eneration 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class. Although the 2007 SLK is in its third year of production, it still looks as fresh as ever. Pictures, however, don’t do it justice. It really is one of those fabulous creations of extraordinary sheet metal design that requires closer inspection. The SLK is an understated car, with some brilliant cuts. The bulbous nose has an integrated hood ornament to appease the anti-branding design pundits who want to position the vehicle to a younger demographic. This is definitely a car for extroverts. The car is also styled to resemble the more expensive SLR McLaren.

The only flaw of the SLK is that it is not as lithe as a sports car should be. Weighing in at 3,210 lbs. means a quick list of options makes the car even heavier, and justifies the need for a heavier engine with more horses. In addition, the folding roof does compromise the storage capacity in the trunk. MSRP of the SLK ranges from $43,350 to $62,500 and averages 18/27 mpg for both the 280 and 350, and 16/22 mpg in the SLK 55.

Chevrolet Corvette

The raspy growl of the Corvette will make you believe there is a full moon rising every time you dial it up past 3,500 RPM. There is something visceral about the 2007 Corvette. Historically, the Corvette has always been known for its sound. For example, during the filming of the 1967 film “The Graduate,” where Dustin

There are many reasons to fall in love with the lure of an open air car. Whether it is the visceral connection to nature, the natural feel of wind in your hair, or the energizing wide open night sky – there’s something enthralling about driving a car with the roof down. We have compiled a list of 10 hot convertibles. Nothing puts more sizzle in your step and a large smile on your face than driving in a sexy open car and breathing in the air.

Mercedes-Benz SL Class

It is very common for German engineers to put their passion into technology. As such, the 2007 SL is no exception. The great-great-great-grandchild of the iconic 300SL Gullwing, from 1954, contains many pioneering innovations, but most of all brings back the myocardial good looks lost during the bloated Elvis period of the mid-1990s.

Of the many attributes of the 2007 SL, the most overlooked feature is the acrobatic disappearance of its metallic roof. Like an illuminated water fountain outside a Vegas casino, this modern museum on wheels opens its roof in a dazzling display of wizardry in just 16 seconds.

MSRP for the 2007 SL ranges from $94,800 to $186,000 for the AMG. Other cars in this price range include the BMW 6 Series convertible, the new Jaguar XK convertible, Porsche 911 Turbo convertible, and the Aston Martin V8. Fuel economy averages around 16/24 mpg for the 2007 SL, but fluctuates on how hard you drive.

The graceful, proportioned lines of the 2007 SL come close to capturing the worthy heritage of the original 300 SL Gullwing.

Porsche Boxster

It’s perfectly natural for your wife or girlfriend to get jealous of the other girl – the 2007 Porsche Boxster. A modern day reinvention of the 60’s Porsche 356B, the second generation Boxster takes a popular icon and makes it better. Both the 2.7-liter at 245 horsepower and the 3.4-liter Boxster S at 295 horsepower were completely reborn in 2005. Additionally, the new rivets make the car much, much tighter. It really feels like you can take 90 degree turns without worry.

But the real reason Porsche enthusiasts continue to buy the Boxster, and why BMW drivers readily convert is not the 0-60 times, not even the badge appeal, but the outer-worldly handling of the mid-engine car. The Boxster is quick, of course reaching the highway limit in 5.8 sec (in the 2.7); and 5.2 sec for the S. But the real joy is maneuvering the car on a congestion free, curvy road.

Initially criticized as an entry level Porsche, the Boxster has grown up. It now shares much in common with the higher priced 911. Seats, steering wheel, and instrument panels are the same. But unlike the 911, the Boxster is considerably lighter at 2,877 lbs. (for the 2.7-liter), and 2,987 lbs (for the S). With the engine right behind your ears, you also hear the melodic howl of the water-cooled engine better than in the 911.

MSRP for the 2007 Boxster ranges from $45,600 to $55,500 with a respectable 20/29 mpg. Porsche is currently developing a dual-sequential gearbox so future Automatic Tiptronic transmissions will have even more precise shifts. Additionally, a Hybrid version for the Cayenne is in the works. It is easy to see why people expect good things from Porsche.

BMW M3

If you want to be kissed, you’ve got to be kissable too. Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder, but it’s hard to look at the 2007 BMW M3 and not smile. This charming, 400 horsepower, convertible beauty, mixes beauty and brains with DSG (dual-sequential gearbox) providing the ultimate escape from the stress of living. For 2007, the M3 has been given an entire facelift. The lines are sharper, the nose grill wider, and the chin more muscular. This is not a soft, pretty car out for a milkshake at night. The 2007 M3 embodies the softening of Chris Bangle’s school of design, and unlike the controversial BMW 5 Series, looks as a BMW should.

The car is scheduled for sale in spring of 2007, and should be pre-sold for the first six months. Scorching performance, a fabulous body, and detailed cabin work are all part of the $56,400 – $67,000 price point. The 2007 BMW M3 is the very embodiment of what the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG tag line stands for.

BMW 6 Series

If you sold your soul to Satan for unlimited riches, the BMW 6 Series convertible rocket ship would surely be one of the cars on your wish list before the deed was up. The base 6 Series features the 4.8-liter 32 valve Double VANOS equipped engine that churns out 360 horsepower. If that wasn’t enough, there is an earth burning 5.0-liter V-10 upgrade available with 500 horsepower. Released from the gates of hell in 2006, the car received mixed reviews because the Chris Bangle lines were not mutually admired by all. Loyalists preferred the more classic lines from the previous version, and the new money brand converts prefer the bashful look of the new version. Thrill seekers can choose from a six-speed manual, SMG or automatic shifters. Make sure to ink the deal which includes protection from traffic cops and speeding tickets. MSRP is estimated at $73,295 to $106,195 and fuel efficiency of around 17/25 mpg.

While the car offers a lot of torque, thrills and fun in the sun other cars in this price range include the Maserati Spyder, Mercedes-Benz CLK Class, and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet. Maybe the gates of heaven aren’t that green after all?

Mercedes-Benz SLK Class

Fabelhaft is the German word for fabulous; an exclamation point that goes well with the second generation 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class. Although the 2007 SLK is in its third year of production, it still looks as fresh as ever. Pictures, however, don’t do it justice. It really is one of those fabulous creations of extraordinary sheet metal design that requires closer inspection. The SLK is an understated car, with some brilliant cuts. The bulbous nose has an integrated hood ornament to appease the anti-branding design pundits who want to position the vehicle to a younger demographic. This is definitely a car for extroverts. The car is also styled to resemble the more expensive SLR McLaren.

The only flaw of the SLK is that it is not as lithe as a sports car should be. Weighing in at 3,210 lbs. means a quick list of options makes the car even heavier, and justifies the need for a heavier engine with more horses. In addition, the folding roof does compromise the storage capacity in the trunk. MSRP of the SLK ranges from $43,350 to $62,500 and averages 18/27 mpg for both the 280 and 350, and 16/22 mpg in the SLK 55.

Chevrolet Corvette

The raspy growl of the Corvette will make you believe there is a full moon rising every time you dial it up past 3,500 RPM. There is something visceral about the 2007 Corvette. Historically, the Corvette has always been known for its sound. For example, during the filming of the 1967 film “The Graduate,” where Dustin

fluctuates on how hard you drive.

The graceful, proportioned lines of the 2007 SL come close to capturing the worthy heritage of the original 300 SL Gullwing.

Porsche Boxster

It’s perfectly natural for your wife or girlfriend to get jealous of the other girl – the 2007 Porsche Boxster. A modern day reinvention of the 60’s Porsche 356B, the second generation Boxster takes a popular icon and makes it better. Both the 2.7-liter at 245 horsepower and the 3.4-liter Boxster S at 295 horsepower were completely reborn in 2005. Additionally, the new rivets make the car much, much tighter. It really feels like you can take 90 degree turns without worry.

But the real reason Porsche enthusiasts continue to buy the Boxster, and why BMW drivers readily convert is not the 0-60 times, not even the badge appeal, but the outer-worldly handling of the mid-engine car. The Boxster is quick, of course reaching the highway limit in 5.8 sec (in the 2.7); and 5.2 sec for the S. But the real joy is maneuvering the car on a congestion free, curvy road.

Initially criticized as an entry level Porsche, the Boxster has grown up. It now shares much in common with the higher priced 911. Seats, steering wheel, and instrument panels are the same. But unlike the 911, the Boxster is considerably lighter at 2,877 lbs. (for the 2.7-liter), and 2,987 lbs (for the S). With the engine right behind your ears, you also hear the melodic howl of the water-cooled engine better than in the 911.

MSRP for the 2007 Boxster ranges from $45,600 to $55,500 with a respectable 20/29 mpg. Porsche is currently developing a dual-sequential gearbox so future Automatic Tiptronic transmissions will have even more precise shifts. Additionally, a Hybrid version for the Cayenne is in the works. It is easy to see why people expect good things from Porsche.

BMW M3

If you want to be kissed, you’ve got to be kissable too. Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder, but it’s hard to look at the 2007 BMW M3 and not smile. This charming, 400 horsepower, convertible beauty, mixes beauty and brains with DSG (dual-sequential gearbox) providing the ultimate escape from the stress of living. For 2007, the M3 has been given an entire facelift. The lines are sharper, the nose grill wider, and the chin more muscular. This is not a soft, pretty car out for a milkshake at night. The 2007 M3 embodies the softening of Chris Bangle’s school of design, and unlike the controversial BMW 5 Series, looks as a BMW should.

The car is scheduled for sale in spring of 2007, and should be pre-sold for the first six months. Scorching performance, a fabulous body, and detailed cabin work are all part of the $56,400 – $67,000 price point. The 2007 BMW M3 is the very embodiment of what the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG tag line stands for.

BMW 6 Series

If you sold your soul to Satan for unlimited riches, the BMW 6 Series convertible rocket ship would surely be one of the cars on your wish list before the deed was up. The base 6 Series features the 4.8-liter 32 valve Double VANOS equipped engine that churns out 360 horsepower. If that wasn’t enough, there is an earth burning 5.0-liter V-10 upgrade available with 500 horsepower. Released from the gates of hell in 2006, the car received mixed reviews because the Chris Bangle lines were not mutually admired by all. Loyalists preferred the more classic lines from the previous version, and the new money brand converts prefer the bashful look of the new version. Thrill seekers can choose from a six-speed manual, SMG or automatic shifters. Make sure to ink the deal which includes protection from traffic cops and speeding tickets. MSRP is estimated at $73,295 to $106,195 and fuel efficiency of around 17/25 mpg.

While the car offers a lot of torque, thrills and fun in the sun other cars in this price range include the Maserati Spyder, Mercedes-Benz CLK Class, and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet. Maybe the gates of heaven aren’t that green after all?

Mercedes-Benz SLK Class

Fabelhaft is the German word for fabulous; an exclamation point that goes well with the second generation 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class. Although the 2007 SLK is in its third year of production, it still looks as fresh as ever. Pictures, however, don’t do it justice. It really is one of those fabulous creations of extraordinary sheet metal design that requires closer inspection. The SLK is an understated car, with some brilliant cuts. The bulbous nose has an integrated hood ornament to appease the anti-branding design pundits who want to position the vehicle to a younger demographic. This is definitely a car for extroverts. The car is also styled to resemble the more expensive SLR McLaren.

The only flaw of the SLK is that it is not as lithe as a sports car should be. Weighing in at 3,210 lbs. means a quick list of options makes the car even heavier, and justifies the need for a heavier engine with more horses. In addition, the folding roof does compromise the storage capacity in the trunk. MSRP of the SLK ranges from $43,350 to $62,500 and averages 18/27 mpg for both the 280 and 350, and 16/22 mpg in the SLK 55.

Chevrolet Corvette

The raspy growl of the Corvette will make you believe there is a full moon rising every time you dial it up past 3,500 RPM. There is something visceral about the 2007 Corvette. Historically, the Corvette has always been known for its sound. For example, during the filming of the 1967 film “The Graduate,” where Dustin

engine right behind your ears, you also hear the melodic howl of the water-cooled engine better than in the 911.

MSRP for the 2007 Boxster ranges from $45,600 to $55,500 with a respectable 20/29 mpg. Porsche is currently developing a dual-sequential gearbox so future Automatic Tiptronic transmissions will have even more precise shifts. Additionally, a Hybrid version for the Cayenne is in the works. It is easy to see why people expect good things from Porsche.

BMW M3

If you want to be kissed, you’ve got to be kissable too. Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder, but it’s hard to look at the 2007 BMW M3 and not smile. This charming, 400 horsepower, convertible beauty, mixes beauty and brains with DSG (dual-sequential gearbox) providing the ultimate escape from the stress of living. For 2007, the M3 has been given an entire facelift. The lines are sharper, the nose grill wider, and the chin more muscular. This is not a soft, pretty car out for a milkshake at night. The 2007 M3 embodies the softening of Chris Bangle’s school of design, and unlike the controversial BMW 5 Series, looks as a BMW should.

The car is scheduled for sale in spring of 2007, and should be pre-sold for the first six months. Scorching performance, a fabulous body, and detailed cabin work are all part of the $56,400 – $67,000 price point. The 2007 BMW M3 is the very embodiment of what the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG tag line stands for.

BMW 6 Series

If you sold your soul to Satan for unlimited riches, the BMW 6 Series convertible rocket ship would surely be one of the cars on your wish list before the deed was up. The base 6 Series features the 4.8-liter 32 valve Double VANOS equipped engine that churns out 360 horsepower. If that wasn’t enough, there is an earth burning 5.0-liter V-10 upgrade available with 500 horsepower. Released from the gates of hell in 2006, the car received mixed reviews because the Chris Bangle lines were not mutually admired by all. Loyalists preferred the more classic lines from the previous version, and the new money brand converts prefer the bashful look of the new version. Thrill seekers can choose from a six-speed manual, SMG or automatic shifters. Make sure to ink the deal which includes protection from traffic cops and speeding tickets. MSRP is estimated at $73,295 to $106,195 and fuel efficiency of around 17/25 mpg.

While the car offers a lot of torque, thrills and fun in the sun other cars in this price range include the Maserati Spyder, Mercedes-Benz CLK Class, and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet. Maybe the gates of heaven aren’t that green after all?

Mercedes-Benz SLK Class

Fabelhaft is the German word for fabulous; an exclamation point that goes well with the second generation 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class. Although the 2007 SLK is in its third year of production, it still looks as fresh as ever. Pictures, however, don’t do it justice. It really is one of those fabulous creations of extraordinary sheet metal design that requires closer inspection. The SLK is an understated car, with some brilliant cuts. The bulbous nose has an integrated hood ornament to appease the anti-branding design pundits who want to position the vehicle to a younger demographic. This is definitely a car for extroverts. The car is also styled to resemble the more expensive SLR McLaren.

The only flaw of the SLK is that it is not as lithe as a sports car should be. Weighing in at 3,210 lbs. means a quick list of options makes the car even heavier, and justifies the need for a heavier engine with more horses. In addition, the folding roof does compromise the storage capacity in the trunk. MSRP of the SLK ranges from $43,350 to $62,500 and averages 18/27 mpg for both the 280 and 350, and 16/22 mpg in the SLK 55.

Chevrolet Corvette

The raspy growl of the Corvette will make you believe there is a full moon rising every time you dial it up past 3,500 RPM. There is something visceral about the 2007 Corvette. Historically, the Corvette has always been known for its sound. For example, during the filming of the 1967 film “The Graduate,” where Dustin

mbodiment of what the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG tag line stands for.

BMW 6 Series

If you sold your soul to Satan for unlimited riches, the BMW 6 Series convertible rocket ship would surely be one of the cars on your wish list before the deed was up. The base 6 Series features the 4.8-liter 32 valve Double VANOS equipped engine that churns out 360 horsepower. If that wasn’t enough, there is an earth burning 5.0-liter V-10 upgrade available with 500 horsepower. Released from the gates of hell in 2006, the car received mixed reviews because the Chris Bangle lines were not mutually admired by all. Loyalists preferred the more classic lines from the previous version, and the new money brand converts prefer the bashful look of the new version. Thrill seekers can choose from a six-speed manual, SMG or automatic shifters. Make sure to ink the deal which includes protection from traffic cops and speeding tickets. MSRP is estimated at $73,295 to $106,195 and fuel efficiency of around 17/25 mpg.

While the car offers a lot of torque, thrills and fun in the sun other cars in this price range include the Maserati Spyder, Mercedes-Benz CLK Class, and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet. Maybe the gates of heaven aren’t that green after all?

Mercedes-Benz SLK Class

Fabelhaft is the German word for fabulous; an exclamation point that goes well with the second generation 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class. Although the 2007 SLK is in its third year of production, it still looks as fresh as ever. Pictures, however, don’t do it justice. It really is one of those fabulous creations of extraordinary sheet metal design that requires closer inspection. The SLK is an understated car, with some brilliant cuts. The bulbous nose has an integrated hood ornament to appease the anti-branding design pundits who want to position the vehicle to a younger demographic. This is definitely a car for extroverts. The car is also styled to resemble the more expensive SLR McLaren.

The only flaw of the SLK is that it is not as lithe as a sports car should be. Weighing in at 3,210 lbs. means a quick list of options makes the car even heavier, and justifies the need for a heavier engine with more horses. In addition, the folding roof does compromise the storage capacity in the trunk. MSRP of the SLK ranges from $43,350 to $62,500 and averages 18/27 mpg for both the 280 and 350, and 16/22 mpg in the SLK 55.

Chevrolet Corvette

The raspy growl of the Corvette will make you believe there is a full moon rising every time you dial it up past 3,500 RPM. There is something visceral about the 2007 Corvette. Historically, the Corvette has always been known for its sound. For example, during the filming of the 1967 film “The Graduate,” where Dustin

eneration 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class. Although the 2007 SLK is in its third year of production, it still looks as fresh as ever. Pictures, however, don’t do it justice. It really is one of those fabulous creations of extraordinary sheet metal design that requires closer inspection. The SLK is an understated car, with some brilliant cuts. The bulbous nose has an integrated hood ornament to appease the anti-branding design pundits who want to position the vehicle to a younger demographic. This is definitely a car for extroverts. The car is also styled to resemble the more expensive SLR McLaren.

The only flaw of the SLK is that it is not as lithe as a sports car should be. Weighing in at 3,210 lbs. means a quick list of options makes the car even heavier, and justifies the need for a heavier engine with more horses. In addition, the folding roof does compromise the storage capacity in the trunk. MSRP of the SLK ranges from $43,350 to $62,500 and averages 18/27 mpg for both the 280 and 350, and 16/22 mpg in the SLK 55.

Chevrolet Corvette

The raspy growl of the Corvette will make you believe there is a full moon rising every time you dial it up past 3,500 RPM. There is something visceral about the 2007 Corvette. Historically, the Corvette has always been known for its sound. For example, during the filming of the 1967 film “The Graduate,” where Dustin Hoffman runs out of gas in an Alfa Romeo Spyder, the sound of the Alfa was dubbed with that of a throaty 1967 Vette. Driving today’s more refined interpretation of the modern corvette, you still hear the incredible sound of the engine whether it’s the standard 6.0-liter V8 400 horsepower engine, or the 505 horsepower in the range topping Z06 LZ2. GM engineers claim the Z06 is the fastest car they have ever produced, and tests prove this car does 0-60 in well under 4 seconds! That’s faster than it took you to read this sentence.

Introduced in 2006, the new Corvette silhouette echoes a more Roman look than vintage Vettes of the past. For 2007 the car is available in 7 trims and includes a hot new metallic orange paint as option. With a MSRP of $44,995 for the LT1 to $69,950 for the Z06, this is probably the least expensive 505 horsepower car on the planet! Estimated fuel economy averages 16/26 mpg.

Other cars in the 500 horsepower club include the distinguished BMW M5, Ferrari 599, and the Mercedes-Benz SLR.

Nissan 350Z

If you are a proud parent of the 2006 Nissan 350Z, there’s a good probability you’re giving the car some exercise every weekend on a dry, safe, curvy tarmac near you. The 2006 Nissan 350Z captures the uncompromised feel of a tight suspension, and impressive performance from the 300 horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine found under its hood. The only drawback is the car’s weight. The base version 350Z weighs 3,340 lbs and the roadster is even heavier due to reinforced steel on the sides. MSRP of $27,900 – $42,000 offers value in its class, but there is ample competition from the new Audi TT roadster, the Porsche Boxster, and the BMW Z4.

The 2007 350Z, scheduled for sale in January, will feature a new VQ35HR performance engine with better fuel efficiency than before. It presently averages 19/25mpg. The 2007 model also promises advanced safety features, a lighter convertible top retracting mechanism, a completely new cabin and a variety of new colors. Something that’ll make the loyalist 350Z enthusiasts proud!

Dodge Viper

Like hard core metal, the 2007 Dodge Viper revitalizes parts other cars cannot reach. A glorified rock star, with three hit singles, the Viper rolls down the boulevard with people screaming in awe: “Oh my Gawwd, it is a VIPPPERR!” The first three gears are all you really need to drive the 2007 Viper in most situations. In our test drive, we encountered many people who wanted us to drive the car hard and shake things up. It certainly is easy to reach the upper threshold of the speed limit within seconds due to the 8.3-liter pushrod V-10 that now has 510 horsepower, but it may not always be necessary. Step on the accelerator, the massive amount of torque pushes you in the back of your seat every time.

For 2007, the car features a new suspension with new lightweight aluminum upper and lower control arms, the engine has been made lighter with magnesium parts, and the inside cabin is completely revitalized covered with leather/chrome accents. With a MSRP ranging from $82,785 to $83,995, the adrenaline junkies will certainly get their fix with the new Viper.

BMW Z4

Extreme machines make you feel disinclined to listen to the radio when driving the car. That’s because the car gives you so much feedback, from the steering wheel, the shifter to the muffler, that you fear turning the knob. In order to get most out of the 2007 BMW Z4, you really do need to keep your eyes on the road and foot on the accelerator.

Introduced as a late 2006 model, the 2007 BMW Z4 captures the spirit of the outgoing M3 by giving you the option of transplanting its 330 horsepower engine into this lightweight vehicle. Unlike many cars in its price range, the 2007 BMW Z4 is neither slow, nor extravagantly priced.

With a MSRP of $36,795 to $51,795, you have three engine choices: the 3.0-liter inline six with 215 horsepower, the 3.0-liter inline six with 255 horsepower, and the 3.2-liter inline six with 330 horsepower. On average, the 2007 BMW Z4 achieves 20/30 mpg. Looking at the spirited lines of the 2007 Z4, it is easy to see how BMW keeps alive the ideals of Karl Rapp, by continuously reinventing the wheel and achieving the impossible.

Pontiac Solstice

Do you believe in the power of hypnosis? The distinct curves of the 2007 Solstice recapture the time when open top cars were hand built. Those historic cars were not as good at handling or as fuel efficient as this new model. The 2007 Solstice achieves 20/28 mpg from the 177 horsepower engine (a turbo-charged 260 horsepower engine is also available in 2007.).

The curvy shape is reminiscent of the 1967 Ferrari Dino with supple curves and lithe lines. The body and chassis rails are made from hydro-formed steel, a process that allows for more robust shapes that are impossible to achieve using traditional stamping. The resulting shape appears to lack straight lines. The sensual, curvy look highlights Solstice’s curb appeal. The car we test drove was red in color, further accentuating the Italian, sporty feel. We’re proud GM had the guts to make this car, and to price it adequately.

Driving the new Solstice, you will experience rubber-necking you’d expect from a more expensive Italian roadster. Additionally, the car’s precise steering, strong brakes, supple ride, and a superb exhaust note make it all the more palatable in the $20,995-$25,996 price range than both the Mazda Miata, and the Honda S2000. Bob Lutz’s experiment,