Auto Trends

As we near the close of 2007, it is time to start thinking about the warmer weather; and with the warm weather always inevitably follows the convertibles. This year we have a nice selection of sure bets that will not only deliver the cool breeze on a warm Spring afternoon, but also deliver the sportiness and performance that the convertibles of yesteryear never dreamed possible.

First on our list is the 2008 Mustang Convertible. While not for everyone, many people have been surprised to find that the new 4.0 V-6 Mustang convertible is a whole other bread of animal compared to the 3.8. It boasts an entirely different convertible top set-up that is quieter, lighter, and offers less wind resistance and drag. All this adds up to a pure joy to drive for most lovers of the open air. Of course it is a mustang, so it may not be quite as refined as some would like, but if you are a fan of the original convertibles, the new mustang offers a unique compromise of refinement and just enough harshness to remind you of the old muscle car convertibles. Of course the GT or Shelby offers its patented brand of 300 to 500+ horsepower V-8 fun, but you certainly probably don’t need to be told that!

Next we come to the 2008 Mitsubishi Spyder, which made its debut last year after a one year vacation. The rest sure seems to have done it some good in the performance department, with the revised 260 horsepower V-6 that makes the Spyder capable of toting around its extra 200 pounds of weight without too much of a quarrel. The V-6 is a highly recommended option to take for the convertible spyder, as it is much more refined and smooth running that the 4 cylinder. The interior is relatively quiet and has an optional wind blocker that can be added in the mix to keep wind noise down to an even greater minimum. As any high powered front wheel drive vehicle, you can expect plenty of torque steer on those hard punched straight aways, but thanks to that good old Japanese suspension engineering, it will have little lean during brisk cornering.

For the best of the best however, you really couldn’t go wrong with the 2008 Mazda Miata Convertible. The Miata is once again one of the 10 best cars according to Car and Driver and with its list of features, it should come as no surprise that it is. Its relative lightweight exterior and respectable 166 horsepower make it as much fun to drive as a pumped up go-cart on steroids. Having been around for awhile, Mazda has had the chance to build upon its refinement to create one of the smoothest, quietest, and most usable roadsters available today.