Aston Martin DBS Volante

A convertible version of Aston Martin's DBS super-coupe was almost inevitable but will it be as impressive to drive as the coupe? The DB9 on which the DBS is based lost it's edge when it lost it's top. The chassis just didn't have stiffness needed to keep it a real driver's car. Not that the DB9 Volante is at all bad, it just lost the edge that one would certainly expect from a high performance model like the DBS.

Performance will certainly not be lacking. Weight is cut to the bone with a lightweight fabric hood and carbon fibre components. The same 6.0-liter V12 found in the coupe will put 510 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque through a rear-mounted six-speed manual or "Touchtronic" sequential gearbox. 62 mph will come along after just 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 191 mph.

Could this be James bond's new car?

Audi TT RS Roadster

If Audi's new TT S just isn't quick enough for you then the Audi TT RS Roadster may be the car for you. However, we can't tell you that yet as the pictures are so far, all we have to go on.

Given Audi's RS cars of the past and the solid platform of the new shape TT this should be something special. The old shape TT never received the S or RS treatment. Possibly because although it had the looks, it didn't really have a chassis capable of taking all that power.

What we do know about the new TT RS is that Audi are very excited about it. 100 km/h (62 miles-per-hour) will be reached in 'well under' 5 seconds with acceleration that is reportedly 'explosive'. The sound is reportedly as impressive as the performance. Something to look forward to.

Fiat 500 Convertible

The Fiat 500 is an iconic little car. It has always managed to combine a glamourous European charm with a diminutive size ideal for city streets and price tag equally as easy on the eye. The new hatchback reflects much of the original's style but the convertible has always been the most seductive of the range.

Confirmation now reaches us that a cabriolet will soon b e added to the range. The Fiat 500 Convertible will retain its roof rails and door frames, with a roll-back canvas roof replacing the hard top - just like the Nuova 500 first built in 1957.

The same three powerplants: the 1.3 liter 75 HP Multijet Turbodiesel coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission and the two 1.2 liter 69 HP and 1.4 liter 100 HP gasoline engines, available with either manual or robotized Dualogic transmission.


The new 500C incorporates the innovative “Start&Stop” system, a device controlling momentary engine shutdown and subsequent reignition. To this end, at every stop when shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch, the engine is switched off and then restarted simply by selecting a gear.

The price tag is yet to be announced but we hope it will be suitably recession friendly. After all a budget price just adds to the charm of this little because it boasts all that sophistication without the vulgarity of a financial statement.

Audi TT S Roadster

The first Audi TT to sport the evocative ‘S’ insignia denoting high performance - the new 272PS TTS - is now available to order in Coupe and Roadster forms. Equipped with either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the option of the acclaimed Audi S tronic twin-clutch transmission, the most extreme TT to date will reach its first customers in the summer of 2008.

Extensive revisions to the acclaimed 2.0-litre turbo charged and directly fuel injected petrol engine that already powers the TT have enabled its power to be boosted from 200PS to 272PS and its torque from 280Nm to 350Nm, available between 2,500 and 5,000rpm. With six-speed manual transmission the TTS Coupé powers from rest to 62mph in just 5.4 seconds, and on the Autobahn can carry on to a top speed of 155mph before the limiter intervenes. The optional S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission reduces acceleration times by a further two-tenths of a second in both the Coupé and Roadster.

Audi magnetic ride – the innovative adaptive damping system employing sophisticated magnetorheological fluid-filled dampers that firm up or soften under the influence of an electrical charge provided by electromagnets – is fitted as standard to the TTS. It ensures that handling agility befits the ‘S’ badge without ruling out an absorbent ride.

The most extreme production TT to date highlights its capabilities from the front through newly designed bi-xenon headlamps incorporating trademark Audi LED strip daytime running lights, a redesigned front apron incorporating larger air intakes and aluminium-look door mirror housings. The profile view is enhanced by deeper side skirts and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, which can be upgraded to 19-inch ‘5-spoke star’ alternatives, while at the rear a revised rear bumper surrounding quad-tailpipes subtly conveys the newcomer’s extra performance potential.

Inside, two-tone leather sports seats, exclusive ‘S’ instruments with white needles, metal pedals and special aluminium trim elements enhance the already very highly regarded sports interior.

MINI John Cooper Works Convertible

The new MINI gets a welcome boost of power from a full John Cooper Works performance package. The new MINI Convertible begs the enthusiast to drive with the roof down - and now comes with particularly sporting and dynamic features all round. Just a few weeks after the world debut of the open four-seater, the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is being presented to the public for the first time at the International Motor Show in Geneva (5–15 March 2009).


The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible boasts a 1.6-liter four-cylinder power unit complete with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection. Maximum output is 208 hp all the way from 1,850-5,600 rpm, with peak torque of 192 lb-ft increasing briefly in the Overboost mode to 207 lb-ft. This results in a 0-62 mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 146 mph.

The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible will go on sale in the U.S. starting in April 2009, at a retail price of $34,9509 (which includes the $650 D&H) and in the UK from 28 March 2009, priced at £23,470 OTR.