With Convertibles and sports cars mean driving more than getting from A to B. In the coming year, among other things, a newly launched classic, a weatherproof fun car and two German luxury convertibles will advertise to inclined buyers. The most important innovations.
Sports car fans with a sense of tradition should be most looking forward to the new edition of the Renault Alpine. In the 50er and 60er years, models like the Alpine A110 were something like the French answer to Porsche. At least in France, cars still enjoy iconic status today. 1995 was discontinued production in the meantime taken over by Renault sports car manufacturer. After a whole series of studies and many announcements, the comeback should finally start at the end of 2017, in the form of a special model. However, the French still do not reveal much detail about the first of a whole series of Alpine models. At least one calls a sprint time of less than 4,5 seconds and a starting price of 55.000 to 60.000 Euro.
While the Frenchman is fishing in the pond of the Alfa 4C and Porsche 718 Cayman, Mercedes continues to measure itself against the sports car icon Porsche 911. For this, the GT family will be supplemented by performance subsidiary AMG. The new power peak is the GT-R variant optimized for the circuit with an 430 kW / 585 PS powerful variant of the V8 biturbo engine, modified transmission, modified aerodynamics and numerous other racing reminiscences. With a spurt time of 3,6 seconds and a top speed of 317 km / h, the 165.410 Euro expensive top model also lets loose the already fast standard variants. The buyers of the new Roadster GT C version are likely to take a relatively relaxed stance. The open two-seater positions itself in terms of performance between the two coupes GT S (375 kW / 510 PS) and GT R (430 kW / 585 PS). In 3,7 seconds the GT C Roadster is at speed 100, the propulsion only ends at 316 km / h. The GT Roadster accelerates to highway speed in 4,0 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 302 km / h.
Pure roadster driving pleasure in the form of the Mazda MX-5 has been available for little money since 2015. If the agile Japanese does not offer enough year-round suitability, you can choose the new Targa version from the beginning of 2017. The foldable fabric roof of the MX-5 RF is replaced by a foldable plastic roof. The middle section can be lowered electrically, while the B-pillars remain standing and provide an unusual silhouette. The prices start at around 30.000 Euro.
Everyday suitability is also one of the advantages of four-seater convertibles. Even if the back seat is rather a lousy place when driving open - closed can also be used by four. It should be particularly comfortable in the future on board the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, as the new edition expected for the summer now completely uses the technology of the business series and dispenses with the cramped additions from the C-Class. The large open-air glider in the 50.000 euro class is flanked by the no less noble coupé. The Audi A5 will also open its roof one class lower next year. As with the sedan and coupé already on offer, the external changes are limited. There are more economical engines, new assistants and a padded interior. The prices should start again at a little more than 40.000 euros. (Holger Holzer / SP-X)