Exciting New Convertibles to Watch Out For

After a rough falling out in the early 1980s, convertibles have once again hit their full stride in the last decade as more automakers introduce topless models. One aspect that has brought forth the resurgent popularity of modern convertibles is that they still offer top-down enjoyment but without the noisy cabins while driving with the top up and weak chassis designs that lead to poor handling. Looking ahead to the future of convertibles, we decided to check out a few of the new drop tops coming out this year and some others that may be in the near future.

With temperatures rising and summer right around the corner, most of the 2010 model convertibles will be hitting showrooms in the next month or two. One of the hottest convertible markets this year is by far the entry-level luxury segment. The Audi A5, Infiniti G37 and Lexus IS will all offer open air driving when the convertible models launch. While the Infiniti and Lexus will offer trendy retractable hard tops, Audi’s A5 Cabriolet will stick with the more conventional soft top in an attempt to keep the added weight to a minimum. According to the automakers, the Lexus IS C is set to go on sale this month and the Infiniti G37 Convertible will launch in “mid 2009,” but no official sale date has been announced for the Audi A5 Cabriolet. Audi and Infiniti haven’t released pricing for their models yet, but the Lexus IS C will start at $38,490.

For enthusiasts looking for a sportier experience from their convertible, BMW and Nissan are also introducing new roadsters this year. Replacing the soft lines of the previous model, the 2010 BMW Z4 features a much more aggressive design and adds the coupe benefit of a retractable hardtop. Nissan’s two-seater is also brand new for 2010 and packs a more powerful punch courtesy of the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster. Following the launch of the 370Z Coupe for 2009, the roadster offers the same 332 horsepower V-6 and stunning handling capabilities, but replaces the blind-spot prone roof with a retractable soft top. The new BMW Z4 is already on sale starting at $45,750, while the 370Z Roadster will go on sale this summer starting around in the mid to upper $30,000 range.

Of course, when talking about performance convertibles, the Ford Mustang (pictured left) is probably one of the most recognizable cars on the market. As expected, the redesigned 2010 Ford Mustang will also offer its requisite drop top model coming in anything from a base V-6 offering up to the monstrous Shelby GT500 Convertible. The latter produces 540 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque courtesy of a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 engine. The 2010 Ford Mustang convertible is already on dealer showrooms now with base prices starting at $25,995.

Looking a bit further into the future, more performance drop tops will be introduced including an open-air version of the Audi R8 supercar and an iconic, legendary Mustang competitor, the Chevrolet Camaro convertible (concept pictured below). The Audi R8 Spyder is expected to debut sometime next year as a 2011 model, but it isn’t clear how the car’s sleek design will be affected. The signature sideblades and glass engine hatch will have to be significantly redesigned to accommodate the loss of the aluminum roof panel. Likewise, not many details have been released about the upcoming Camaro convertible, but it will probably join the lineup as a 2011 model as well. The 2011 Chevy Camaro convertible will come in all current Camaro configurations including the 304-horsepower base V-6 model and the 426-horsepower Camaro SS. Unfortunately, a convertible version of the Dodge Challenger isn’t expected to make it to production to compete against either the future Camaro convertible or 2010 Mustang convertible.

Customers who are looking for high levels of performance and luxury, though, should wait to check out the E-Class convertible that is expected to launch next year. Mercedes-Benz plans to replace the entire CLK-Class with E-Class offerings including both the coupe and convertible. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class recently launched as a 2010 model in both sedan and coupe form, so the convertible would most likely be a 2011 model offering the same engine choices as the coupe. Like the current CLK-Class, the E-Class convertible will be offered with a soft top, but it could also be offered with a retractable hardtop as well – a la the current generation Chrysler Sebring.

Another Chrysler product, the Jeep Wrangler, currently stands as the only sport utility vehicle available as a convertible, but recent speculations have indicated that Nissan may be planning a two-door convertible version of its Murano crossover. With the demise of soft-top SUVs like the Isuzu Amigo and Suzuki Sidekick, a drop-top Murano could find itself a good niche of customers looking at regular crossovers that don’t necessarily want to step up to the rugged off-road abilities and rough ride of the Jeep Wrangler.