Fill the horsepower hungry hole in your soul with the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible ($TBA). Based on the startlingly powerful coupe of the same designation, the ZL1 Convertible features a 6.2L LSA engine good for 580hp — and which makes the ZL1 the most powerful Chevy convertible ever — along with a handful of structural reinforcements to improve noise and vibration characteristics, Performance Traction Management, GM's highly-touted Magnetic Ride suspension, and a predictably mean, muscle car-of-the-future body.
Another day, another celebrated automotive classic making a comeback. The 2014 Jensen Interceptor ($TBA) is a modern version of the hand-built British original, with an angular design that recalls the four-seat grand tourer of the late '60s and early '70s. Details are slim, but we do know that it will feature an all-new aluminum chassis, a handcrafted aluminum body, and plenty of power, and we also know that it it looks anything like this mockup, we'll be wanting one in our driveways.
It's not all new — unless you wanted to buy it in North America — but the 2012 Audi RS5 ($TBA) is more than welcome in our garages just the same. It still features a hand-built 450hp, 4.2L V8 good for a 0-62 time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of nearly 175 mph, a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel-drive, but boast small upgrades like a remixed front end with a new single-frame grille and new headlight treatments, new LED rear lights with continuous light strips, and sharper edges all around, all of which add to the car's aggressive, "drive me fast" style.
The high-end convertible parade continues with the 2012 Bentley Continental GTC ($TBA). Borrowing its lower lines from its hard-top stablemate, the GTC features a power-retracting soft-top, a 6.0-liter W12 engine good for 567 horsepower, a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds, and a top speed of 195 mph, an all-new nav system with touchscreen and Naim for Bentley premium audio, your choice of 17 lush leather interior options, and standard 20-inch wheels with 21-inchers an option for those of you who loathe extra space in your wheel wells.
Behold the awesome old school goodness of these vintage-printed, buttery-soft Homage T-Shirts. They turn back the clock with shout outs to eclectic moments and personalities in sports, music, politics and popular culture. From Bruce Lee to Larry Bird, the tees tell stories of triumph, individualism and hustle. Pay Homage.
Well, this is a first — a "Black Series" car that isn't, you know, black. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series ($TBA) is available in a non-ebony red colorway, and also features a fierce 6.3-liter V8 engine making 510 hp and good for a zero to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds, an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports gearbox, an AMG sports suspension, 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, 3-phase ESP, a black interior with red accents, black DINAMICA microfiber upholstery, and AMG sport seats, and red brake calipers for that finishing touch.
Nestled snugly between the A4 and A6 sedans sits the 2012 Audi A5 ($47,500 and up). This mid-range two-door sports new front and rear end treatments, including LED daytime running lights, new colors, and a meaner look for the sporty S5. Other features include your choice between a 170hp 1.8 TFSI engine, a 211hp 2.0 TFSI, a supercharged 3.0 TFSI v6 good for 272hp, the 204hp, 3.0 turbo diesel, or the 333hp 3.0 TSFI of the S5, a six-speed manual, multitronic, or seven-speed S tronic transmission, front-wheel drive or quattro four-wheel drive, and sportback, coupe, or cabriolet bodies, as well as a host of electronic niceties that will please even the biggest gadget aficionados.
Let's see... you need a ridiculously fast car, with open-air credentials, and the ability to haul four people around comfortably. The Brabus 800 E V12 Cabriolet (€478,000; roughly $670,000) meets all these criteria and more. Based on the E-Class Cabriolet, the 800 sports a 788hp engine based on the V12 of the S 600, improved aerodynamics thanks to body modifications, 10-inch-wide, 19-inch wheels, a custom high-performance braking system, and the ability to go from 0-62 mph in just 3.7 seconds on your way to a top speed of 231.
You don't need to be a fan of Michael Bay's idiotic, explosion-filled Transformers movies to enjoy racing around in a Transformers Special Edition Camaro ($31,650 and up). Available in LT and SS versions, these Bumblebee-inspired rides feature rally yellow paint with black stripes on the hood, roof, decklid, and model-specific high-wing rear spoiler, Autobot logos on the front quarter panels, front headrests, center console lid, and center wheel caps, 20-inch black-painted wheels, black leather interiors with yellow stitching, and optional 21-inch black-painted wheels and a black ground effects package.
Mini is a brand that typically sticks with tradition, so the 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe ($TBA) comes as quite a surprise. The newest Mini is the company's first two seater, available in base, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works models, the latter of which also takes the crown for as the fastest-accelerating Mini ever thanks to a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with twin-scroll turbocharger pumping out 208hp, good for a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 149mph. Other features include an active rear spoiler that raises at 50mph — another Mini first — Electric Power Steering, standard DSC stability control, and either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.
Joining the ranks of other luxury cars to see recent colorless conversions is the BMW M3 Frozen Black Edition ($80,000). Boasting the full power of a normal M3 — complete with competition, premium, and convenience packages — the Frozen Black features a four liter V8 good for 414 hp and a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds thanks to the M DCT dual-clutch transmission, matte black exterior paint, black M3 GTS wheels, red brake calipers, black Novillo leather seats with red contrast stitching, heated seats, a premium sound system, and the exclusivity that comes from being one of only 20 examples ever made.
Mini Coopers are lauded for their incredibly fun handling characteristics and sporty S configurations, but their plasticy interiors tend to drive off more discerning customers. Not so with the Vilner Mini Cooper Italian Job Edition ($TBA). This specialty Cooper S conversion replaces the standard interior with seats of diamond-quilted Nappa leather, two-tone Alcantara coverings for the inner roof, pillars, and trim, and an exterior featuring a custom matte gray paint job, a matte black roof, trim, and wheels, and classic racing lines with side number decals.
The latest version of the world's most iconic car is nearly here. The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle ($TBA) carries its bloodline forward well, with a body that's longer, wider, and inspired by the original, a healthy range of engine options that includes a 200hp turbocharged 2.0L with XDS electronic differential lock, tons of high-end options like Keyless Access, bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, navigation, and the always popular panoramic sunroof, and a more aggressive stance that won't have your ride mistaken for that of a high school cheerleader.