If there’s one thing that I’m an authority on it’s the road trip. You see I’ve traversed the United States in just about every way possible. From North to South, East to West and even diagonally and I’ve done it many, many times. Taking a road trip is one thing, but taking a road trip in an old car is something else entirely. New cars factor out many of the variables that make for a great adventure. Things like break downs, crappy mileage, lack of creature comforts and of course, the availability of parts. Now some of you may ask, “Why would you ever want to put yourself in a position where any of those things could come into play?” Well, the fact of the matter is this. Running an old car over thousands of miles gives you a sense of accomplishment.

It makes people stop, stare and ask questions and at days end, it’s also just more fun. The Reetz family recently took part in a West coast road trip in a 1930 Model A Coupe with a Miller OHV system and a carburetor and even though they brought a support vehicle you can bet it was one of the most memorable journeys they’ve ever had. Click through for the video and enjoy.

Source: RalfBecker.com

The last convertible I had was in 1993. It was a 1972 Cadillac Eldorado that was fire engine red with white leather interior. Saying that I felt like a pimp in that thing would be an understatement, but when the top was down and that 501 cu inch big block was humming, life was good. For many motorists owning a convertible is a way of life. They provide us with unrestricted open air freedom while at the same time letting us tan up for the upcoming summer months. Just about any new drop top your going to come across is going to cost you well north of the $25,000 mark which got me thinking about what could be had for a bit cheaper. Below is a listing of 10 wonderful used convertibles that range in price from $12,000-$20,000. They’re all good to look at, provide one with the latest and greatest in safety features and can be had at these prices with around 25,000 miles on the clock. So, if you’re in the market for a new used car, sans the roof, click through and take a look at what you could be driving around in this summer.

• 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Price: $13,825-$19,200
Horsepower: 166 @ 6700 RPM
Torque: 140 @ 5000 RPM

• 2006 Toyota Camry Solara Convertible

Price: $14,050-$19,275
Horsepower: 225 @ 5600 RPM
Torque: 240 @ 3600 RPM

• 2002 Porsche Boxster

Price: $12,037-$18,287
Horsepower: 228 @ 6300 RPM
Torque: 192 @ 4750 RPM

• 2007 Ford Mustang (V6)

Price: $13,750-$19,000
Horsepower: 210 @ 5300 RPM
Torque: 240 @ 3500 RPM

• 2004 BMW 325Ci

Price: $13,475-19,975
Horsepower: 184 @ 6000 RPM
Torque: 175 @ 3500 RPM

• 2006 Pontiac G6

Price: $13,125-$18,225
Horsepower: 201 @ 5600 RPM
Torque: 222 @ 3200 RPM

• 2005 Mini Cooper S

Price: $15,375-$20,525
Horsepower: 168 @ 6000 RPM
Torque: 162 @ 4000 RPM

• 2007 Chrysler Crossfire

Price: $12,925-$18,700
Horsepower: 215 @ 5700 RPM
Torque: 229 @ 3000 RPM

• 2007 Saab 9-3 Convertible

Price: $12,575-$18,175
Horsepower: 210 @ 5500 RPM
Torque: 221 @ 2500 RPM

• 2005 Audi A4 1.8T

Price: $13,400-$19,000
Horsepower: 170 @ 5900 RPM
Torque: 166 @ 1950 RPM

Source: nadaguides.com

The Miata is undoubtedly the most fun on four wheels. And now the guys at Jota Sport have distilled the car’s bubbly personality down to a thick, syrupy shot of racetrack rotgut that can knock the most seasoned drivers on their asses. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the MX-5 GT, aka, the Mini-Hulk.

Before you go apoplectic about the Miata being the most fun on four wheels, let me be clear. There is no other car in the Miata’s price range that can match its razor reflexes and pure enthusiasm. Period.

Now, onto the story. Jota Sport is one bad outfit, a race car Skunk Works that turns out LeMans-winning rides for Aston Martin and dozens of other teams. The org recently teamed with Mazda to produce the Mini-Hulk for the 2011 Britcar Endurance Championship. The little green monster rocks a heavily massaged 2.0-liter four good for 275 horsepower that’s backed by a sequential six-speed gearbox.

Jota also stripped 600-plus pounds from the already featherweight Miata. The Mini-Hulk tips the scales at just 1,873 pounds.

Then end result is a Miata that hits 60 in less than three seconds and reaches a top speed of 160 miles per hour.

Oh yeah.

Source: Automobile

Autoblog thinks the answer is “yes”, especially since Peter Schreyer, Kia’s head of design, has long been a proponent of a low cost Miata competitor. Details vary from “vague” to “non-existent”, but popular opinion is that Kia is hard at work on a low cost roadster to compliment the Genesis coupe offered by parent company Hyundai. By limiting the model range and engine options, Kia could substantially undercut the price of drop-top amusement, cutting into a segment long dominated by Mazda.

Kia wouldn’t be the first company to build a Miata competitor. Mercury offered its front-wheel-drive ragtop Capri from 1989 to 1994, and even used the same 1.6 liter four that Mazda adopted for the Miata. Sales ranged from “disappointing” to “bleak” in the U.S., and the car was pulled off of life support after a five year run. Toyota offered up the MR Spyder from 2000 to 2007, but the car’s limited storage space and modest power diminished its appeal. GM launched the Pontiac Solstice (and its sister car, the Saturn Sky) in 2006, but killed off both divisions just as the U.S.-built roadsters were establishing a presence in the segment. By all accounts, they were even better handling than the third generation Miata, also launched in 2006, and both the Pontiac and the Saturn were available in a 260 horsepower turbocharged version. Oh, what could have been, give a few more years of development.

What will it take for Kia to succeed in this segment? Handling has to be on par with the current Miata, which is no minor task. The price has to be less than Mazda’s, which currently starts at $22,960 and tops out at $27,660 for the highest trim level with a cloth top. Finally, more horsepower is always a good thing, and the Mazda currently puts out 167 ponies. I say build it with the 274 horsepower motor from the Hyundai Sonata Turbo, then sit back and prepare to write orders.

Mazda has dropped a huge gallery of pics (find them after the jump) of the upcoming MX-5 (“Miata” for those of you living in the past) “Superlight” concept, a roof-and-windshield-less wonder reminiscent of the recent Veritas RS III and Lotus 2-Eleven. As with most of the other eyecandy that’s dropped in the next few days, it’ll be at Frankfurt next week. With the stock version of the most recent MX-5 is a bit porkier than past models, the severe diet that this superlight has been given, no matter how impractical to live with, is probably a blast to drive. That being said, the numbers are not all that impressive, as the engine is nearly unmodified and the tiny car sashays to 60 MPH in a leisurely 8.9 seconds. All we have to say is, get Mazdaspeed to turbocharge this motor within an inch of its life and we’ll perk up like we just licked a light socket. Click through for the huge gallery of high-res images.

[Source]

Lamborghini originally denied the development of a Reventón roadster, but these pics surfaced online to prove otherwise. The exterior is crazy, with edges sharp enough to keep away from a depressed emo hipster. Inside, magnates will find loads of alcantara and carbon fiber. Power should come from the same 6.5-liter V12 producing 650hp and 487 lb-ft of torque, so I suggest you avoid the 200+mph top speed with the top down lest you be sucked out of your own whip. Price will be roughly $1.75 mil. FUN FACT: The Reventón’s exhaust system is coated with plasma-sprayed, zirconia-based ceramics, the same material used to protect the insides of nuclear reactors.

[worldcarfans]

With few exceptions, when given a choice between convertibles and hardtops we usually default to the latter as their performance tends to trump their topless brethren. Not to mention that wind buffeting tends to wreak havoc on our ear-to-ear comb over. Nevertheless, as summer fades to fall, it would be a shame not to single out some affordable convertible options that could convince even the most follicly-challenged among us to lay down an extra layer of hair spray and drop our tops.

Not only is fall an ideal time to enjoy a convertible, but sales of convertibles peak in spring, making the next few weeks a perfect time to get a great deal on a new car. Realistically, since convertibles account for only around 2% of domestic auto sales, their limited versatility will always trail traditional solid roof cars. This is especially true in a down economy where few people can afford to buy a new car just for fun days in the sun. But with the evolution of better tops and an emphasis on increasing a convertibles “livability” for every day driving, there is no reason that many new convertibles could not be drafted into all-season service as a primary vehicle.

Traditional – Mazda MX-5 Miata

Whatever convertibles have become, the MX-5 Miata from Mazda is the modern interpretation of where it they have come from. Although it has now been around for nearly two decades, Mazda has continually improved upon the 2 seater, which continues to be lightweight and affordable. Most notable for the newest MX-5, is an optional power-operated automatic roof that seems downright luxurious compared to its pedigree. Ease in top-down fun aside, the Miata continues to be a solid value pick on many lists, not only with a reasonable base price of $22,500 and accolades for its dependability, but by delivering fuel economy of 22 and 28 mpg in city and highway driving. Even the most basic models turn in a spirited 0-60 mph time of under 7 seconds.

Upscale – Saab 9-3

Let’s be honest. Saab hasn’t had much to celebrate lately. But contrary to the perception that they are unfairly judged around here, we actually root for Saab to make a comeback now that they have been freed from the burden of GM. Central to that success will be the 9-3 convertible, or something very similar to it; car that has always been popular among the upwardly-mobile. Like other cars on this list, the 9-3 is injected with some performance via a choice of either a turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 210 horsepower, or a similarly motivated V6 that achieves 280 hp. Of course you also get a back seat, which unlike the Miata or Solstice has its advantages as an everyday driver.  If you can do without the increased power of the V6, you are also rewarded in the Saab by the engines fuel efficiency of 19 and 27 mpg in the city or highway. Yes, we’d admit that with a base price of $42,130 the 9-3 convertible is stretching the definition of “budget-friendly.” But this is certainly not out-of-reach for most in the market for a luxury-oriented convertibles. And viewing the automakers lackluster sales as a positive, you can be assured that you won’t see too many others like it on the road.

Import – Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

For whatever reason, admitting that you like the Eclipse Spyder is usually veiwed as an indictment on your maturity level. In fact, the Eclipse does alot of things right and that includes how it looks. Yeah. We said it. Sure it could stand to shed a few of the extraneous pieces on the outside, but in terms of the “look at me” factor, few cars at any price will get the same attention. And in reality, the Spyder version of the Eclipse actually looks more conservative than the standard coupe. The base GS model has a 162 horsepower and an equal amount of torque via its 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder engine, while the real fun comes from the optional 265 horsepower 3.8 liter V6 GT. It also comes with the option of a high-end, 650-watt, nine speaker, Rockford Fosgate stereo that is sure to turn heads if the sheet metal doesn’t. Pricing starts in the mid-28 grand range and stays under $36,000 with all of the bells and whistles.

Compact – MINI Cooper

With all due respect to the Suzuki SX4 or other Japanese hatchbacks, there really is not much in the way of real competition for the MINI. And that includes the convertible versions which boast a sub-15 second automatic convertible top and the ability to be retracted halfway for a sunroof-style ride. There’s even an “openmeter” to measure how much time is spent with the top down. The standard MINI and its “cute” looks are sure only surpassed by the convertible model, which admittedly achieves a feminine quality not seen since the Beetle Convertible was released. The base model produces a modest 118 horses which is almost too much for the MINI whose traditionally svelte weight is almost overcome by the added convertible mass. But for the sport-minded, a turbocharged 172 horsepower version with 7.5 second 0 to 60 mph capabilities can also be had. In either case, the fun factor is very high with the MINI and starts at just over $25,000.

All-American Muscle – Ford Mustang

What could be more American than a Mustang convertible? Like the coupe version, the newly revised Mustang is once again one of the more popular domestic choices, and with good reason. Entrance into the Mustang Convertible party can be had for less than $27,000. Like the standard version, the Mustang comes in both V6 and V8 versions that produce either 210 or 300 horses. Fuel economy predictably suffers with the V8 (15/23 mpg), though not much can beat that throaty growl of American horsepower while cruising around town in the open air.

Get It Before Its Gone – Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky

Who knows whether Penske, or some other private firm will snatch the Solstice/Sky from oblivion when ownership of the brands are finally transferred or shelved in the near future. Which makes the opportunity to snatch up either one of these roadsters all the more urgent. Like the Miata, both the Solstice and Sky offer single-minded, two seated fun. Though many may justly criticize the cramped and sparse interior of these cars, few come away unsatisfied by the experience after driving them. Performance-centered versions are highlighted by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 260 horses and 0 to 60 mph times of around 5.5 seconds. In terms of fuel economy, the more potent of the two engines is still rated at 19 mpg and 28 mpg in city and highway driving. They may never be truly collectible, but with a base price starting at $24,275 for the Solstice and $28,265 for the Sky, they are certainly attainable.

Artsy, eh?

Indeed, it’s time again for another spine-tingling, blood-curdling edition of DEATH WISH, the series where we explain our morbid fascination with improbably dangerous and fun looking vehicles of all shapes, colors, and creeds. Last week we looked at an intimidating amphibian, but this week the stakes just got a lot higher: today’s DEATH WISH contestant is French! And there’s no Maginot Line to protect you from its fury!

Today’s Implement of Destruction: the Lomax-Citroen 223

Here’s an idea. Take a French car with an anemic two-cylinder engine. Remove one of its rear wheels. Chop off the top. And sell it as a sportscar. We’re not sure why Bernie Madoff didn’t invest heavily in this extremely lucrative scheme, but fear not, one of these limited-production aberrations charmers is on eBay as we speak, ready for its next owner to terrify small children and the elderly with its intensely Gallic nature. It’s the Lomax-Citroen, and yes, it’s based on a lowly 2CV (deux chevaux vapeur, roughly, “rated at 2 HP for tax purposes” … alternatively, “wouldn’t you rather just have two horses?”).

Speaking of Gallic, doesn’t it take some gall to pass this off as an environmentally-friendly proposition? The eBay seller notes that his Lomax-Citroen is capable of up to 57 mpg. Well, let me tell you something: when you find yourself being punted by a big rig into the next county, just consider it hypermiling, as you are converting the free kinetic energy delivered to you by the cataclysmic blow into some infinite-MPG travel. How’s that for green? (Of course, we doubt your blood is green, so unless you’re a Vulcan, the area around where you land will probably be red.)

Of course, by hacking up the body of a 2CV into something that from a distance looks sporty (say, 130 miles), you’re creating one of those situations where you’ll want to do something dangerous with it. In this case, the danger stems just from driving it – its throbbing 602cc engine would definitely not outrun anything. Merge at your own risk, and hope your passengers aren’t armed. In some states, you’re within your rights to use deadly force to prevent immanent death or severe bodily injury, so your passenger might be able to shoot you for just taking them on a drive.

Regardless, the fundamental thing we haven’t dealt with yet is that the Lomax only has THREE WHEELS. We agree with Lomax that four wheels is just too much traction. Who needs a larger contact patch? That’s just a bunch of malarkey invented by the tire industry to sell you an extra tire! It’s all a giant conspiracy, and this Lomax will make a statement that you’re not going to have the wool pulled over your eyes … at least, unless the paramedics use wool body bags these days.

Just like a great horror movie franchise, we’re going to keep bringing you the most frightful vehicles we can find on the internet, so check back frequently for more thrills and chills!

[Source: Ebay]

As its impending debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show draws nigh, the 2011 Peugeot RCZ has finally bared its full production form in a series of new images. As suggested by the artfully elusive teaser images released in early July, the 2011 Peugeot RCZ is an exercise in sleek, über-luxury performance and bears a striking resemblance to its direct competition, the Audi TT.

Engine specifications for the RCZ will be kept under wraps until its official unveiling, but Peugeot has confirmed at least one of the options will include Peugeot’s new 147kW (200bhp) 1.6-L THP. Also appearing alongside the production RCZ will be a concept hybrid version, dubbed the RCZ HYbrid4, which Peugeot claims will cut CO2 emissions down to just 95g/km. Unlike the standard-gasoline RCZ, however, Peugeot has yet to announce any definitive timetable for the RCZ HYbrid4′s production, but we expect more information to be released following the official introduction.

Source: Peugeot

Come live vicariously through us as we, the most prestigious automotive blog in the world, grace the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with our stately presences. We’re sure to be the star attractions – forget the live unveiling of several never-before-seen new cars, and the endless rows of priceless works of automotive art sprawled out on the golf course greens like so many unobtanium sandtraps. Surely Jay Leno and the other celebrities will probably manage to jostle themselves into the photos of our expert appraisals of the class frontrunners, but we won’t be too upset. We’ll take a break from being the life of the Concours every so often to update you, our faithful readers. So check back often, and follow us at http://twitter.com/ridelust and in our Pebble Beach live coverage to catch all of the latest updates.