Here are the hottest convertibles on sale this summer. We chose our list based on model year 2010 or newer cars that either weren't on sale or were significantly updated since last year.
Aston Martin DBS UB-2010
Part of a limited run of 40 DBS (including only 20 Volantes). Special features include unique colors and trim. Named for Dr. Ulrich Bez, former head of Aston Martin; each model will have door sill plates inscribed with his signature.
MSRP: TBD (mainline DBS Volantes start at $186,500)
Audi R8 Spyder 5.2
The aluminum convertible has a 5.2-liter V10 engine that goes from zero to 60 mph in 4 seconds, with a top speed of 195 mph. It's one of the most versatile cars in its price range--Audi says half of R8 buyers use it (in manual transmission form) for special weekend trips, and the other half use it (with the automatic) as daily drivers. In either case, the optional carbon-fiber inlays and 19" titanium wheels make it almost unbearably cool.
MSRP: $160,000 (estimated)
Bentley Continental GTC Speed
Engine gets 600 bhp, with a top speed of 200 mph and a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. The car features a dark chrome grille, 20" sport wheels, twin tailpipes, Mulliner diamond-quilted leather seats and a three-spoke leather steering wheel with aluminum inlays.
MSRP: $232,000.
Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible
Comes with a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, leather-trimmed sport-bucket seats, 19" wheels, Cobra badging and racing stripes and an ever-importantly lightweight cloth top.
MSRP: $53,645.
Maserati GranCabrio
This is the first four-seater convertible in Maserati's history, and the latest since 2006. It comes with the GranTurismo S coupe's 4.7-liter 433-bhp V8 engine with a top speed of 183 mph and zero-to-60 mph acceleration of 5.1 seconds. It features continuous chrome trim that encircles the cabin and integrates with the third rear stop light, with a triangular LED light cluster; 20" wheel rims and chrome dashboard rings and an Alcantara finish on the steering wheel.
MSRP: $135,800.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio
The E-Class is not as sporty as the utilitarian 3-Series convertible but more of a beautiful cruiser. Still, it'll go zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. A navigation system, rear side airbags, laser cruise control and airscarf are options worth the splurge. The E-Class Cabrio went on sale last month.
MSRP: $57,000 for the E350; $67,000 for the E550.
Porsche Boxster Spyder
The engine is a flat-6; the 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual go from zero to 60 mph in about 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 166 mpg. One reason for the high speeds: the Spyder is 176 pounds lighter than 2009's Boxster S (an optional $1,700, 13-pound lithium-ion starter battery can save an additional 22 pounds.)
MSRP: $62,150.
Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder
Engine is a hand-crafted, all-aluminum V8 producing 400 bhp. It goes from zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 187 mph. Roof is a semi-automatic canvas soft-top that requires only one latch to unleash. Optional features include a turned aluminum dashboard fascia, elegant 19-inch wheels, quilted leather detailing for the cockpit, Chronoswiss dashboard instruments and a unique Louis Vuitton luggage set.
MSRP: $252,000
