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Filed under: Convertibles , Coupes , Hybrids/Alternative , Sports/GTs , Tech Click above for high-res gallery of Tesla Roadster v1.5 Last January we landed an exclusive first drive of the Tesla Roadster . We were impressed, but well aware that the particular two-gear model we drove that wet afternoon wasn't identical to the version set to land in customers' hands later in the year. Last week, we were invited back to briefly test drive a genuine production model with the latest transmission and software updates (aka "powertrain 1.5"). Check out our round-two impressions after the jump. (Ed. Note: Sorry for the lack of live images, but we literally had about half-hour to drive the car before it was whisked away.) Gallery: 2009 Tesla Roadster v1.5 Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster Continue reading Driven: 2009 Tesla Roadster v1.5 Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying , Convertibles , Coupes , Sedans/Saloons , Etc. , Tech , BMW , Lifestyle BMW Assist -- essentially the Bavarian's version of GM's OnStar -- has made BMW Search using Google Maps available on the 1 and 3 Series. Previously, it was only available on BMW models from the 5 series up. If you subscribe to the BMW Assist Convenience Plan, you can use BMW Search to find businesses, then input the information directly into the navigation system, or call with your Bluetooth phone over the service's AT&T Mobility Network (you don't need to have AT&T, though). BMW Search joins BMW's MyInfo service, which allowed customers and businesses to send listings and street addresses directly to the car. BMW Assist is standard on 5, 6, and 7 Series, and included in the Premium Package or as a stand-alone option on all other models. Continue reading Google Maps-powered BMW Search added to 1 and 3 Series Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Convertibles , Coupes , Sports/GTs , Tech , Porsche , Rendered Speculation Click above for more renderings of the 2010 Porsche Cayman S We're already smitten by the current-generation Porsche Cayman and its older brother, the Boxster, and it now appears as if the iconic German automaker is poised to improve the breed even further. What first began with forum rumblings now appears to be official information from the factory. The revised Boxster S and Cayman S models will get direct injection and the new seven speed PDK transmission along with a limited slip differential. That DI is responsible for an increase of 25 ponies to 320 hp along with 273 lb.-ft. of torque in the Cayman. Lesser models don't get the DI, but will get a displacement bump from 2.7- to 2.9-liters and a corresponding jump to 265 horsepower. The Boxster and Boxster S each offer ten fewer ponies than the Cayman. Along with the new PDK transmission, which produces faster shifts than the conventional six...
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Filed under: Convertibles , Sports/GTs , Tech , Videos , Supercars , Ferrari Click on the image above to jump to the video If you're on Ferrari's mailing list for the new California, you might have seen a new email in your inbox today with a link to another chapter (literally) opening up on the vehicle's dedicated website. Today's installment leads to a video of the California's trick folding hard-top - another first for Ferrari (if you don't count the innovative one-piece mechanism designed by Fioravanti for the limited-production 575-based Superamerica). Thanks to a mechanism that moves multiple segments in unison, the hard-top can be deployed or retracted in only 15 seconds - faster than the soft-top on any convertible ever to roar out of the gates at Maranello. Follow the jump to watch the video. Gallery: 2009 Ferrari California [Source: Ferrari ] Continue reading VIDEO: Ferrari California's fast-action retractable hard-top Read | Permalink | Email this ...
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Filed under: Convertibles , Coupes , Sedans/Saloons , Tech , BMW click above for more high-res images of the BMW M3 Convertible Honestly, we couldn't care less about BMW's recent introduction of the M3 convertible. What did get our attention is the long-awaited addition of a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox on every vehicle donning an M3 badge. The M DKG setup uses two clutches with 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th (plus reverse) on one shaft and 2nd, 4th and 6th on the other. Both clutches are oil-cooled and, like the systems offered by other manufacturers, the dual-clutch setup offers both quicker shifts and better fuel economy. In typical BMW fashion, you'll have the option to select several different drive settings both in automatic and manual mode. Five shift programs can be selected when running around in the standard work-a-day auto setting, while six shifting selections can be made in manual, including the always entertaining launch control setting. There's no doubt that all...
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Filed under: Convertibles , Sports/GTs , Tech , GM , Honda Honda's S2000 roadster has legions of fans who are very happy with its balanced mix of performance and handling. Then there are those who just can't be satisfied. One of those power-hungry S2000...
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