auto
5 convertibles at the Chicago Auto Show
No question that convertibles represent a niche in the U.S. automotive market. Demand has as much to do with where you live as with personal driving needs. Drop-tops simply do better in the Sun Belt than in cold-weather states.
Even location didn't help when lackluster sales almost killed the convertible in the U.S. in the 1970s. Today, however, you can spot a variety of drop-tops -- both cloth and hardtop -- in showrooms. They are stylish, fun, and, some might say, romantic.
Here are five convertibles that caught Bankrate's attention at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.
Jaguar F-Type
Base price: $69,000
Projected on-sale date: Summer 2013
Highlights:
- Generous use of aluminum in its structure reduces weight while it increases agility.
- The convertible top drops in 12 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph.
2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible
Base price: $60,600
Projected on-sale date: In showrooms now
Highlights:
- It features a retractable hardtop.
- Special Bose open-air sound system is optimized for top-up and top-down positions.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
Base price: $24,995
Projected on-sale date: In showrooms now
Highlights:
- Soft top opens in 9.5 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.
- Three special-edition convertibles celebrate three decades in Beetle history: 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder
Base price: $210,300
Projected on-sale date: In showrooms now
Highlights:
- It takes 3.8 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph from a stop with its 5.2-liter V-10 engine.
- Liberal use of aluminum keeps weight low.
Honda EV-STER Concept
Base price: Not applicable
Projected on-sale date: No date; won't be produced in current form
Highlights:- It is a full-electric rear-wheel-drive roadster.
- Honda estimates range on a full charge at 99 miles.