Audi TT
WHAT: The second generation sharpens exterior edges and adds a shield grillebut otherwise remains faithful to the original design. Based on the new Golf platform.
WHEN: Frankfurt show debut; on sale 2006.
DON'T MESS WITH SUCCESS: But please make it sportier.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
WHAT: The third generation of modern auto-dom's most famous ragtop isseen here as a disguised prototype testing at Germany's Nrburgring track. Theoverall shape and size of the new Miata appear to be very close to those ofthe current model, but one can see that this is an entirely new car by the shapeof the doors and the side windows, which have a smaller triangular section adjoiningthe A-pillar. The disguised front end is also new, with a flatter hood and ahigher cutline between the hood and the front bumper and grille. It also appearsthat the wheel arches will be more pronounced.
WHEN: We expect to see the production car at this month's Geneva showand in dealerships this fall.
THIRD TIME: And it looks as if it still will be quite a charmer. Stay tuned for more details.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
WHAT: Chevrolet's NASCAR nameplate now will seem more authentic withthe introduction of an available V-8
to go with a freshened exterior and improved interior.
WHEN: Fall 2005.
MORE GRUNT, BUT: It's still ugly.
Ferrari F430 Convertible
WHAT: The convertible F430 looks almost identical to the coupe. It sportsthe same 483-hp, 4.3-liter V-8 with either a six-speed manual or sequential-manualtransmission.
WHEN: Early 2006.
SUPPLY, DEMAND: There's still a wait list for the 360 Spider.
Bentley Drophead Coup
WHAT: Bentley will try to beat Rolls-Royce to market with a new ultraluxuryconvertible first seen at the L.A. auto show as the Arnage Drophead Coup concept.Based on the Arnage sedan, the canvas-topped four-seater is roomier than theAzure it replaces, and it boasts a glass rear window, pop-up roll bars, anda bigger trunk. Like the Arnage R, the droptop is powered by the classic 6.75-liter,twin-turbo V-8, which delivers 450 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The price shouldbe just under $300,000. Too expensive? Stand by for the $175,000 ContinentalGT drophead.
WHEN: 2006 for both.
WHAT ELSE: At this month's Geneva show, Bentley also will unveil thefour-door Continental sedan, which will be badged the Flying Spur and featurea C-pillar treatment reminiscent of the namesake former flagship. Stretchingthe wheelbase by a foot creates plentiful rear leg-room for adults. Both four-seatand five-seat models will be offered. Slightly shorter than the Arnage, it hasbetter front legroom and rear head- and knee room. Price and performance areabout on par with the twin-turbo W-12 GT coupe.
WHEN: Fall 2005 or early 2006.
FLOSSIN': Bentley nails the big-bucks look.
Porsche Cayman
WHAT: The fixed-head version of the new Boxster promises lighter weightand a stiffer structure than the already very stiff cabrio. Initially, the Cayman will be offered in S trim with a 295-hp 3.4-liter flat six. The same 240- and276-hp flat-sixes used in the Boxster may come later. A stripped-down ClubSportwill satisfy track junkies who want mid-engine handling and need the safetyof a hard top.
WHEN: Early 2006.
A BABY CARRERA?: The Cayman would be faster on a racetrack thanits big brother if it were as powerful, so Porsche is dumbing down the horsepowerto protect the profitable 911.
Volvo C70
WHAT: The replacement for the C70 convertible will be based on the newS40/V50 platform, itself shared with Mazda and Ford. The C70 will be a fullfour-place convertible with a folding hard top in place of the outgoing car'ssoft top. The convertible will be offered with the 168-hp naturally aspiratedand 218-hp turbocharged fives from the S/V range, with an all-wheel-drive option.Prices will start in the mid-$30,000s.
WHEN: Early 2006.
SUNNY SWEDE: Smaller and more fun. ...next page >>