2011 Audi A1 Convertible Preview

Competitors

2008 BMW 1-Series Convertible

For those whose definition of pure driving pleasure includes wind in the face and sunshine above, the new BMW 1 Series Convertible follows the tradition established by the iconic BMW 2002 sport sedan. The essence of such driving purity - a responsive six-cylinder engine positioned within a rear-drive chassis to provide balanced, sporty dynamics - is at the heart of this compact four-place convertible.

The 128i Convertible, which joins the new 1 Series Coupe going on sale in the spring of 2008, will be powered by BMW’s 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine generating 200 lb-ft of torque. Like its fixed-roof stablemate, the 128i Convertible will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium cylinder block construction-core elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics.

BMW 1-Series Convertible

The 135i Convertible, on sale later in 2008, features BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooler, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Convertible, acceleration from 0-62 mph is accomplished in 5.6 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased efficiency.

2009 Mini Cooper Convertible

Mini will bring the Cooper Convertible model into showrooms in early 2009. According to MotoringFile, this image appeared on a dealer website these days. They also report that this is a MINI based mock-up of what the car will look like to be used internally only.

Mini Cooper Convertible

The R57 MINI Convertible will be very similar to the current R52 model in it’s top design. Elsewhere the R57 will be an R56 through and through with the only changes being some additional structural bracing.

Volkswagen Eos

Based on the new Passat platform and containing many interior pieces from the Jetta and Golf, the coupe/cabriolet employs a folding metal roof that incorporates an innovative sunroof that slides open before the top actually starts on its way into to the trunk, should you only want limited sun exposure.

The 2008 Eos comes with a choice of engines: the Volkswagen 2.0T four-cylinder and the innovative Volkswagen 3.2 L narrow-angle V6. Either way you get plenty of power and the innovative hard-top coupe convertible for as little as $28,915 for an Eos 2.0T and $37,990 for the Eos 3.2 L.

The 2008 Eos 2.0T offers 200 horsepower and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. High-pressure, FSI helps with performance and efficiency. The 2008 Eos 2.0T is EPA-rated at an estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city and an impressive 32 mpg in highway driving.

Volkswagen Eos

For people who need even more performance, the 2008 Eos 3.2 L V6 cranks out 250 hp and 236 lbs.-ft. of torque. The narrow-angle six-cylinder engine accelerates the Eos from 0-60 miles per hour in 6.9 seconds.

The Eos 3.2 L V6 model comes standard with the double-clutch DSG six-speed transmission with Tiptronic. This transmission is available as an option for those who wish to replace the standard six-speed manual transmission with hydraulic clutch that
comes standard with the Eos 2.0T. Regardless of powertrain setup, the power transfers to where rubber meets the road via front-wheel drive in all 2008 Eos models.

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