Convertible

Mercedes is slowly “undressing” the next-generation SL and by now we have a pretty good idea of how it would look when it finally comes out. We also know that it’s the first SL, developed by AMG, alongside their AMG GT model, so it will be, by far, the sportiest interpretation of the model yet. Something else we recently found out about the German gran tourer is how the interior looks and, it appears, the interior designers, although they’ve done a great job, may have watched a bit too much Star Wars.

It’s safe to say the Mercedes 300 SL is the epitome of a timeless swagger. Its unique styling is instantly recognizable by many and the car itself is as technologically advanced (for its time) as it is gorgeous to look at. The car originally came out in 1953 and, in roadster form, was produced until 1963. Although the 300 SLR inspired SLR Stirling Moss and the SLS AMG can be considered spiritual successors, an independent designer shows us what the 300 SL would look like nowadays. Moreover, the renderings we see here will be turned into reality.

It’s hard to imagine that the Porsche Boxster is already 25 years old this year. On his show, Jay Leno’s Garage, the talk show presenter and host takes a look at the new limited edition version of the Boxster.

In the video, Jay states that he was present at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show when the Boxster concept was originally presented to the public. He went on to add that he had never driven one before filming this edition of his popular show.

Do you have any idea why? Jay claims that when he inquired at the Porsche booth if he could see the engine, he was told that he couldn’t since the car was mid-engined. As a result, Leno has been unconcerned about the Boxster line since. Until now that is. 

Before World War II sent the world into chaos once again, Captain George Eyston piloted the aero-shaped Thunderbolt record car to not one but two world land-speed records. His first wun on the Bonneville Salts Flats happened on November 19, 1937 where he managed to push the thunderbolt up to a record of 312 mph. Almost a year later, in late-1938, he did it again, only this time he hit 357.5 mph, and that record held through WWII as there were no other land-speed record attempts that that time. The car itself was of significant importance because it was powered by two mighty Rolls-Royce V-12 aircraft engines. Eyston never returned to attempt breaking his record after WWII ended, but Rolls-Royce has found it appropriate to remind the world of his previous records and honor him with special edition cars – one based on the Rolls-Royce Wraith and the other based on the Rolls-Royce Dawn, both in Black Badge trim.

Neither of these cars feature anything like the massive 37-liter, V-12, Rolls-Royce engines that sent Eyston beyond the 300-mph mark way back in the 1930s, but they do feature the brands tried-and-true 6.6-liter V-12. In the Wraith, that engine is good for 623 horsepower and 642 pound-feet of torque while the Dawn Black Badge is good for 593 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque. Oddly enough, Rolls-Royce didn’t think it was worth providing any performance upgrades for either of the special edition cars, but there are a few things of not. The interior of both cars feature a special texture that resembles the cracked ground of Bonneville. The starlight headliner in the Wraith was design to mimic the night sky over Bonneville on September 16, 1938 when Eyston made his second land-speed record. Finally, the interior is finished off with silhouettes of the Thunderbolt laser-etched on the front tunnel and the clock has been redesigned to look like the original gauges in the Thunderbolt.

The exterior of these cars are limited to a special two-tone finish, most notably the new “Bonneville Blue” hue designed specifically for these two cars. You’ll find a few bits of yellow and black, which also pay tribute to the old record-setting car. In the end, Rolls-Royce is only making 60 examples of these cars, with production of the Wraith limited to just 35 and the Dawn being even more obscure, with production capped at just 25 examples.

Lamborghini has unveiled the very last Aventador’s, the LP780-4 ULTIMAE. It is the latest update to Lamborghini’s flagship model, joining the ranks of the LP700-4 and S. But, it represents more than just the end of the Aventador name, so it’s a lot more special than you might think.

Porsche developed the 918 Spyder as the replacement to the Carrera GT from September 2013 to June 2015. In a different light of the ’Holy Trinity’ bolstered by the mighty McLaren P1 and the gorgeous Ferrari LaFerrari, the Porsche was undoubtedly the most distinctive of the three.

We recently covered some pretty epic Porsche conversions and this one would fit right in. The 911 GT3 RS never had a cabriolet version, so you have to make one yourself. There are two ways to go about it. The first one involves taking a GT3 RS and chopping its roof off. The second way is to get a lesser 911 Cabriolet and slap the body panels from a GT3 RS. Obviously, the latter is much easier, which is why Wicked Motor Work from California did exactly that.

Aston Martin’s customization division, Q, has come up with a special edition of the Vantage Roadster that pays homage to the A3. The A3 is the oldest surviving car in the British automaker’s history, celebrating a centenary this year. Aston Martin Q has designed the Vantage Roadster and will be making just the three. If you wish to lay your hands on one, you need to get in touch with Aston Martin HWM, the company’s oldest dealer, which has been commissioned to take orders for the same.

The 2004 Shelby Cobra concept is as good as concept cars get. Unlike most other concepts which are just clay models or physical shells without a powertrain, this one-off Cobra is one that actually runs and can be driven. This one-of-a-kind lightweight roadster packs a lot of power under the hood, and it’s about to be auction off for, probably, big bucks.

We have good news and, potentially, bad news. The good news is that the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which last went through a generational shift for the 2015 model year, will stick around for at least one more generation and, probably, into the 2030s. The bad news is that it might not be quite as light weight or affordable as before because it will only live on through means of electrification.

Daniel Abt has posted videos of the Porsche GT2 RS taking on the Porsche Taycan on the drag strip in one instance, and the McLaren 765 LT on another. This time, he brought a 992 911 Turbo S to the strip and pit it against the Ferrari F8. While it’s not a GT2, the 911 Turbo S is no slouch either. As for the Ferrari, it makes over 700 horses and is 600+ pounds lighter than the Porsche. This is the ultimate battle of two quick convertibles – who are you rooting for?

Right on schedule, Porsche has launched the new 2022 911 GTS, the perfect mix between the 911 Carrera S and the 911 Turbo. For the 992-generation, the 911 GTS features improved power output, the option for a seven-speed manual, optional AWD, and a host of other upgrades. Deliveries are expected to start in early 2022, with prices starting at $136,700 for the entry-level GTS and maxing out at $156,800 before options, taxes, and other fees.