In the Summertime...

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The Convertibles of the Volkswagen Corporation

• Fascinating product line-up is unique: From the New Beetle cult convertible to the Bentley Azure high-end cruiser
• Eight open-air models: Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Volkswagen offer the world’s greatest variety of convertibles under one corporate roof

It is high summer and so it is high season for convertibles. According to a recent study by the German Federal Vehicle Registration Authority, most of them are being driven around the Starnberger See and in the Hochtaunus region. Meanwhile, the biggest lineup of open-air cars – worldwide – is offered by the Volkswagen Corporation. The convertible and roadster products of the brands Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Volkswagen span a range of no less than eight models with 39 engine variants. Based on the motto “as you like”, there is the eternally youthful New Beetle convertible from Volkswagen as well as the kingly Bentley Azure – the uncompromising Audi TT Roadster, the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster conceptualized on the Formula car level, the clever Volkswagen Eos, the breathtaking Bentley Continental GTC, the classic and timeless Audi A4 convertible and the powerful and imposing Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. Never before has there been such a large variety of open-air cars from one corporation.

New Beetle convertible, Volkswagen
Entry into the club of convertible drivers is made easy by the New Beetle Cabriolet from Volkswagen. Its cult design magically attracts glances. Its visual image is reminiscent of its great grandfather, the Beetle convertible. Not just the body elements, but primarily the folding fabric roof, are borrowed from the bestseller of those days; they transport its mythological aura into the new era. Buyers who like to make decisions will be happy with the engines of the smart convertibles: Options include four gasoline engines with powers ranging from 55 kW / 75 PS to 110 kW / 150 PS and a TDI (77 kW /105 PS).

Eos, Volkswagen
The Eos from Volkswagen also assumes a special position. Its brilliantly constructed, five-section CSC roof (coupé, sun and convertible roof) consists of about 480 parts and converts the car from a coupé to a convertible in 25 seconds. A majority of the roof consists of tinted safety glass. The advantage: A friendly interior atmosphere and a “pleasant mood” are guaranteed even on rainy days. The CSC roof also made it possible to design a very low profile windshield frame. This produces a harmonious design and sky without limits above the driver and front passenger. The overall technical concept and agile engines with power outputs between 102 kW / 140 PS and 184 kW / 250 PS make the Eos one of the most successful German convertibles.

TT Roadster, Audi
Pure and straightforward is Audi’s design icon, the TT Roadster. In its second generation, this timeless design code of the legendary predecessor has been further honed. When it comes to the convertible top, Audi is remaining true to the roadster philosophy in this new model too and has given the TT a soft top. As standard equipment on the powerful 184 kW (250 PS) TT Roadster 3.2 quattro, and as an option on the 2.0 TFSI with 147 kW (200 PS), there is a fast closing, electrically-driven top that can be operated up to a speed of 50 km/h. The variably configurable electronic “magnetic ride” suspension system and the “s-tronic” transmission generate pure sports car atmosphere on request.

A4 Cabriolet, Audi
On this four-seat and very spacious A4 Cabriolet, the convertible’s fabric top that is almost aristocratic in elegance deserves a lot of attention. Even in the basic version it is extremely high-end, and what is known as an “acoustic top” is offered as an option. When the top is closed, the acoustic level of the car interior is comparable to that of the sedan. As a standard feature, the electro-hydraulic top can be operated while driving. When it comes to engines, nearly the entire A4 lineup is ready: From the four-cylinder TDI with 103 kW (140 PS) to the powerful 309 kW (420 PS) eight cylinder in the RS4. The Audi A4 convertible has long been a highly innovative classic among four-seat convertibles.

Murciélago LP 640 Roadster, Lamborghini
This is the most powerful roadster in the world. The name refers to Murciélago – the German bat. In the open-air version this exclusive sports car is called the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640 Roadster. The name alone can give goose bumps and a hint at what it is all about: 640 PS! The centerpiece of this super sports car has 6.5 liters of displacement and lets the Italian car race to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. Not until 330 km/h does the twelve-cylinder with its V formation get stalemated by wind forces. The extremist demands receptive, natural handling by its driver. That is because with the all-wheel Lamborghini one always encounters new friends who simply cannot tear themselves away from this car.

Gallardo Spyder, Lamborghini
Positioned one performance notch below the LP640, yet still far beyond the rest of the sports car world, is the Gallardo Spyder – the fighting bull. This two-seater has a purist style and enraptures all of the senses. Inside its aroma is one of the highest quality leather, and its airplane-inspired design puts forth an extremely dynamic appearance and offers a wonderful tactile experience. The rear of the car projects a veritable concert as soon as the engine is started, as only a ten-cylinder can scream. 382 kW (520 PS) propels the aluminum space frame racer to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. The Spyder clears the 300 km/h hurdle with as much playful ease as the Murciélago.

Continental GTC, Bentley
Offered simultaneously by the Bentley company are two of the most luxurious convertibles sold in the world, both of them brand new. The Bentley Continental GTC – as the name suggests – plays the role of the open grand touring car. For many enthusiasts the Bentley Continental GTC is one of the most beautiful convertibles today. Here too, the complex roof system can automatically fold down electro-hydraulically even while driving (up to 30 km/h). The grandiose W12 engine spoils the driver with its marvelous sound. It generates its impressive power from six liters of displacement and twin turbocharging. 411 kW (560 PS) of power and 650 Newton-meter of torque make the world flyby at ICE express train speed. Its top speed is an incredible 312 km/h (306 km/h with top down). The power is distributed to all four wheels. Despite all of its talents in the top speed range, the enjoyment provided aboard this Bentley is not just a question of the speedometer display.

Azure, Bentley
The owner of a Bentley Azure can expect the finest of club atmospheres. Among the cars of this world, the four-seat convertible is one of the most grand and beautiful. Its tradition-rich design makes it – like the Continental GTC – untouchable, with intrinsic value for all times. Four adults can enjoy a level of comfort that defines the maximum of what is possible. And the engine? Whether for open cruising or closed sprints – it is a masterpiece. Two turbochargers with charge air cooling push the 6.75-Liter eight cylinder engine to a peak power of 336 kW (456 PS). 875 Newton-meter of torque lend emphatic power to each movement of the gas pedal. If desired: 274 km/h are feasible. But here again it should be said: Impressive performance has little in common with haste.