First Official Camaro Convertible Pictures Released

Thanks to those spy photographers we have already seen a lot of shots of the new Chevrolet Camaro. Last year GM released pre-production shots of the Camaro Coupe, now for the first time we get to see the first official shots of the Camaro Convertible.

The shots have only been released in low resolution so far. Chevrolet North America Vice President Ed Peper posted them on GM's Fastlane Blog.

The model is still in the evaluation stages of development and it will go into full production next year. New Camaro is expected to make debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Gallery: Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

Spy Shots: Lexus IS Convertible

Well it's hard to tell from the picture, but what you see in the picture, according to the sources, is a test mule of the Lexus IS convertible. Information accompanying the spy shot suggests that the car is destined for production by the end of 2009 and will feature the full range of engines available in the Lexus IS sedan, from the 177-hp European diesel 220d to the 423-hp IS-F.

If the information is correct, the IS cabrio would be the first body style variant of the Lexus sports sedan since the previous generation SportCross wagon model, and would slot in the Lexus line-up under the SC 430 convertible.As one forum member pointed out, by 2009 the IS sedan would be entering its fifth year of production and itself be due for replacement soon thereafter.

Spy Shots: 2009 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

The pony car segment is heating up these days. Along debut of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Ford is testing the 2010 Mustang.

These new spy shots of the refreshed Mustang GT that is scheduled to debut as a 2010 shows us the car's rear end we get our best view yet of its new taillights. The brake lights looks like the three vertical brake lights that were on the original Mustangs. Brenda Priddy caught this convertible which bears "GT" on the side of a car.

Breaking: Dodge Plans Challenger Convertible

During the unveiling of the Dodge Challenger yesterday, Chrysler's Vice Chairman, Jim Press, confirmed that Dodge expects to sell between 20,000 and 30,000 Challengers a year once production goes full. All 6,400 Collectors Edition SRT8 models due to hit dealers this spring have been sold and there's a waiting list for the 2009 models. And finally, more variants will be available next year with less powerful engines and a convertible version is supposedly planned.

According to Press the SRT8 has a higher top speed (170 mph) than BMW's M5. He has also said that the Challenger has more torque than the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Does Audi Mean R8 Convertible With New Era

Audi has updated its U.S. website with a short video that features a counter ticking the time away "until the moment of truth." The seconds flying by lead up to the date and time of Super Bowl XLII this Sunday. Below is a short message that says, "On February 3, 2008, over 140 million TV viewers will witness the start of a new era. Register now for your exclusive sneak preview... and more."

While the video only shows dark glimpses of the R8's wheel and headlight, there are some rumors that Audi has big things planned for its very expensive Godfather-themed Super Bowl commercial. Registering on Audi's website will get you a free sneak preview of the ad on the morning of the Super Bowl.

Some people are saying that an R8 Cabrio may debut in the ad. We have to wait til Super Bowl to see the truth.

Geneva Preview: Fiat 500 Convertible

Fiat plans to unveil a convertible version of its popular 500 micro-car at Geneva in March. And in keeping with the city car’s retro design, it will have a similar roof mechanism to the original 500’s. The car will use a full-length fabric roof that slides back to store on top of the parcel shelf. It will retain a glass rear window, plus full-frame doors and the hatch’s roofline.

The automaker also plans unveil the 500 Abarth SS in Geneva to challenge the Cooper S. This has a 1.4-litre turbo engine which delivers 155bhp. Expect these new versions of the 500 to arrive in dealerships by the end of the year.

Spy Shots: Aston Martin DBS Volante

The Aston Martin DBS convertible snapped while testing somewhere in the Sweden. Differing from its hardtopped sibling in only its roofline and side window profile.

The car will get to 100 KPH in just over four seconds, and will cost around $300,000.

Gallery: Aston Martin DBS Volante

Officially Unveiled: BMW M3 Cabrio

BMW wasn't planning on releasing the M3 convertible just yet. The M3 drop-top wasn't supposed to debut until March at the Geneva show. But due the initial images and details leaked out, BMW has decided to unveil all the details about its new V8 hard-top convertible.

The biggest news here is here is BMW's new M DCT twin-clutch gearbox that stands in for the previous SMG transmission. Other details are same from the M3 coupe.

Gallery: BMW M3 Cabriolet

SEMA 2007: Toyota FJ Cruiser Convertible

Toyota shows at the SEMA a canvas convertible version of FJ. According to Toyota, the construction is lightweight, inexpensive and easy to operate. No hydraulics or electronics are used, so cargo space isn't adversely affected.

Aside from the cabrio setup, the FJ comes equipped with KMC 17-inch Endouro wheels wrapped in 35x12.5R17 Nitto Mud Grappler tires, ARB suspension components, a TRD off road exhaust and a Bestop Off Road Camera System.

Toyota maintains that the simple design of the FJ Cruiser convertible makes it a viable production vehicle. With the convertible option, FJ could be another player in the niche within a niche segment.

Gallery: Toyota FJ Cruiser Convertible

Chrysler Announces New Manufacturing Cuts: PT Convertible, Magnum, Crossfire and Pacifica

Chrysler has officially announced its pruduct-cutting plan. Along the pruduction cuts, the automaker will make a number of cuts to its workforce.

The first models, which will be dropped from the lineup, are Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, Dodge Magnum, Chrysler Pacifica, and Chrysler Crossfire.

Sales on these four models were down as much as 32% through September. And with these cuts, the automaker hopes get Chrysler back in the black.

A total 8,000 to 10,000 hourly positions, 1,000 salaried positions and 37% of contractor positions will be also eliminated.

Officially Unveiled: BMW 1-Series Convertible

BMW has just released all the pics and info of its newest cabriolet, a drop top version of its smallest and cheapest model. Just like the coupe, it will come in 128i and 135i flavors, the former offering 215 HP and the latter 306 HP and 300 lb-ft. The drop top descends in just 22 seconds.