The Fast Lane Car

Review: The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 is what the SLK should have been from the start

The new-generation SLK remains small,with just a 95.7-inch wheelbase. But it has more aggressive styling for a sexier, more masculine look and continues with its fast-acting retractable hardtop. Even the exhaust outlets are artfully shaped.

The 3,397-pound SLK350 has a solid feel—top up or down. But Mercedes stuck its plastic three-pointed star emblem right up front in the center of the grille, where it can be easily damaged.
 
The first Mercedes-Benz SLK, which I drove in Italy at a media preview in the late 1980s, was a bore. It had terribly plain styling and modest performance. It was at least some fun with a manual gearbox, but that wasn’t even initially offered in America.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible review: what you see is what you get

Most people love a convertible, and Chevrolet’s new 2011 Camaro convertible should satisfy many soft-top lovers.

That is, unless they don’t mind a rear seat suitable just for kids and a rather small trunk with a high opening that gets even smaller when the top is lowered.

Convertibles long have been more expensive than coupes, and the base Camaro convertible starts at $29,150 with a V-6 and goes to $39,650 for the top-line 2SS V-8 version, which I tested with a manual transmission. My 2SS V-8 model cost $42,145.

In contrast, a base Camaro V-6 coupe lists at $22,680 and the top-line V-8 coupe is $34,395, without options.

First Drive Video: Does 2010 Nissan 370 Z roadster tear up the Z playbook?

Forty years ago Datsun introduced the very first Z car.

Today there is a new one so does 2010 Nissan 370 Z roadster tears up the Z playbook or does it build on a long tradition of Z sports cars?

Chrysler Sebring Convertible the AARP Swinger

 
 

By: Nathan Adlen

Considering who the Chrysler Sebring Convertible caters to, I was a bit surprised to like it as much as I did. Now, that’s not to state that I liked it better then, say, a Toyota Yaris – but I didn’t hate it either. If I were as old as Betty White, played golf and lived in Palm Springs, this car would be an excellent choice – especially when cruising for ancient chicks. 

As I passed by a retirement home, I could have sworn a lady using a walker showed me some extra kankle as I approached. This car is certainly is a babe magnet (of sorts). Just fire up the Glen Miller or Percy Faith, drop the top, put in your teeth and hit the bingo halls. 

The 2011 Volkswagen Eos becomes Sleeker and Sexier

 

Who says Germans can’t be sexy? I never did. I think the British do.

Italians are the best designers of exteriors; we can all agree on that. Still, I do see where there may be a lack of perceived German passion – their designs tend to be manly, logical and (sometimes) heavy handed. Now take a look at the sweet looking Volkswagen Eos; geeerrrrr, now that’s a car that I would immediately assume someone beautiful owns.

Video Review: The fast and the furry 2011 Jaguar XK convertible

There's no car that says you've made it like the 2011 Jaguar XK convertible.

Why?

Three simple reasons.

1) While the Jaguar XK convertible may be a four-seater, the backseats are only fit for miniature monkeys or huge hamsters. Which means that if you own a Jaguar XK convertible...you also own a least one other car ( if not several other cars) for your friends and family.

Review 2011 Jaguar XK Convertible: a smooth, energetic and rewarding Shaguar

“Ya’ know what Nathan? You’re not the first guy caught dry-humping a Jaguar.” - - A Cougar quoted in Morrison, Colorado July 2010

I love nearly every Jaguar built. Even the regrettable ‘X’ model was interesting to at least look at. New or old, they are some of the most sensual shapes on the road and they speak to the passionate side of many drivers. There is something about a Jag’s elegance and grace that most automakers have yet to duplicate.

Review: the 2011 Volvo C70 is a sexy librarian...no make that a sexy crazy fun librarian

The 2011 Volvo C70 is a sexy librarian. I hate to use the overused metaphor, I really do. But I can’t help it. All buttoned up when the top is up, it’s a good looking car, but not nearly as hot as it is when the glasses come off and she shakes out her hair. This is the best metaphor for the retractable hardtop that converts a sensible sedan into a crazy fun driving experience.

I have been looking forward to the possibility of a convertible test car for a long time and the C70 delivered fun, fast, four-seated enjoyment. As long as it wasn’t too hot outside. In July, the C70 couldn’t battle the intense, direct Colorado sun, so the top stayed on between about 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Like sexy librarians, the convertible stayed its conservative alter-ego until the evening hours. Then look out.

Review 2011 Mercedes Benz E350 Cabriolet: a simple drive becomes an event (part 2)

What really gets me about this sweet machine is the way it makes me feel – while driving. I was über stressed one day and opted to drive off, through Idaho Springs, Colorado, where the scenery is stupendous. So, while tripping the light fantastic, I noticed how the Mercedes Benz E350 Cabriolet performed.

Review 2011 Mercedes Benz E350 Cabriolet: a simple drive becomes an event

Perhaps one of the most refined convertibles in its class. The Mercedes Benz E350 Cabriolet coddles its owner like no other.

Rarely are automobiles truly sensual. Sure, some have lines that are downright sexy, but those cars tend to be testosterone pods with gobs of power. Some luxury sedans ooze riding pleasure while looking staid or boring.

Review 2010 Audi A5 convertible: it’s a great ride, top up or down

As a complement to the Audi A4, the German carmaker’s best-selling model, the A5 was introduced in 2007 as the “middle-ground” between the compact A4 and midsize A6.But the A5 is no longer a go-between. It now has a unique identity in the Audi lineup, albeit with a cumbersome proper name.

Review 2010 BMW Z4: Is there a sweeter, sexier BMW? I think NOT!

Is there a sweeter, sexier BMW? I think NOT!

Okay – I admit it, I was less than enthusiastic when I heard about BMW’s revamping of the less-than-loved Z4. The old Z4 represented much of what many dislike in modern design…ugliness. I could go on and on about what made the former Z4 not so great, in the end it was a muddled machine searching for a soul.

Review 2010 Mustang GT Convertible: It will make you feel mighty good no matter how much hair you have

I’m bald, a bit large, money’s tight, I’m married with a kid and a newborn and (as long as I’m driving the Mustang GT Convertible) it’s all good. I feel like a mix of a mid-life-crisis, gold chain wearing, comb-over Vegas dweller and youthful attention-getting bachelor from South Beach… but only when driving the Mustang GT Convertible.

I wish to hell I had a manual.

Review 2010 BMW 650i Convertible: fast, slick and in command

Now in its seventh year, the BMW 650i is available as a coupe and convertible. It will likely impress BMW fans and alienate car buyers who wonder why so much fuss is made about the popular Germany automaker's offerings.

There's no denying the 2010 650i is attractive. It debuted in 2004 and was updated in 2006 and in 2008. The current edition offers smooth body lines not to dissimilar from the look of classic Porsches.

Review 2009 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring: not built for shaved down silver-backs like me

Dude, it’s like shoving a Rottweiler into a Pomeranian’s kennel! A fun to drive, hardtop convertible kennel… I guess.

Don’t get me wrong – I love the Mazda MX-5 as it is a real driver’s car. Unfortunately, it’s not built for shaved down silver-backs like me. At 6’2” and 250 lbs, I have a hard time with comfort in the narrow confines of the Mazda MX-5, especially when the nifty retractable hardtop roof is up.