Speed and horsepower are one thing just on their own — but when you add in a drop-top that can fold up in under 20 seconds, then you really have something worthwhile. Retaining the same glorious power plant that its hard-topped predecessor had (a three-liter, 425-horsepower, twin-turbocharged straight six), the 2015 BMW M4 Convertible has the added benefit of letting in some of that sun you've been craving all winter. Available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, it pushes all that power through its rear wheels, helped by an active differential, adaptive suspension, and more. And though it's a bit heavier than its non-convertible sibling, we're willing to bet you'll hardly notice with all that wind going through your hair.
For the third generation 2015 Audi TT, the styling is more an evolution than it is a total revamp, getting its inspiration from the first-generation TT and the recent Audi Quattro Concept. With a front grill that resembles the recent concept, and hindquarters with the same rounded lines of the original, it features three available drivetrains — the base, a two-liter four-cylinder twin-turbo with 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and the most performant with 310 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. And with an available manual transmission, or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, and front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive variants, there's not much this sporty two-seater can't handle.
If you've been biding your time waiting for a more colorful Aston to park in your garage, your hour has arrived. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430 is the latest special-edition ride from the British automaker, and as such includes some pretty special features, beginning with the 4.7L V8 pumping out 430 hp — as much as the Vantage S — good for a top speed of 190 and a 0-60 time of just 4.6 seconds. Other notable features include carbon fiber and Kevlar seats, ten-spoke alloy wheels, your choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed Sportshift gearboxes, a throaty exhaust, an optional Bang & Olufsen audio system, and optional "club sports graphics packs" that add just a hint of fun to the car's otherwise staid (for a sports car) appearance.
For their first turbo-powered car in nearly three decades, the fine folks in Italy have pulled out all the stops, creating the beautiful Ferrari California T. Their new turbo-charged engine is a 3.9-liter V8, sporting 560 horsepower and 557 pound-feet of torque — that's considerably more than its naturally-aspirated predecessor — letting it accelerate from a stop to 62 in only 3.6 seconds. But its turbocharged power plant isn't the only interesting thing about this GT. It features a retractable hardtop that turns it into a convertible in 14 seconds, magnetic suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, and much more.
