Tributo berlinetta, the recent successor to the 488. The F8 Spider has a retractable hard top, which stores elegantly above the mid-rear engine compartment under an aerodynamic flying buttress shell.

Aston Martin has unveiled the fastest convertible sports car it has ever made. It’s called the DBS Superleggera Volante, and is the Volante (convertible) form of the already available DBS Superleggera coupe. That said, power comes from the same 5.2-liter V12 engine making 715 bhp and 663 lb-ft.

Lamborghini has pulled the wraps off of its new Huracán EVO Spyder, and the car is looking pretty awesome. It features an electro-hydraulic, lightweight, soft top for open-air driving. The design of the top allows the car to be aerodynamic with the roof up or down.

Despite spending the majority of my 50 years on this planet as a gearhead, I’m still amazed how on a regular basis, I come across a vehicle that I never knew existed. Today’s revelation? An unusual 1970s British sports car that had two extra wheels up front.

One glance at the new 488 Pista Spider and you can tell that the designers over at Ferrari pulled out all the stops. Based on the already impressive 488 Pista, this is one seriously good-looking drop-top.