These 5 convertible models awaken the first spring fever in 2023
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Convertible: These are the latest topless models of 2023.
Snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils, tulips and hyacinths - when they are in bloom, it is clear: Spring is here. And you can also see on the streets that winter is over and the warmer season has begun: convertibles are increasingly being driven with the top down again. The most popular convertible in Germany last year was the VW T-Roc.
The open-air SUV, which by the way is currently the only convertible SUV, impresses with a fabric top that folds in electrically in nine seconds - and that at a driving speed of up to 30 km/h. Although convertible sales have fallen in recent years, the selection is still large.
From the luxurious sports car to the small electric car: cars with fresh air guarantee can be found in almost all vehicle classes. Also in these weeks the car manufacturers are bringing new or newly launched convertibles onto the market.
GQ shows the chicest models.
The 5 most exciting convertible models of the year
#1: BMW Z4 Convertible
In 2019, the third generation of the BMW Z4 came onto the market. This roadster is in demand above all in Germany. Nowhere else are more vehicles of this type sold. The two-seater certainly has an international heritage. Because the Z4 is the successor to the BMW Z3, the open-top model that James Bond used to tour in the cinema adventure “GoldenEye” (1995).
In 2002 the Z3 was followed by the Z4. This year the roadster gets a facelift. The M Sport package is now standard on board. The air intakes have been redesigned, there are new black trim strips, new rims and a wide range of paint colors. The basic equipment has also been revised.
Features such as heated seats, two-zone automatic air conditioning, an automatically dimming interior mirror and parking sensors are now standard. The Z4 is available in three engine versions. All run on petrol, all variants have rear-wheel drive. The engines of the Z4 deliver 197 hp, 258 hp or 340 hp. Prices start at 50,200 euros.
#2: Mini Cooper SE Convertible
It was never actually planned that the electric Mini Cooper would also come onto the market as a convertible. But the model presented last summer and originally manufactured as a one-off was so well received that Mini reconsidered.
In a limited edition of 999 units, the electric mini is now also being manufactured as a convertible. A special highlight: the car is the first series vehicle to roll on sustainably produced light-alloy wheels made exclusively of so-called secondary aluminum.
So only recycled aluminum is used for production, which firstly conserves raw materials and secondly means that around 75 percent less CO2 is released during production. The soft top of the mini convertible is made of fabric and can be retracted fully electrically at the push of a button.
Even when closed, it is an eye-catcher: Then it shows the famous "Union Jack", the flag of the United Kingdom. The Stromer is powered by an electric motor that has an output of 135 kW (184 hp). The range is 201 kilometers. Price: 60,000 euros.
#3: Abarth 500e Convertible
Abarth, the sports brand founded in 1949, is also launching the first all-electric car with the 500e. The sporty small electric car is also available as a convertible. The car is visually unmistakable as a sister model of the Fiat 500.
Abarth has belonged to the Italian manufacturer since 1971. Compared to the cult small car from Fiat, the electric Abarth has a few special features. Somewhat larger ventilation openings at the front, bulkier side skirts and neat 18-inch alloy wheels. The car sprints from 0-100 km/h in seven seconds, two seconds faster than Fiat's sister model.
This is ensured by an electric motor with an output of 113 kW (154 hp). There are also a few extras in the interior of the small car, for example dashing sports seats, eye-catching two-tone stitching and a sports steering wheel. First, the Abarth Stromer comes as a special model Scorpionissima on the market. 46,000 euros are then due for the convertible version.
#4: Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible
The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will be offered again this year after an interim order freeze. The car remains an old-school sports car. "More beautiful, faster, wider" has mostly become obsolete in the course of e-mobility - but the Corvette proves that the old mantra still works.
The icon gets a newly developed V8 engine, which has its origins in racing and puts around 670 hp on the road - the exact power output has not yet been communicated. This power accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h in less than three seconds. There is also an optional massive carbon spoiler. Like the Corvette Z06, it was also made as a convertible with a retractable hardtop.
The interior can be designed in seven different colors. Among other things, also in the rich shade of red Adrenaline Red, a creation which was specially developed for the sports car.
There are also numerous carbon and leather elements around the cockpit, which are intended to ensure a luxurious and sporty ambience at the same time. Prices start in the US at the equivalent of 108,000 euros. However, it is not yet clear whether the car will also be offered in Europe.
#5: Ford Mustang Convertible
The Ford Mustang is also a real classic. The pony car, which has been built since 1964, has an ever-growing fan base. From late summer, the current Mustang, now in its seventh generation, will be launched in Germany.
The cult car is then also available as a convertible with an electrically retractable soft top. As with all previous models, the heart of the Mustang is the V8 engine. In the basic version, it already has 319 hp.
The top model Dark Horse even brings 507 hp onto the road. And this variant is also big on the inside. For example, with a blue anodized titanium gear knob or a touchscreen control center whose menu design was created by the computer game developer "Epic Games".
A second screen is used as a digital cockpit. On these, which should make nostalgic hearts beat faster, even the speedometer design of previous models can be displayed. The equivalent of around 30,000 euros is due in America for the new Mustang. Prices for Europe are not yet known.
[Via GQ Germany]