Best Convertibles For 2019?
Not everyone loves driving with the top down. Yet I can think of no better way to welcome the warm and sunny weather than driving a convertible. No matter what you call them (convertible, ragtop, Targa, soft-top, cabriolet, spider, etc.), convertibles have somehow lost their favor among the sea of new crossovers and modern SUVs. It鈥檚 easy to understand why. Convertibles are not the roomiest or the most practical choice. In some cases, a convertible is usually 鈥渃hoppier鈥?than an equivalent coupe with a proper roof. Some say the wind rustling your hairdo is overrated, and I get that. Speaking on behalf of true, dyed-in-the-wool car lovers, I would say nothing gets your pulse racing and the emotions flowing better than driving a convertible. However, if you鈥檙e considering a convertible (maybe even for the first time), this list will help. Here are the top 10 convertibles you can buy today, based on performance, price and overall curb appeal.
While this list is not exhaustive, it does show a number of the exciting options on the market today in terms of a convertible. Porsche 718 Boxster GTS in Miami Blue and Racing Yellow. Porsche has something in store for the Boxster in 2019: the 718 Boxster T. The T designation stands for Touring and comes with an upgraded drivetrain and suspension. This is the Boxster to get if you want better handling in your convertible car. 59,000. The mid-engine layout has a number of benefits, not the least of which include more nimble handling. And since the motor is sitting directly behind your ears, you get the aural sensation of a true sports car all the way to a top speed of 170 mph. The base Porsche 718 Boxster makes good use of a 300 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but we prefer the Boxster S with a larger, 2.5-liter mill churning out 350 horsepower and 309 lb-ft.
The GTS is even better with a 365 horsepower version of the 2.5-liter turbo in the Boxster S. All models come standard with a six-speed manual, an added bonus for some no doubt. As much as we love shifting our own gears, we prefer the more intelligent nature of the optional PDK dual-clutch gearbox. No matter which model you choose, the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster is guaranteed to be a fun and exhilarating driving experience - even when the weather turns gloomy. The convertible top in a Porsche 718 Boxster takes less than 10 seconds to open or close. Mercedes-AMG E 53 Cabriolet. It seems Mercedes-Benz has a treat for potential buyers of the 2019 E-Class Cabriolet. Of course, the folding roof (derived from the S-Class Cabriolet) that opens and closes in 20 seconds is a given. But Mercedes-Benz decided to ditch the base E 400 trim for the E 450. This means a more powerful turbo V6 with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft.
You also get four proper seats, dual-zone climate control, LED exterior lighting, and an adaptive suspension. 67,000 price range. It comes with Mercedes鈥?Aircap wind deflector to lessen turbulence inside the cabin. And since some people, like Jonathan Ross, love driving a convertible in the cold, the E-Class Cabriolet features a unique Airscarf neck warmer system, which does exactly what it sounds. And for those who want a faster version of the chop-top E-Class, there鈥檚 the AMG E 53. It comes with a mild hybrid powertrain system and all-wheel drive. With 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft. AMG E-Class Cabriolet is nothing short of a muscle car. Jaguar F-Type Convertible. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover. The Jaguar F-Type is a potent sports car already, and the convertible just enhances its already ambitious character. The F-Type has always been an old-school Jaguar sports car: flamboyant, boisterous, and highly impractical. The convertible is still that, just dialed all the way to eleven, and we love it for that. It starts with the shape. It has all the basic ingredients of what makes a car beautiful to the eyes.
This includes the long hood, swooping profile, and swollen rear arches. It also has the power to boot. The base P300 F-Type receives a 2.0-liter turbo four-banger with 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. The P340 F-Type gets a more powerful supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. The P380 gets a tuned version of the blown V6 for a total output of 380 horsepower and 339 lb-ft. The R and SVR trim receive a brawny, supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 550 and 575 horsepower, respectively. Interestingly enough, the base F-Type is only available with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. The V6 and V8 models can be optioned with a six-speed manual and all-wheel drive. With so many models and configurations to choose from, there鈥檚 a right Jaguar F-Type for everyone. And to further sweeten the deal, you can raise or lower the roof of the F-Type Convertible in around 12 seconds. Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. Photo: FCA US LLC. Related: The top 10 collector cars of the future.