In case you missed it, Thursday was the first day of summer, the longest day of the year, the summer solstice.
And if you’re still driving your convertible with its top up, well, what the heck is wrong with you?
And, no, this message isn’t brought to you by the Pontiac Solstice, the Saturn Sky, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder or the Toyota Solara – all cars whose names were picked to make you think of the world that’s out there when you’re driving around with your car’s top down.
Whatever your preference or pocketbook, the convertible craze that started more than a decade ago continues. The car finder feature on http://autos.yahoo.com identifies 55 2007 or 2008 model convertibles now available in the U.S. market place.
Recent trends – more roadsters, steady growth of retractable hardtop models that offer better all-weather driving, better security and a gee-whiz factor – continue.
Here’s a look at what’s available, with a price breakdown of base models from Yahoo Autos.
Less than $25,000
2007 Mazda Miata, $20,585
2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser, $21,480
2007 Pontiac Solstice, $21,515
2007 Mini Cooper, $21,950
2007 VW New Beetle, $22,240
2007 Ford Mustang, $24,075
2007 Saturn Sky, $24,725
The Miata, the best British-style roadster ever built by a Japanese company, adds an optional power retractable hardtop for the first time. The PT Cruiser convertible isn’t as visually pleasing as the fixed-roof version. The two stylish GM roadsters are available in higher-performance models, the Solstice GXP and the Sky Red Line. While the Mini Cooper coupe is new for 2007, the convertible version retains the previous-generation styling. In a segment full of icons, the VW New Beetle remains a classic, while the Mustang is hot all over again. An available California Special package adds side stripes and other appearance items to the ‘Stang.
Less than $30,000
2008 Chrysler Sebring, $25,470
2007 Toyota Camry Solara, $27,190
2007 VW Eos, $28,110
2007 Pontiac G6
Both the VW Eos and the Pontiac G6 have retractable hardtops, making them both trendy and affordable. The redesigned Sebring comes with a choice of three tops. The Eclipse Spyder is sleek and stylish. Toyota hasn’t applied the updates given to the Camry sedan to the convertible Solara version.
Less than $40,000
2007 Honda S2000, $34,250
2007 Chrysler Crossfire, $34,720
2007 Nissan 350Z, $35,550
2007 BMW Z4, $36,400
2008 Audi TT, $36,800
2007 Saab 9-3, $37,495
2007 Volvo C70, $39,090
2007 Audi A4, $39,100
Several of these models – the S2000, the Crossfire, the 350Z and the 9-3 – haven’t been updated in several years. The Z4 is cheaper than its European roadster rivals. The C70 comes with a retractable hardtop. While the A4 is roomier and more elegant, the TT is Audi’s iconic model, and much sportier after this year’s redesign.
Less than $50,000
2007 BMW 3-Series, $43,200
2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK, $43,350
2007 Lotus Elise, $43,990
2007 Porsche Boxster, $45,600
2007 Ford Shelby GT500, $45,755
Changes to the 3-Series started with the sedan and moved through the wagon and coupe. Now the convertible gets a new look and some new features, including a retractable hardtop. You’ll find that on the SLK, too. The Elise is cramped for many drivers, but those who fit love its ride. Both the Boxster (245 horsepower) and the Boxster S (295 horsepower) get more oomph for 2007. The Ford Shelby GT500 is the ultimate expression of this generation’s production Mustang – for now.
Less than $80,000
2007 BMW M Roadster, $52,100
2007 Chevrolet Corvette, $52,590
2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK, $54,200
2007 Audi S4, $55,700
2007 Lexus SC 430, $65,455
2007 Cadillac XLR, $78,335
Most consider the Corvette to be a true performance value, especially the Z06 version. The Cadillac XLR looks very different, but it shares some mechanical components with the Corvette. The M Roadster and the S4 are high-performance versions of the Z4 and A4. The CLK-Class extends from the base V-6 all the way to a 475-horsepower V-8 in the CLK63 AMG model. The elegant Lexus convertible is way overdue for a redesign.
More than $80,000
2007 Jaguar XK, $80,835
2007 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, $81,400
2007 BMW 6-Series, $81,700
2007 Tesla Roadster, $89,000
2007 Mercedes-Benz SL, $94,800
2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage, $126,400
2007 Aston Martin DB9 Volante, $183,250
2007 Bentley Continental GTC, $189,990
2007 Ferrari F430 Spider, $192,484
2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640, $319,100
2007 Bentley Azure, $329,990
If you have to ask … well, it’s obvious some folks can afford these convertible models. All are upscale, European gas burners except for the Tesla. Silicon Valley’s electric roadster promises a 0-to-60 mph time of about four seconds, and 200 miles of range. It arrives late in the year, although the first 400 or so are spoken for, so don’t expect to get into one until 2008 even if you order today.
Contact Matt Nauman at mnauman@mercurynews.com or (408) 920-5701.