Just like the original sun-worshiping Fiat 500, the new Cabrio maintains the fixed sides of the coupe while integrating a convertible top we expect to roll back and store at the rear of the car. We're expecting the new Fiat 500 Cabrio to debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show coming up in March. [AutoCar]

The Audi A3 Cabriolet

Sporty, elegant, emotion-packed - the new Audi A3 Cabriolet is making its appearance in perfect time for spring 2008. The open-top Audi A3 is the premium option in the compact class. It offers the sporting genes of the A3 coupled with the uncompromising quality that distinguishes every Audi model. There are four engines to choose from, together with an extensive range of individual equipment options. Sales commence in Germany at the start of February 2008.

Audi convertible models generally sport a classic fabric top - and in the case of the Audi A3 Cabriolet this feature lends its profile a note of harmonious elegance and coupé-like sportiness. Its soft top is notable for its light weight and excellent fit. It can be opened hydraulically in just nine seconds; when open, it takes up very little space. The hood is available in semi-automatic and fully automatic versions, in the latter instance as a specially soundproofed acoustic hood.

The body structure of this premium convertible from Audi contains a high proportion of high-strength, ultra-high-strength and hot-formed steels, as well as a large number of reinforcing measures that provide maximum rigidity and crash safety. Inside, the accustomed uncompromising build quality, attractive design and exemplary ergonomics create an atmosphere of sporting elegance. There is ample space here for four occupants. The rear seat backs can be folded down, increasing the luggage capacity from 260 to 674 litres - whether the hood is up or down!

The A3 Cabriolet is being built in four engine versions - two petrol and two TDI. They combine ample power with impressive efficiency. All of them are direct injection units with turbocharging. The performance range extends from 77 kW (105 bhp) to 147 kW (200 bhp). As an option, the innovative S tronic dual-clutch gearbox takes charge of applying the engine's power to the wheels.

The Audi dynamic suspension lends the A3 Cabriolet superior agility. It comes complete with responsive electromechanical power steering, which consumes very little energy. The four-link rear suspension combines superb comfort with sporty handling properties. As well as the standard suspension, there is also the option of sports suspension.

Audi is offering the Audi A3 Cabriolet in the Attraction and Ambition equipment lines. In both cases its equipment specification is extensive and the Ambition line includes 17-inch aluminium wheels, sports suspension and sports seats, among other features. An S line exterior package and S line sports package are available from quattro GmbH.

The exterior design

There are many arguments in favour of the classic soft top as featured on Audi convertible models. One of them is evident at first sight: the harmonious proportions. Thanks to the hood's compact folding design, Audi's designers were able to create a four-seater with appealing lines. With the roof open, the Audi A3 Cabriolet looks compact and light; with the roof closed, it radiates the elegance of a coupé. Measuring 4,238 millimetres in length, 1,765 mm in width and 1,424 mm in height, it ranks among the sporty compact models in its competitive field.

The strong presence of the A3 Cabriolet is typical of the Audi brand. The interplay between its surfaces lends the body the character of a sculpture; these lines are framed by the forward urge of its lines. The horizontal dynamic line above the sill and the ascending shoulder line create the impression of a more elongated body.

The face of the A3 Cabriolet is dominated by the large single-frame grille, but the headlights are also an eye-catching feature. The precision of their design gives visible expression to the perfectionism of the brand with the four rings. They can be supplied optionally with xenon plus lights, which can operate in tandem with the dynamic adaptive light technology. The "wing" - a chrome vapour-coated wing-shaped contour - has become established as a characteristic Audi element; its form varies depending on the type of headlight.

The daytime running lights in the form of an integral light strip - an important safety feature at Audi - comprise seven white light-emitting diodes in conjunction with the xenon plus units. Similarly to the headlights, the rear lights of the A3 Cabriolet are of a flat, broad design. Their technology is based on fibre optic rods, but the visual effect is of two radiant rings that clearly distinguish the car as an Audi even after dark.

When viewed side-on, the athletic physique of the Audi A3 Cabriolet is clearly in evidence. The striking wheel arches accommodate large wheels: in the case of the Attraction equipment line, 16 inches in diameter. The Ambition version has 17-inch wheels made from cast aluminium. 18-inch wheels from quattro GmbH are available as an option. Audi supplies the A3 Cabriolet in 15 paint colours that can be combined with three hood colours - black, blue and red.

The hood and body

Audi has remained faithful to its successful line: the new A3 Cabriolet likewise has a classic fabric top. This blends in perfectly with the original, authentic idea of open-top driving and the feeling of carefree agility. The hood keeps its shape thanks to the mechanically moved metal linkage, which assures an excellent close fit, perfect tightness and the silhouette of a coupé. A large, heated glass rear window affords a good view to the rear.

Audi can supply the fabric top in two versions - the semi-automatic soft top and the fully automatic acoustic hood. In both cases the hood is moved by a high-pressure pump with two hydraulic cylinders. They open the large soft top in an extremely rapid nine seconds. This means that even a short stop at traffic lights is long enough to complete the process.

When lowered, the hood is folded up in a Z-pattern so that it takes up a minimum amount of space. The header - a board at its front edge - comes to rest on top, basically flush with the body, with the result that the structure needs neither a tonneau cover nor a cover flap. The folded hood is set down in a compact sheet steel compartment that reduces the luggage compartment capacity only very slightly. The high-performance kinematics mean that the acoustic hood can also be opened and closed at speeds of up to 30 km/h - a big advantage in terms of convenience when driving in urban traffic. The process is controlled by a switch on the centre console; the hood can also be opened and closed conveniently from outside the car, via the ignition key in the door lock.

The fully automatic soft top takes the form of an acoustic hood. Between the outer skin and the inner lining there is a synthetic fibre mat that further improves thermal insulation and soundproofing - at a speed of 140 km/h it is only 1 dB (A) louder inside the Audi A3 Cabriolet than in the A3. If only the front seats are occupied, a wind deflector can be erected above the rear bench seat in a few simple steps from one side of the vehicle.

High-strength steel: low weight and maximum rigidity

An extensive package of measures gives the body of the A3 Cabriolet its rigidity, and this open-top Audi drives with the same standards of precision, agility and comfort as the A3 with permanent roof. 45 percent of the bodyshell is made from high-strength steels, while nine percent in fact consists of ultra-high-strength steels, combining low weight with maximum rigidity. The roof frame and roll-over bar incorporate hot-formed steels for maximum safety.

Reinforcing profiles are integrated into the side sills and vehicle floor. V-pattern steel profiles additionally reinforce the forward structure and rear end, and there is a capsule with another reinforcing frame beneath the engine compartment. There are high-strength panels in the B-posts.

A box-shaped structure made from high-strength sheet steel separates the passenger compartment from the luggage compartment. The roll-over bars of hot-formed steel tubing are bolted into this structure. Similar high-tech tubes serve to reinforce the A-posts internally. Head/thorax side airbags are integrated into the backs of the front seats. In the event of a rear-end collision, the Audi integrated head restraint system promptly cushions the head and upper body.

The interior

The interior of the Audi A3 Cabriolet radiates an air of sporting elegance; its materials, Audi's accustomed uncompromising build quality and its design accentuate the premium character of this new convertible model. Calm lines border its large surfaces. The four round air vents and the side knee cushions on the centre console's struts are reminiscent of the Audi TT.

It is a matter of honour for Audi to maintain the perfect standards of ergonomics that it has pioneered. The speedometer and rev counter's red needles sweep across dials in a sporty black. On the Ambition equipment line, the A3 Cabriolet is supplied with a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel. Multifunction keys are available as an option, and the S tronic transmission features shift paddles. The switches adopt an organic, ergonomic design. The two navigation systems available use an operating logic adopted from the superior MMI concept as familiar from Audi's large car lines.

Audi offers a broad range of options for the seats. On the Ambition line, both front seats are sportily contoured. An electric four-way lumbar support is available as an option, as is heating for the front seats or all four seats.

The interior: that free, open-air feeling

The classic convertible character that the fabric top creates in the open-top A3 can also be detected in the way the interior space is used. The windscreen is as upright as on the A3 with permanent roof, creating an unobstructed, airy impression of openness - unlike many competitor concepts with a steel roof, where the windscreen lies flatter. Because the folded hood occupies little space, it has not been necessary to move the rear bench seat further forward. This leaves ample legroom at the rear, thanks in part to the long wheelbase of 2,578 millimetres.

Another of the Audi A3 Cabriolet's major strengths in everyday use is its variable luggage compartment. The rear seat backs, split 50:50, can be released from the luggage compartment. The wide, high through-loading space that is created increases the luggage capacity to 674 litres and the load area length to 150 centimetres - ample even for large items of sports equipment. In the standard arrangement the luggage compartment has an ample capacity of 260 litres, whether the hood is open or closed.

The drivetrain

The A3 Cabriolet is being built in four four-cylinder engine versions, two of them petrol and two diesels. All of them are turbocharged direct injection engines - their designations TFSI and TDI embody technological combinations that blend impressive output with high efficiency. TFSI technology demonstrated its potential over many years in the realm of motor sport - the sports prototype R8 won the Le Mans 24 Hours five times between 2000 and 2005. The Audi R10 TDI added to the string of successes in 2006 and 2007 with its immensely powerful V12 TDI.

The new A3 Cabriolet is available with a choice of two TDI engines - a combination with which Audi already established a trend in 1995; back then, the 1.9 TDI became the first diesel engine in the world to be used for powering a convertible. In the A3 Cabriolet, the smaller of the two four-cylinder engines musters up an output of 77 kW (105 bhp) and a hefty 250 Nm of torque at just 1,900 rpm from a swept volume of 1,896 cm3. The speedometer needle takes 12.3 seconds to pass the 100 km/h mark, and the top speed is 185 km/h. This diesel version uses just 5.1 litres of fuel per 100 km. The A3 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI is available with a five-speed manual gearbox.

The new 2.0 TDI with its displacement of 1968 cm3 displays the strengths of the TDI concept in an evolutionary interpretation - it runs efficiently, powerfully and very quietly. The four-valve engine, which is equipped with two balancing shafts, has been fitted with a newly developed common rail system. Its turbocharger has variable vanes for greater responsiveness and the pistons have acquired an optimised geometry that further enhances the efficiency of the combustion process.

The two-litre engine develops 103 kW (140 bhp). Between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm it generates 320 Nm of torque - enough to accelerate the A3 Cabriolet from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 204 km/h. The 2.0 TDI is content to clock up 100 kilometres on an average of just 5.3 litres of fuel and its emissions already undercut the limits of the future Euro 5 standard. As an option, Audi can supply the high-tech S tronic transmission instead of the manual six-speed gearbox.

Petrol direct injection: injection pressure boosted to 150 bar

The newly developed 1.8 TFSI produces 118 kW (160 bhp) and 250 Nm, the latter across an engine-speed range of 1,500 to 4,200 rpm. An adjustable intake camshaft optimises filling of its combustion chambers and two balancing shafts guarantee plenty of refinement.

Direct injection and turbo technology is the ideal combination for abundant driving pleasure and impressive efficiency. The turbocharger responds extremely fast and the four-cylinder engine is spontaneous, fleet-footed, high-revving and torquey. It accelerates the A3 Cabriolet with six-speed manual gearbox to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and on to 218 km/h; it accomplishes the EU driving cycle on an average of 7.3 litres per 100 km. Alternatively Audi can supply the sporty S tronic.

Technically speaking, the 1.8 TFSI is a very close relation of the 2.0 TFSI that was voted "Engine of the Year" three times in a row by an international panel of journalists. The two-litre version puts 280 Nm of torque onto the crankshaft from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm, and between 5,100 and 6,000 rpm it develops 147 kW (200 bhp). The 2.0 TFSI likewise operates with an adjustable intake camshaft and two balancing shafts, and its compression ratio of 10.5:1 guarantees high thermodynamic efficiency.

With the S tronic dual-clutch gearbox that is available alongside the six-speed manual gearbox, the A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds; its top speed is 231 km/h. It uses on average 7.6 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.

The engine's power is directed to the front wheels on all versions of the Audi A3 Cabriolet; the engine versions from the 103 kW (140 bhp) upwards are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The S tronic combines the advantages of both automatic and manual transmission. At high loads and engine speeds, it shifts between its six gears in just 0.2 seconds without palpably interrupting the power flow.

The driver can operate the S tronic by means of the one-touch lever or, in motor racing style, using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. There are furthermore two fully automatic modes available, D for Drive (standard) and S for Sport. The S tronic operates highly efficiently and its electronic management in the automatic mode ensures that the engine runs as economically as possible at low engine speeds. Even the most painstaking of drivers could not accomplish this better.

The dynamic suspension

The light, compact fabric top lowers the overall weight and the centre of gravity of the Audi A3 Cabriolet. This helps the Audi dynamic suspension to realise its full potential.

Audi had recourse to a classic layout for the front suspension - a McPherson design with triangulated lower wishbones. The subframe on which the structure is mounted is made from aluminium. Bolted to the body, it imparts the forward structure with very high rigidity.

The precise, firm-acting rack-and-pinion steering operates with electromechanical power assistance with speed-dependent control. The system does not use energy when the car is driving in a straight line, saving 0.2 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on average.

The four-link rear suspension represents another technical highlight. Its design principle brings major advantages in terms of handling characteristics because it registers and responds to longitudinal and lateral forces separately. Here again, a subframe connects the suspension with the body; compact coil springs and dampers provide vertical support.

All these technologies are key ingredients of the overall impact made by this sporty convertible. It is infused with the precision and spontaneity that the car delivers with every turn of the steering. The open-top A3 is sprung with subtlety and its steering functions with unshakeable calm. The self-steering behaviour remains neutral right up to a very high handling limit.

Options: sports suspension and large-dimension wheels

For the Ambition equipment line, the A3 Cabriolet is available optionally with sports suspension that lowers the body by 15 mm. The Attraction line comes with 16-inch wheels with size 205/55 tyres. On the Ambition, 17-inch aluminium wheels with size 225/45 tyres are standard. Audi can also supply four other wheel versions as options, as well as a tyre pressure monitoring system.

The brake system of the A3 Cabriolet likewise satisfies sports standards. The front discs are ventilated and have a large diameter. The pedal feel is direct and spontaneous, and the braking power can be regulated with outstanding ease. Particular emphasis was placed on reducing the braking distance when the stabilisation program (ESP) was being fine-tuned.

The equipment

The Attraction line of the Audi A3 Cabriolet already comes with a semi-automatic hood. Four electric windows and the standard daytime running lights round off the specification. The sporty Ambition line has the distinguishing features of 17-inch aluminium wheels, front fog lights and sports suspension. Inside, the sumptuous equipment includes sports seats, a driver information system, a leather sports steering wheel, a wind deflector and special inlays, upholstery and door sill trims.

The range of options for the A3 Cabriolet includes such convenient items as multifunction steering wheels, deluxe automatic air conditioning, leather upholstery, heated seats and a parking aid. Xenon plus headlights and the adaptive light for cornering illuminate the road effectively in the dark. The storage package for the interior and luggage compartment and a ski and snowboard bag further add to the practical utility of the A3 Cabriolet.

Typically for Audi, the A3 Cabriolet too features a broad range of multimedia technologies. This extends from the chorus CD radio, with four speakers, to the Bose sound system. All audio systems from the concert radio upwards include an interface on the centre tunnel for connecting up an iPod or MP3 player. Two navigation systems - with monochrome or large colour monitor - help with providing directions. For mobile telephony, Audi offers a mobile phone preparation in combination with the audio systems.

Those who are fond of very special features will appreciate the equipment lines on offer from quattro GmbH. The S line comprises an exterior package for the body and a sports package. A third option available from quattro GmbH is the Audi exclusive line.

2 Based on the smart fortwo The Ultimate City Sports Car

The exterior is custom-painted a flaming mother-of-pearl/orange color, the
interior is upholstered in black BRABUS leather and Alcantara with orange
seams, and it has lots of power under the hood: BRABUS presents the limited-edition special model
BRABUS ULTIMATE 112 at the Frankfurt International Auto Show IAA 2007. The
ULTIMATE 112 is based on the smart fortwo and is a true city sports car. And
as such it represents a unique combination of extravagant equipment, sporty
performance and agile handling.

In addition to the custom paint the BRABUS ULTIMATE 112 sets itself further
apart with a muscular body kit that includes a front spoiler, rocker panels
and BRABUS WIDESTAR fender flares front and back.

The large wheel houses offer ample space for a tire/wheel combination that
is highly unusual for a car of this size: The glossy black BRABUS Monoblock
VI double-spoke wheels are mounted on the front axle in size 7Jx18 with size
205/35 R 18 high-performance tires. In the rear 8.5Jx18 wheels with size
235/30 R 18 tires provide plenty of grip to transfer the power of the engine
to the road.

Specially calibrated to these ultra-low-profile tires and the wider track is
the height-adjustable BRABUS coil-over suspension that combines direct, safe
and sporty handling with great ride comfort.

With these modifications the ULTIMATE 112 offers the perfect platform for
the powerful BRABUS three-cylinder turbo engine. As the exclusive special
model's name reveals, the engine produces 112 PS (110 hp) / 82.4* kW at
5,750 rpm. Even more important for everyday driving is the for this vehicle
class exceptional peak torque of 150 Nm (111 lb-ft), available over a wide
rev range from 2,800 to 4,200 rpm.

Shifting in the BRABUS ULTIMATE 112 is done either automatically or with
steering-wheel paddles just like in Formula 1 racing. The paddles are
mounted to an ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel.

With sprint times from 0 - 60 km/h (0-37 mph) in 3.9 seconds and 0 - 100
km/h (0-62 mph) of 9.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of
170 km/h (106 mph) the convertible also sets the performance benchmarks in
its class.

This performance is accompanied acoustically by the BRABUS stainless-steel
sport exhaust and its dual tailpipes made from cast aluminum.

Exquisite highlights also abound in the interior of the ULTIMATE 112: The
especially soft and breathable black BRABUS Mastik leather is stitched with
orange seams.

The BRABUS interior concept includes embossed BRABUS emblems as well as
instrument panel, instrument bezels, tach, speedometer, clock, turn-signal
lever and door handles, all color-coordinated with the exterior.
Stainless-steel foot pedals with anti-slip padding together with an aluminum
shifter and emergency brake lever add touches of racing atmosphere.

A climate control system, radio and a navigation system are also part of the
standard equipment of this open two-seater.

The BRABUS ULTIMATE 112 is being built in a limited-edition series of just
112 cars, each sporting a consecutively numbered placard in the interior.
The BRABUS ULTIMATE 112 sells for 45,900 Euros MSRP.

More BMW M3 Coupe Cabriolet Spy Photos [World Car Fans]

Related:
Spy Photos: BMW M3 Retractable Hardtop [internal]

Well, look what popped up in Augsburg. It's the BMW M3 gone topless. Better to hear that new V8, we'd imagine, though keeping that toupe affixed may be of extra concern to some midlife-crisis buyers. It'll be slightly heavier than the coupe, thanks to typical body strengthening, which means a slightly slower zero-to-60 run than the coupe. That is, we hear, five seconds plus, compared to 4.8 for the coupe. We'll see it in Frankfurt ahead of an early '08 introduction in Europe. – Mike Spinelli

BMW M3 Convertible and 6-Series facelift - spy shots [TopSpeed via Carscoop]

Related:
Spy Photos: BMW M3 Convertible [internal]

The proper chaps at Automobile offer a glimmer of hope for those lamenting the Europe-only status of Audi's RS4 Cabriolet. According to one unnamed product planner, the book may not be closed on a US version. No similar ghost of a chance for the RS4 Avant, you wagoneers. A 420-hp Avant won't be coming to the parking lot of a stateside IKEA near an urban center anytime soon.

UPDATE: Our buddy George at Fourtitude says,

It makes sense ... Cabriolet is built at Karmann in Osnabruck, and can continue production even after Ingolstadt is re-tooled for B8 production. All Cabriolets will continue production for a while, so Audi of America (the BIGGEST market for cabriolet production worldwide) could and probably will tap into it so as to not be without an RS 4 offering. de Nysschen says it would make sense to do it in summer if they were to do it. Well, we know there's a 2008 RS 4 sedan planned, so expect it summer of 2009. My bet is they'll do it.

2008 Audi RS4 Cabriolet [Automobile]

Related:
Official Audi RS4 Avant and Cabrio Pics [internal]

The German motoring press allegedly confirmed the Audi A3 for production today, and coincidentally, AutoExpress caught its Municher competitor, the BMW 1-Series cabrio coupe. Spied during testing outside BMW's Munich headquarters, and likely following a traditional breakfast of wei wurst und weissbierthe, the 1-Series prototype hearkens a new model whose styling comes directly from the company's CS1 concept of 2002. No word on price, but we're expecting it to come in between that of a black forest cake and 150 nights at the Platzl Hotel. – Mike Spinelli

New 1-Series Coupe hits road [AutoExpress]

Related:
Spy Photos: More on the BMW 1-Series; Spy Photos: BMW 1-Series Engineers Are Large And In Charge; Spy Photos: Even More on the BMW 1-Series (2-Series?) Cabrio [internal]

German magazine Auto Motor und Sport reports Audi's A3 cabrio is a go. That means the coming 1-Series cabrio from BMW will have a partner for the cover story on small droptops you just know is forthcoming. Further word has it the S4 will come sans roof. Both are expected to launch in 2008 for the 2009 model year. AMuS artistes have also spec'ed out what the roofless hatch will look like, though still nothing on export plans. Looks like little sister will just have to wait to find out what her sweet sixteen present will be. – Mike Spinelli

Premium-Cabrios: Offenes Mehr [Auto Motor und Sport via The German Car Blog]

Related:
Fresh Wind From Germany: The Next Audi Convertibles [internal]

If it's the Geneva show, Kia is virtually bound by law to show some manner of C'eed concept car. This year it's the ex_cee'd cabrio, a prototype designed by Peter Schreyer, Kia's new design boss. If you'll remember, Schreyer created the Bauhaus-inspired first-gen Audi TT coupe. Now, he's charged with giving Kia a new, Euro friendly face. The ex_cee'd cabrio sports a fabric roof, intentionally bypassing Europe's folding-hardtop fad. Nonetheless, the show car will inevitably draw attention to the launch of its production-ready siblings, the C'eed three-door hatch and wagon, also set for the Geneva show. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

GENEVA WORLD PREMIERE FOR SCHREYER'S KIA CABRIO CONCEPT

Kia's exciting all-new ex_cee'd cabrio concept car will be premiered at the 77th Geneva Motor Show on 6 March.

The styling of the eagerly anticipated ex_cee'd cabrio is the work of Peter Schreyer, Kia's new Chief Design Officer, and hints at the future direction Kia vehicles could be taking under his guidance.

Based on the new three-door cee'd hatchback, due to go into production at the Zilina factory in Slovakia from December, the ex_cee'd shares the same platform, but features all-new exterior panels and a powered folding fabric roof.

By adopting a fabric roof, the ex_cee'd deliberately goes its own retro way rather than following the trend towards cabrios with folding metal roofs. Peter Schreyer paid special attention to designing a classic cabrio with a traditional soft-top roof: "I'm convinced that the fabric roof will have a renaissance. We've all lived with the romantic idea of open-air driving for a long time and for me, the fabric roof is the quintessential element of a truly rewarding cabrio."

With its slight wedge shape profile, muscular wings over 19-inch alloy wheels, and aggressive nose with dynamic front styling, the ex_cee'd has instantly found a form that stands out from the cabrio crowd. The cabrio concept is finished in 'meringue white' exterior paint with a 'bitter chocolate' fabric roof - colours that are echoed by the interior's two-tone leather.

"With this new cabrio concept car, Kia has once again demonstrated that it is a young, style-conscious company that knows how to combine elegance with dynamics," enthused Mr Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President and COO Kia Motors.

"The Kia ex_cee'd is a fresh aesthetic high-point in our history, an encouraging sign of the growing internationalisation of our brand and a step in the process of evolving into a European company with Korean roots," he added.

Related:
New Kia C'eed Concept Pics Surface [internal]

It might be the BMW 1-Series or the 2-Series, but either way a new entry Bimmer is coming to the US, and 2Addicts has a new set of spy shots as evidence. The photos arrive courtesy of spy shooters Hans Lehmann, et. al., from points cold and northward, and show with new clarity the cabrio that first broke cover last year. The short rear deck and overhangs indicate the extent of the US model's departure from the hatchlike 1-Series sold in Europe, and word is could get the 335i's turbocharged six, which — along with the shorty's lower weight — could mean a pretty mean little widowmaker. Hiho! – Mike Spinelli

Exclamation BMW 1-series coupe / 2-series coupe (turbo??) first photos!! [2 Addicts]

Related:
Wait, What? US-Bound BMW 1-Series to Have Trunk; Spy Photos: S-M-All BMW Cabrio [internal]

Designer Holger Mohr's tuning shop IMSA (no relation to the International Motor Sports Association) started out outfitting new Lamborghinis with body gear and wheelage. Then, earlier this year, the company launched the GTV, which added engine, suspension and AWD tweaks — uprating the Lambo's V10 to 610 horsepower. Now, with the Gallardo Spyder staking out the world's cheeseball nightclubs like a pencil-mustached Lothario, IMSA's created a GTV from the droptop as well. Twist those pinky rings, guys, this one's a keeper. – Mike Spinelli

[via Autoblog]

Winding Road Issue 17.0 is now available! [Winding Road]

Related:
Detroit Auto Show Preview: 2009 Camaro Ragtop To See The Lights Of Cobo Hall? We Hear Yes; This Is Our Country, This Is Our Autobot: Transformers Trailer Hits The Web, Features Camaro Concept [internal]

Despite the arrival of the first US Smart Fortwo models in 2007, Europeans will still have one Smart up on the Yanks. That is, the Brabus-tuned Smart. With the current Brabus Black Star 101 ending production with the 2006 model, the company's working on its tuner version of the next-gen Fortwo, which spies have apparently caught in cabrio form during cold-weather flogging. With Brabus's help, the new model may just break 10 seconds in the zero-to-60 sprint, which is the Smart equivalent of doing a nine-second quarter mile. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: Smart Cabrio BRABUS [World Car Fans]

Related:
A Smart 210hp: Brabus's Forfour Concept [internal]

FV Report: First spy shots of Mini convertible [Straightline]

Related:
Over the Back Fence: Mini to Call Wagon Clubman, Launch it in 2008 [internal]

These new spy shots from the photographic ether known as the Brenda Priddy organization show the next-gen BMW M3 in retractable droptop form — a vehicle some say should reside near poseur (or footballer) in the Merriam-Webster/OED. Still, it's the first we've seen of the 400+hp hard(ish) top model, though it won't likely be the last; the final version is allegedly set for an unveiling in Frankfurt next year, following nine months of increasingly frequent sightings and subsequent long-lens photography. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: BMW M3 Coupe Undisguised [World Car Fans]

Related:
More on the BMW M3 [internal]

CHRYSLER REVEALS STUNNING SEBRING CABRIO AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

Chrysler Group has today revealed the new Chrysler Sebring Cabrio that will be launched in the UK at the end of 2007.

All UK models will feature a retractable hard roof that folds into three sections and stows in less than 30 seconds. Standard roof system features include remote control operation from the key fob, standard powered tonneau cover and automatic latching.

Right hand drive models will be available with a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine with six-speed automatic gearbox offering 189 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. A 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with six-speed manual will also be available with140 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque.

Peter Lambert, Managing Director of Chrysler Group, said: "Over the last decade the Sebring has been America's favourite convertible and this latest model is ideal for European markets with a folding hard roof and choice of petrol and diesel engines.

"The new Sebring is a stunning four seat two-door Cabrio that will offer outstanding value for money compared to competitors like the Saab 9-3 and Audi A4 in the UK. The Cabrio offers more than enough room for four adults plus exceptional cargo space. It is three inches longer than the Sebring saloon and there is luggage space for four golf bags with the roof up and two golf bags when the roof is retracted."

Related:
More of our LA Auto Show coverage [internal]

Well, look what the spies snagged: the 2008 BMW 3-Series retractable hardtop coupe, clad in nothing but paint. We must admit, the Bayerische bunch have quite a looker on their hands. With the top up, the 3 has not a single awkward angle, as is always a risk when coaxing hardtop cabrios off the page (Volvo C70, call the front desk). None of it looks temporary; only those telltale creases give away its open-top nature. BMW must have consulted an origami master. Look for an unveiling at some upcoming car show or other. – Mike Spinelli

FV Report: 2008 BMW 3 Series convertible [Edmunds Straightline Blog]

Related:
Spy Photos: BMW 3-Series Convertible, Top Retracted [internal]