Latest news with #convertible
Motor 1
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet: The Good and the Bad
These days, convertibles are a rare breed, let alone convertibles with actual performance to boot. Most of them died decades ago, never to be seen again. The 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet, then, is one of the last examples of a dying breed. The CLE53 has all the qualities that make a mid-range AMG great: A silky smooth engine, excellent cornering abilities, and a luxurious cabin loaded with technology. Add to that unlimited headroom, and Mercedes-AMG managed to produce a genuinely fun, open-top performance car. Not many automakers can say they still have one of those. Quick Specs 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet Engine Turbocharged 3.0-Liter Inline-Six Hybrid Output 443 Horsepower / 413 Pound-Feet 0-60 MPH 4.4 Seconds Base Price / As Tested $83,750 / $93,150 (est.) The Good Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Lovely Powertrain Excellent Cornering Abilities Premium Cabin No Roof Convertible or not, the CLE53's powertrain is sublime. The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid setup makes 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, which sends the sporty convertible to 60 miles per hour in a respectable 4.4 seconds (or 4.2 seconds with the optional Race Start package, which includes launch control). The top speed is limited to 155 mph. It's managed via a nine-speed automatic transmission, and power is sent to all four wheels. It's a punchy setup. The CLE53 Cab rips off the line and races to 60 with impressive acceleration. There's an immediate burst of torque from the mild-hybrid setup, while the inline-six is sumptuously smooth up to redline. The nine-speed shifts quickly, responding at a moment's notice when you tug at the paddles. In the corners, the CLE53 exhibits excellent body control. The suspension is tight and the steering is quick; Mercedes added a good bit of extra rigidity to the chassis to make up for the lost roof, and it works wonders. Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 If you've been in any modern Mercedes, the CLE53's cabin should look familiar. There's a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of the steering wheel and an 11.9-inch touchscreen on the dash, both running the latest version of the brand's MBUX software. No Hyperscreen , thankfully. One thing you'll get in the CLE53 Cabrio that you won't find in any of Benz's hardtops is the ability to tilt the screen to avoid glare. The CLE53's screen tilts at up to 40 degrees to keep your view unobstructed, even in the brightest environments. It's a pretty neat feature. The Bad Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 A Little Stiff Clunky Software For as expertly as the suspension handles tight corners, it can be a little rocky for everyday use. In either Sport or Sport+ mode, the ride stiffens up and sends more of those road imperfections to your rump. Every piece of broken pavement is transmitted to your backside; thankfully, Comfort mode tones down the ride harshness significantly. On the infotainment side, MBUX works well enough, with a clean home screen and crisp, modern graphics. But don't go digging too deep into the screen while driving. There are so many options that trying to access even basic functions while on the move is a dangerous task. Otherwise, it's hard to find fault with the CLE53 Cab. At $83,750 to start, it's certainly not cheap, asking more than the 386-hp BMW M440i Convertible ($74,225). But the Benz is significantly less than the BMW M4 Competition droptop ($97,175). In that respect, you won't find much better for the price. Competitors BMW M440i Convertible More Pros And Cons GMC Hummer EV 3X: The Good and the Bad Ram 1500 RHO: The Good and the Bad 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet Engine Turbocharged 3.0-Liter Inline-Six Mild-Hybrid Output 443 Horsepower / 413 Pound-Feet Transmission Nine-Speed Automatic Drive Type All-Wheel Drive Speed 0-60 MPH 4.2 / 4.4 Seconds Maximum speed 155 Miles Per Hour Weight 4,597 Pounds Efficiency 19 City / 26 Highway / 22 Combined Seating Capacity 4 Cargo Volume 9.6 Cubic Feet Base Price $83,750 As-Tested Price $93,150 (est.) On Sale Now Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Top Gear
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Ferrari Roma Spider Driving, Engines & Performance
Driving What is it like to drive? Like all contemporary Ferraris, the Roma Spider does things that would have seemed space-age back in the day. The engine is a singularly impressive achievement, but always evolving. As on the coupe, the 3.9-litre twin turbo V8 has different cams, a revised catalytic converter and gas particulate filter. A reworked exhaust uses an oval-shaped flap rather than a traditional silencer, and there are more aggressive valve lift profiles on intake and exhaust. The oil pump also receives an upgrade for the Roma Spider, for smoother cold starts. Thermal efficiency is improved, but it also sounds more soulful here than ever. Ferrari has worked hard to reduce boominess at speed, an issue that can afflict convertibles. It's not as sonorous as some classic Ferrari V8s, but then few things are. Advertisement - Page continues below How windswept will my hair get with the roof down? The wind deflector in the +2 area pops into position by pressing a button on the centre tunnel (but has to be pushed back down into place manually, imagine that). Ferrari says it ran a lot of CFD and wind tunnel sessions to optimise it, and it shows. Although a simple pop-up plinth, it reduces turbulence in the cabin noticeably, adding to the 'bubble' effect Ferrari claims for the car overall. A 5mm spoiler on the windscreen header rail helps here, too. Hardware and software are perfectly matched. Variable Boost Management adjusts torque delivery to suit whichever gear you're in, unlike some of its rivals that unleash the full lot all in one go (Aston Martin Vantage, we're looking at you), and the Roma Spider punches hard even in sixth or seventh gear. That said, torque and response used to be this engine's defining characteristic, but the Vantage now feels notably punchier and more urgent lower in the rev range. Drive modes span Wet, Comfort, Sport, Race and ESC-Off, in the now well-established Ferrari manner. This is backed up by the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer – which adjusts brake pressure on whichever wheel needs it and works only in Race mode – alongside the regular stability system and V6.0 of side slip control. And what happens if I, er, deactivate the assistance? Turn everything off and the Roma Spider is as slidey as you'd expect a rear drive car with north of 600bhp to be, but amusing rather than sketchy on the limit. In the dry, at least, on warm tarmac. Top speed is 198mph, 62mph takes 3.4 seconds, 124mph 9.7s. It's fast. Advertisement - Page continues below The gearbox is derived from the eight-speed dual-shift one in the SF90 Stradale. It's improved in every measure from the previous incarnation: it's lighter, faster, more efficient, has a more powerful ECU, and is better integrated with the engine software. It also gains a conventional reverse gear. There are longer ratios in seventh and eighth to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and to give the Spider a longer-legged, more GT-appropriate gait. It's a truly world-class set-up, and the large shifting paddles on the column mean you're always on top of things even with some lock applied. You mentioned the Spider was less fraught than the Coupe… The steering is linear and less frenetic than on other Ferraris, the ride quality supple and compliant. Body control is terrific and the Spider is always interactive and entertaining. Subtle alterations to its suspension kinematics have resulted in a car with even more bandwidth than the Coupe. But make no mistake this is still a highly strung car. Don't get us wrong, it will do the mundane everyday stuff, but compared to rivals it's more frantic, on edge, straining to be let off the leash at all times. It's crisp and connected to drive and flows over difficult roads very well indeed. As a GT this does make it less relaxing. It always feels alert and eager, never quite settles. It's long-legged and adept at eating up motorway miles and can be pretty efficient though – expect 28mpg on a long run. Quick word on the brakes too – they use 390mm diameter discs upfront; they're potent but we'd like more feel in the initial phase.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Everyone can see the cars in this optical illusion – but it takes a genius to spot the convertible in under 15 seconds
PUT your vision to the test with this tricky brainteaser, perfect for car lovers. Everyone can see the motors, but only the most hawk-eyed can spot the car with its roof down in under 15 seconds. 1 Whether you're trying to improve your sight, or test your IQ, this puzzle will prove a challenge to many readers. Put your observation skills to the test and figure out whether you have what it takes to spot the convertible in just a few seconds. Make sure to set your stopwatch before undertaking this challenge, to make it extra hard for yourself. If you can do it in under 15 seconds, you are said to have 20/20 vision. The brainteaser, provided by car insurance experts at AChoice shows a pattern of different coloured cars. At first glance it looks like all of the vehicles are just bog standard motors. However, those with eagle eyes will immediately be able to spot that this is the case. Unless you're lucky enough to spot the car with its roof down immediately, we recommend analysing the image very carefully. The visual deception of this image will have you peeling your eyes, but the payoff is worth it. If you need a hint, we recommend focusing on the right hand side of the image. Everyone can spot the woman & a fan in the sweaty bedroom scene - but can you find 5 hidden changes in under 10 seconds? The convertible can be found around half way down the picture. The most obvious difference can be found on the face of the sun. If you're looking for something a bit harder, only those with eagle eyes will be able to find the hidden word amongst the flowers in this summer scene. Another tricky puzzle challenges readers to say the colour without reading the word. How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me? Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions. Some benefits include: Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility. Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function. Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes. Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus. Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief. If that's not hard enough, why not try looking for the jokers hidden in this poker scene in 10 seconds. Finally, only the sharpest drivers will be able to spot all hazards in 15 seconds in this busy motorway scene. Coming back to our challenge, were you able to solve it in under 15 seconds? For those struggling to find the answer, we have marked the solution for you.
Car and Driver
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Swell-Weather Droptops: 1995 Compact Luxury Convertible Comparison
From the November 1994 issue of Car and Driver. Compromise has become a dirty word. In 1994, it means giving in and not getting what you want. In your marriage. In the courtroom. In Congress. Even in the Oval Office. In the living room, with your sister commandeering the TV's remote control. In your life. With cars, though, compromise can also mean getting a little of everything. Consider the Saab 900SE Convertible, the BMW 325i Convertible, and the Audi Cabriolet as evidence. Look at what you get with these compromises: closed-car comfort in the rain and cold and top-down fun in the sun. Athletic road moves and a ride that won't pulverize vertebrae. Slippery top-down looks to drool over and a business-like top-up guise that won't suggest you're trolling full-time. An intimate driver-oriented cockpit and room to carry four adults and your luggage. (Okay, you'll have to pack lightly.) One luxo four-passenger convertible is missing from our lineup: the $82,298 Mercedes E320 Cabriolet. In our book, getting a little of everything also means getting a price that's attainable. These three cars sell for $40,000 and change. Hardly cheap, but not at the far end of the cosmos. We could have selected less costly four-cylinder versions of the Saab and BMW (see sidebar), but in this group, that would have been like comparing apples with . . . crabapples. Each is a four-seat convertible with a fully lined, automatic power top. The only manual tasks are unlatching it at the header and pressing a button on the console. Conspiracy theorists inspecting these apples would likely accuse Saab, BMW, and Audi of corporate collusion, because these are remarkably similar cars. Each comes with a small six-cylinder engine mated to an automatic transmission with a sport shifting mode that raises upshift and downshift points for livelier driving. Each is a four-seat convertible with a fully lined, automatic power top. The only manual tasks are unlatching it at the header and pressing a button on the console. The car does the rest, and that includes finishing off the job by putting an automatic boot cover in place. Other standard equipment features shared by the three cars include air conditioning, leather seating, power locks and windows (with a nice one-button feature that lowers all four windows at once), an anti-theft alarm, and alloy wheels. We subjected these beauties to the usual workout at Chrysler's proving grounds. Then it was off to the twisting ribbons of asphalt surrounding Traverse City, Michigan, for some back-road aerobics. Much of Michigan is as topographically exotic as a mall parking lot, but not this area in the north. There are low hills and verdant valleys and uncluttered vistas. And cherries. Our test roads snaked through orchard after orchard, including some owned by Cherry Bay Orchards, reportedly the largest producer in the U.S., with 1000 acres of fields and an output of five million pounds of cherries a season. The locals seemed to favor the cherry-red Saab. We approached the three drop-tops with more open minds and concluded the f0llowing. View Photos David Dewhurst | Car and Driver 3rd Place: Audi Cabriolet Audi's first stab at a convertible in this market is a good one: it soothes the eyes whether the top is up or down, it goes down the road impressively, and it is fun to drive. The problem is that for the same money, the two competitors are more proficient at all these tasks. The Cabriolet's 172 horsepower should be sufficient to motivate 3396 pounds. Yet this car feels slow. It's saddled with a syrupy step-off from standstill, and acceleration to 60 mph is the slowest of the three (9.7 seconds). The automatic's gearing is tall, and it becomes frustrating in tight corners. Get on the gas pedal as you exit a corner, for example, and a downshift to second gear is followed by a yawning gap in power. HIGHS: Brooks Brothers looks, well-mannered ride and handling, a wind blocker for good hair days. LOWS: Sluggish performance, light on amenities. VERDICT: A dyed-in-the-wool conservative, for better and for worse. This relative lethargy is regrettable because the Audi's handling is quite composed and drama-free. Let's go to what our test drivers wrote in the logbook: "Benign and predictable. Car simply goes where's it's pointed." "Even with its softer suspension, the Audi always feels secure, even at a breakneck pace." The tires confine the excitement, serving up only 0.73 g of grip. Yet the transmission shifts smoothly, and downshifts never lurch the steering wheel on this front-wheel-driver. "This car is a good choice for those with a heart condition," concluded one editor. View Photos David Dewhurst | Car and Driver It's easy to relax behind the windshield, especially if you splurge for Audi's $370 interior windscreen. This rectangular mesh screen on frames fits across the rear seating area (behind the front headrests) to help block drafts. For cold climes, this is a must-have option that extends the top-down season. It's so effective when raised that you can carry on a conversation with a front-seat passenger at freeway speeds without shouting. On the downside, the mesh can partly obscure your vision out the rear-view mirror. And, of course, it precludes any back-seat passengers. The snug-fitting top complements the Audi 90's clean lines. Twist the T-handle on the header, touch the button, and it disappears under the boot cover in 21 seconds. The manually adjusting seats look simple and support well. Editors also appreciated how Audi dressed up the Cabriolet's rather stark interior with real walnut panels. But compared with the other cars, this angular five-year-old cockpit still appears dated. And although the formal interior looks spacious, this is in fact the least roomy car of the three, and it has the tightest trunk room. The trunk offers a ski-sack pass-through for long items. The Audi is like the person you'll always find at tony East Coast parties: mannerly, well-bred, and good-looking, but perhaps suffering from a few too many restrained years spent at Choate or Andover. We like a convertible with more flash and dash. View Photos David Dewhurst | Car and Driver 2nd Place: BMW 325i Convertible The genes of the superlative 3-series coupe and sedan are obvious in the 325i Convertible: it will offer enough speed and handling to delight any enthusiast. But these abilities are not commensurate with the BMW's higher price—$44,672. Price is the main factor that cost it the top spot and ended the 3-series' undefeated string of comparison-test victories at Car and Driver. This car is testimony to the benefits of rear-wheel drive. Its steering is sharp and effortlessly predictable and its dynamics are dead-on—qualities that let you make good use of the BMW's 0.80 g of grip. Push it to the edge and the 325i barely breaks a sweat. The brakes are strong but sensitive, as if you were reaching down and gripping the four discs with your own hands. HIGHS: Slinky lines, flypaper grip, precision handling, and a slick driveline. LOWS: A big-dollar jock among renaissance men. VERDICT: A driver's delight at a premium price. The driveline is a delight as well, with a smooth flow of power and an automatic transmission that knows exactly what gear it wants. The BMW's 189-horsepower in-line six makes the most of its 2.5 liters, but it must work against 3496 pounds, the heaviest weight of the group, which helps explain the BMW's mid-pack acceleration to 60 mph of 9.1 seconds. At least the weight is put to good use: there's little cowl shake over broken roads, and doors slam with the thud of the closed-bodied cars. If you can slam them, that is: closing the doors and trunk lid requires a hefty pull, hardly in keeping with this car's dear price. The controls, on the other hand, all work with precision. Our flimsiness detector registered only two glitches: a frail plastic glovebox door, and little plastic trim plates on each side of the boot cover that hide the top linkage (on every 3-series convertible we've sampled, they've come off their tracks). Some of the BMW's poundage can be attributed to the optional rollover protection system. It consists of two steel hoops hidden behind the rear headrests, which ratchet upward instantly if sensors indicate the possibility of a rollover. (They pop up with a bang even in an emergency lane-change maneuver, we discovered.) It's a $1390 option that deserves serious consideration. The only other manufacturer to offer this kind of system is Mercedes-Benz, on its four- and two-seat convertibles. But we know what they cost. View Photos David Dewhurst | Car and Driver The header release on the BMW works the same as on the Audi. It wins the topdown race, at only 18 seconds until the boot cover clicks shut. But despite this car's raked windshield, it's windier in here with the top down than in the other two cars. (We later learned that BMW dealers offer a windscreen like the Audi's for $405.) With the top up, the usual convertible air-rush noise is reduced by power windows that automatically press tightly against their top seals when the doors are closed. Some features that are standard on the Saab cost extra on the BMW, causing its price to elevate faster than those roll bars on red alert. Heated front seats and mirrors are $450, and the trip computer is $430. The limited-slip differential costs another 530 clams. And don't forget $600 for a seat upgrade and different alloy wheels. The final sticker on our test car was a weighty $44,672. Still, the 325i's score of 91 in the Overall Rating is not to be sneezed at, and its enthusiasm for tackling curvy roads is nothing short of marvelous. For the price, though, we expected a little more, especially when a competitor offers most of the BMW's fun and more of other things that make enthusiasts smile for less at the finance-and-insurance desk. View Photos David Dewhurst | Car and Driver 1st Place: Saab 900SE Convertible Saab's been making convertibles (with the help of sunroof and convertible specialist ASC of Michigan) since 1986. After eight years and one model change, this is obviously familiar territory for the Trollhättan manufacturer. The Saab may not offer the precise control of the BMW, but it serves up its own entertainment and it's a winner in the conveniences and features that make an expensive convertible a pleasure to drive. For 1995, the all-new 900 convertible has shed the rather awkward profile of its predecessor for some truly classy contours. The curves continue inside the car, where Saab uses color in fabric and plastic to break up the monotony that often characterizes stark European interiors. HIGHS: Thoughtful interior, progressive styling, and clever engineering that answers every question. LOWS: The chassis and driveline need a bit more refinement. VERDICT: Beauty, brawn, brains: an easy-to-like convertible that pushes all the right buttons. But this car's expensive feel goes past its rich colors and curvy quarter panels. The Saab has standard-equipment features that the others don't even offer as options. The power front seats have memory for the driver. Traction control makes this front-wheel-driver ready for any weather. The automatic climate control has answers for all situations: pop the roof and it switches from automatic to a manual mode. Unlike the other convertibles, the Saab's rear seats fold down for increased cargo capacity, and the front headlamps have wipers with their washers. The rear-seat passengers even have their own courtesy lamps. All of which is included in the 900SE's $39,544 base price. View Photos David Dewhurst | Car and Driver The Saab's steering isn't endowed with the laser-lock authority of the BMW, but the underpinnings deserve more credit. Perhaps due to the Saab's 257-pound weight advantage, the suspension imparts a light, maneuverable feel to the car's handling that's quite endearing. Whatever it may lack in steering, the Saab makes up for in power. The SE's DOHC 2.5-liter V-6 produces only 170 horsepower—but when unleashed, the lighter Saab leaves its two European competitors gagging on driver dandruff. The 0-to-60-mph dash takes a mere 8.6 seconds, a half-second less than the BMW needs. And more than one editor noticed the 900SE's zesty low-end torque. The V-6 needs sound advice, however. When floored, it "gets moany," wrote one writer. "Nice thrust, but sounds wimpy," added Editor Smith. There were also occasional complaints about the transmission, which sometimes hunts for the right gear. Saab 900 Convertible Test From the Archive 1997 Saab 900SE Turbo Convertible Tested The Saab's top makes odd coffee-grinder noises and loses the race to the boot at 30 seconds. That could result in a few honking drivers at a quick stoplight top-drop. Nonetheless, the 900SE earned the highest rating in the catch-all "convert-abilities" category, in which the editors assess how well the car works solely as a convertible. The Saab comes with a glass backlight. Unlike the plastic windows in the other cars, it has an effective grid defroster and will stay clear throughout its life. Roll up the windows with the top down and the Saab is almost as quiet as the Audi. (Heresy, according to Editor Smith, who thinks topless convertibles look silly with the windows up.) Saab's excellent factory sound system will drown out leftover buffeting; a trunk-mounted remote CD changer is standard equipment. View Photos David Dewhurst | Car and Driver The Saab may not offer up all the acrobatics of the BMW, but it provides more than enough of them for grins. At the same time, it dominates the group with thoughtful touches, clever features, and expansive equipment—all at a lower price than its competitors. Which makes this convertible cherry-red even behind the paint. Specifications SPECIFICATIONS 1995 Audi Cabriolet Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 2-door convertible PRICE Base/As Tested: $40,080/$40,960 ENGINE SOHC 12-valve V-6, iron block and aluminum heads, port fuel injection Displacement: 169 in3, 2771 cm3 Power: 172 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm TRANSMISSION 4-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/live axle Brakes, F/R: vented disc/vented disc Tires: Michelin MXV4 M+S 195/65HR-15 DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 100.6 in Length: 176.0 in Width: 67.6 in Height: 54.3 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 47/24 ft3 Trunk Volume: 7 ft3 Curb Weight: 3396 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 9.7 sec 1/4-Mile: 17.2 sec @ 83 mph 100 mph: 26.0 sec 120 mph: 47.0 sec Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 10.3 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 5.3 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.8 sec Top Speed: 126 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 189 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.73 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 22 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY City/Highway: 18/26 mpg -- 1995 BMW 325i Convertible Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 2-door convertible PRICE Base/As Tested: $39,942/$44,672 ENGINE DOHC 24-valve iline-6, iron block and aluminum head, port fuel injection Displacement: 152 in3, 2494 cm3 Power: 189 hp @ 5900 rpm Torque: 181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm TRANSMISSION 4-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: vented disc/disc Tires: Goodyear Eagle GS-N P225/55VR-15 DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 106.3 in Length: 174.5 in Width: 67.3 in Height: 53.1 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 48/26 ft3 Trunk Volume: 9 ft3 Curb Weight: 3496 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 9.1 sec 1/4-Mile: 17.0 sec @ 84 mph 100 mph: 24.3 sec 120 mph: 49.4 sec Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.6 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.6 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.7 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 127 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 170 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.80 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 23 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY City/Highway: 20/28 mpg -- 1995 Saab 900SE Convertible Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 2-door convertible PRICE Base/As Tested: $39,544/$40,377 ENGINE DOHC 24-valve V-6, iron block and aluminum heads, port fuel injection Displacement: 152 in3, 2498 cm3 Power: 170 hp @ 5900 rpm Torque: 167 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm TRANSMISSION 4-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: vented disc/disc Tires: Pirelliu P4000 195/60VR-15 DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 102.4 in Length: 182.6 in Width: 67.4 in Height: 56.5 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 50/34 ft3 Trunk Volume: 12 ft3 Curb Weight: 3239 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 8.6 sec 1/4-Mile: 16.7 sec @ 85 mph 100 mph: 23.7 sec 120 mph: 49.3 sec Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.9 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.1 sec Top Speed: 132 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 184 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.77 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 23 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY City/Highway: 18/25 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
Top Gear
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
This stunning Dual-Ghia Convertible was owned by Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner
This stunning Dual-Ghia Convertible was owned by Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner This rare Italian-American drop top is up for sale just in time for summer. And it's a snip at $349,900 Skip 16 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 16 Looking for a little convertible sportscar for summer? Yeah, there are the usual options – Mazda MX-5, Toyota MR2 or perhaps an MG TF if you're really on a budget. There's also this. This is a 1957 Dual-Ghia Convertible that was purchased new by Frank Sinatra's production company. Sinatra then gifted the car to his ex-wife, the American actress Ava Gardner. And yes, it'll cost a little more than a Miata. In fact, it's up for sale through Daniel Schmitt & Co in St. Louis for $349,900. Yikes. Advertisement - Page continues below Quite the looker, though, isn't it? The Dual-Ghia was the brainchild of Eugene Casaroll – the owner of the Dual Motors Corporation which specialised in building military vehicles and industrial generators. Naturally, Casaroll decided that his company's next step should be to make a luxurious convertible land yacht, so he bought the rights to a Dodge Firearrow concept car and commissioned Carrozzeria Ghia to turn it into a proper production car. The Dual-Ghia quickly became supremely popular with those in Hollywood, but despite aiming for a production run of 150 cars, only 117 were built before the plug was pulled. It probably didn't help that it cost a bomb to produce, with the Dodge frame and 5.9-litre HEMI V8 being built in the US, before the whole thing was shipped over to Italy for Ghia to fit that wonderful tail finned body and the stunning interior. The cars were then sent back to the US for final assembly. Daniel Schmitt & Co reckons that just 34 Dual-Ghia Convertibles still exist, with this particular car possibly being one of the very best after a recent restoration. It was also previously featured in the 1992 TV series Sinatra, and it was once on display in the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Perfect for this fine weather we're having, no? Advertisement - Page continues below Looking for more from the USA? READ THE LATEST USA NEWS Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
