In photos: The most exciting new convertibles of the year on display in New York
Spring is in the air at the New York International Auto Show. So it's no surprise to see a string of new convertibles debuting ahead of the summer season.
Audi R8 Spyder No one could miss this exotic showstopper. This bright-yellow 2017 Audi R8 Spyder is beauty and brawn rolled into one. Its powered by a 5.2-litre V-10 engine that delivers a whopping 540 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. It'll launch this beast from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive also means you could drive it in the winter - not that I'd recommend it.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Mazda MX-5 RF The world premier of the Mazda MX-5 RF, a stunning little roadster, captured a lot of attention thanks to its sexy fastback styling and retractable hardtop roof. The power roof opens and closes at speeds of up to 10 km/h. And despite the styling and hardtop roof it doesn't sacrifice space. It still has as much room in the cargo area as the soft-top model.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Range Rover Evoque convertibleNow here's a twist on a traditional convertible. This is the Range Rover Evoque Convertible - part convertible, part SUV. It combines open-air fun with practicality thanks to large rear seats and a big trunk that can even accommodate golf clubs. Taking a family road trip in a convertible is finally within reach.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Porsche Boxster 718 Porsche's baby Boxster 718 is stunning in its appearance but also powerful thanks to a 4-cylinder turbocharged boxer engine. You can get it with a 296 2.0-litre version or up the ante with the 345 horsepower 2.5-litre.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Smart Fortwo The Smart Fortwo is the perfect little city commuter convertible. Its compact size makes it a cinch to park and drive in crowded city centres. Plus, you can enjoy the full convertible experience - drop the top fully down or leave it partially open for the sun-roof effect.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
BMW M6 BMW's M6 convertible adds extra power from a 4.4-litre twin turbo V-8, which delivers 560 horsepower. It'll hit 0-100 kms in only 4.3 seconds. Plus, there's room for four passengers - although those riding in the rear seats might be a bit cramped.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Fiat 124 Spyder The newest addition to the Fiat family is the 2017 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth - a souped up, little two-seater designed to take on the likes of the Mini JCW convertible and Mazda MX-5. It gets more power from the 160-horsepower, 1.4-litre turbo Abarth engine and a sport mode, which alters the throttle and tranny for a sportier drive.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Buick Cascada The 2017 Buick Cascada is designed to inject new life into a stagnant, old brand. And its working. This soft-top convertible is stylish with four seats and is powered by a 200-horsepower, four-cylinder engine. It ain't your grandfather's Buick anymore.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Mini JCW Mini isn't exactly mini anymore. The brand keeps growing. The latest family member is the new 2017 Mini John Cooper Works Convertible - or JCW for short. Its a high performance convertible with a 228-hp, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine so you don't have to sacrifice fun for a little sunshine.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet High-performance convertibles are all the rage in NY. Even German auto maker Mercedes-Benz unveiled the hot little 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet. It, too, comes with 4MATIC all-wheel drive in case you want to drive it in the winter. Its power top drops in mere seconds even while you're driving at low speeds. It hits dealerships this fall.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail