These pics of the new Mercedes E-Class cabriolet version have escaped to the net ten days before the official E-Class debut. As we’ve already seen the new E-Class cabrio will be equipped with the new AirCap and AirScarf system in time for the summer months, although a little trial in early spring on the part of customers may have been nice (just think of that first spring sun, driving around with the top down and your air scarf on).

The AirScarf is ’simply’ a system of warm air flow through the car for the occupants, while the AirCar has both a comfort and driving function. It has specific aerodynamic impact, and being raised, the wind can be deflected a full 20 cm higher for the comfort of all passengers, including those in the back seat.

Plenty of comfort features are included in this luxury cabriolet, in addition to the nifty AirCap micro climate tool. The soft top closes within 20 seconds up to speeds of 40 km/hr and has a thickness of 23.5 mm for both sound and temperature proof protection. This makes the E-Class Cabriolet a good mid-season open top, too. The engine range takes on most of the options available with the E-Class coupe with the E 200 CGI 1.8-litre turbo (184 hp) and the E 250 CGI 5.5-litre V8 (388 hp). The diesel line-up includes three options: 2.1-litre E 220 CDI with 170 hp, the 2.1-litre E 250 CDI with 204 hp, and the 3.0-litre V6 E 350 CDI with 231 hp.

Mercedes E-Class cabriolet new pics

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The Abarth Punto Evo and Abarth 500C were the only models occupying the Abarth stand at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, but we think the Punto Evo and the SS certainly make up for the lack of anything else. The Punto Evo is equipped with the 1.4-litre Multiair ’standard’ engine with 165 hp, while the Abarth Punto SS model has 180 hp and more aggressive styling, including 18-inch alloy wheels and brake cooling outlets. The Abarth Punto Evo also debuts with new “manettino” feature in front of the gear stick, which manages the engine, brakes and steering modes in Sport and Normal.

The Abarth 500C is one very chic, hot little cabrio for your city ride, equipped with the 1.4 T-Jet with 140 hp. It’s on show in a black-white colour combo, which is the only alternative to the grey tint seen in the official Abarth 500C pics. It comes with two transmission options: the ‘Abarth Competizione’ five-speed gearbox, or the MTA electro-automatic with steering wheel paddles. According to the press conference, the Abarth 500C will also get its own SS version, but no further information was available. The Punto Evo and 500C will both be available on sale from May this year.

2010 Abarth Punto Evo live pics Geneva

Continue reading: Abarth Punto Evo and 500C live at Geneva

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The new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet will debut in 2012, the same year the new Golf 7 is set to be revealed. Despite this, the Golf Cabriolet will still be based on the current Golf generation, the Golf 6. The cabrio marks the third model of its kind and will be a four-seater, with soft roof. The boot capacity will be 300 litres and the central rollbar of previous versions will disappear.

In replacement the Golf Cabriolet will feature two small rollbars under the rear headrests. A new air flow system, similar to the Aircap on the Mercedes E-Class Cabrio, will be implemented to reduce air turbulence for rear passengers. The Golf Cabriolet will have the same engine range as the current Golf 6, will the petrol 1.2-litre TSI with 105 hp, the 1.4 TSI-litre with 122 hp and the 2.0 TSI with 211 hp.

On offer among the diesels will be the 1.6-litre TDI with 105 hp and the 2.0 TDI with 140 hp. All engines will have the DSG gearbox with either six or seven speeds, and the BlueMotion package could be included, too.

Source | Autointernationaal

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The first pics of the 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S have been released, showing the most powerful 911 Turbo built so far. It will have its official debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March, before sales start in May. Previous versions of the 993 and 996 have used the Turbo S badge in limited production versions, but this time it will be a permanent addition at the top of the range for the last years of the 997.

The Porsche 911 Turbo S is equipped with the twin-turbo, 3.8-litre flat six engine, with 523 hp. That’s increase from 493 hp, and the torque output is now a huge 700 Nm. Impressively, this 911 Turbo S respects Euro 6 anti-pollution norms and Porsche claims an 8.8 km run on one litre of fuel. Other performance features include acceleration to 100 km/hr in just 3.3 seconds and top speed is 325 km/hr.

The new 911 turbo model is equipped with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox (thankfully with steering wheel paddles) and traction management system. Included is also Porsche’s Torque Vectoring System with limited-slip differential. The Sport Chrono chassis package also provides launch control and dynamic engine mounts. Optional features on other Porsche models appear as standard here, with ceramic brakes, sport seats and 19-inch RS Spyder alloys also included. Prices will start at 173,241 euros for the coupe model and 184,546 euros for the cabrio.

Continue reading: Porsche 911 Turbo S pics and details

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Here’s a look at the new BMW 3 Series facelift for both the coupe and cabriolet models. Beyond just a change in look, though, the 335i models get new engines, together with style updates, seen also on 328i models. The facelift is a 2011 model year improvement, and will see the new 3 Series coupe and cabriolet on sale in spring.

The new 335i engine is completely made from aluminium, and features a turbocharged, three-litre unit that is more fuel efficient and responsive than the previous model. It has 300 hp and about 406 Nm of torque, combined with a six-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed Steptronic automatic with “pull-style” shift paddles.

New aesthetic features for the 3 series include specially designed headlights, an interior with greater detail, and new exterior mirrors. It creates a sporty look, combined with the 3-series handling and drive feel. For all the details and a closer look, check out the gallery and press release after the jump.

2011 BMW 3-Series coupe and cabriolet

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These live pics show the Maserati GranCabrio presented to press at the NAIAS 2010 Detroit auto show. The model could receive a new name for the US market, becoming the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible. We think the car is so beautiful, it should work either way. Sergio Marchionne put in an appearance at the show, in a good move after the Fiat-Chrysler deal.

Marchionne also discussed the improved fortunes of the Maserati brand after some significant investment. Globally, the US was the most important market for Maserati in 2009, and the GranCabrio should be a key model in continuing US sales success for the luxury Italian brand.

Maserati GranCabrio live Detroit

Source | Autoblog.it

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The new Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet will be presented at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show on March 2nd. The Renault Atelier in Paris will also feature the new Megane on March 5th. The new coupe-cabriolet will extend the Megane line-up, with the sports style coupe and open top cabriolet combined. The Megane Coupe-Cabriolet will feature a fold-away glass roof, although no further technical details, including engine options, are available.

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Hofele Design has taken the Audi A5, added some R8 looks and come up with this result. The A5 takes on carbon fibre sideblades (which don’t appear on the R8 Spider, but which Hofele wanted to include on the A5 cabrio all the same), rear aerodynamic look from the supercar coupe, side skirts, a lowered body and twin chrome exhaust with four outlets. It might not be your cup of tea, but if you’re wanting to touch up your Audi, this kit is available on the Audi A5 and S5 coupé, and the Audi A5 cabrio and S5 cabrio.

Source | Autoblog.com

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The new Mercedes E-Class cabrio would hardly be my vehicle of choice for the winter season, but here are some more pics of the E-Class cabriolet on snow. A situation like this would probably be one in which you would use the Airscarf warm air flow technology, if you want to enjoy the panorama with the roof down.

For more details on the new member of the E-Class family, see the E-Class cabrio videos, and the first E-Class cabrio official gallery. If you want an idea as to some of the best cars for the snow, try the various AWD models out there and remember - it doesn’t have to be an SUV.

Continue reading: Mercedes E-Class cabriolet snow pics

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Here’s a look at the Ferrari California tuning by Novitec. Both the engine unit and look of the car have been modified as part of the Novitec Rosso program. A new carbon fibre aerodynamic kit has been added, including a front spoiler, side skirts, diffuser and rear wing. New 21 and 22-inch alloy wheels are available with tyres measuring 255/30 and 255/30. The California has been lowered, but a system of raising the front by 40 mm has been included for speed bumps, garage entrances and other obstacles.

The V8 motor has new engine mapping and stainless steel exhaust with metal catalysts and internal valves, compatible with the eletronic shift. The 4.3-litre engine now reaches 500 hp and 518 Nm of torque, with a rev limit increased to 8,300 rpm. Check out the California Novitec tuning gallery below, and add this to your dream Christmas list.

Continue reading: Ferrari California tuning by Novitec

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