Sometimes you just need to go topless. Convertibles seem to be very polarizing to enthusiasts, you either love them or hate them. Sanctioning bodies have all but eliminated them from competition, and Federal crash standards require windshield frames to be made of unobtanium for rollover safety. But a few manufacturers are still willing to build the cars we demand, so let’s take a look at the most powerful production convertibles on the market in 2017.
2017 Rolls-Royce Dawn
As the long awaited replacement for the Drophead Coupe, the Dawn is not simply a convertible Wraith. It is from the same family as the Ghost, but engineered to be a convertible from tires to the top. Only 20% of components are shared between Wraith and Dawn. The well-insulated top can be raised or lowered at up to 31 mph. Every moving part from the power closing doors to the top itself operates in a silent and graceful manner.
• Engine: 6.6 liter Twin Turbo V12
• Horsepower: 563
• Torque: 605 lb-ft
• 0-60: 4.3 seconds
• Rolls-Royce Dawn Listings
2017 Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster
As the state of the art in V12 powered composite supercars, the Aventador SV Roadster is more of a targa top than a true convertible. It allows for open air motoring once the roof panels are stored in the front compartment. It has full-time AWD with a single clutch automatic transmission. It has 49 more horsepower than the base model, along with improved aerodynamics. The one-piece monocoque chassis is made of carbon fiber, and it is visible throughout the interior.
• Engine: 6.5 liters V12
• Horsepower: 740
• Torque: 509 lb-ft
• 0-60: 2.8 seconds
• Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster Listings
2017 Ferrari 488 Spider
As a spiritual successor to the 288 GTO, Ferrari is making V12 power with V6 fuel economy. New composites in the chassis allow it to be light and rigid, with only 110 lbs difference between coupe and convertible. The twin turbos have lightweight TiAl compressor wheels for a quick spool up. The first all-new convertible since the 360, the interior is far more ergonomic than any Ferrari before it.
• Engine: Twin Turbo 3.9 liter V8
• Horsepower: 661
• Torque: 561 lb-ft
• 0-60: 3.0 seconds
•Ferrari 488 Spider Listings
2017 Lamborghini Huracan Spyder & 2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder
Ok, for the sake of repetition we placed these two together. That’s because their differences are only external. Audi owns Lamborghini so the drivetrains are identical. It comes down to looks and price. The R8 is 70 lbs heavier thanks to a plush interior and more insulation. Lamborghini offers a deeper exhaust note thanks to high flow mufflers, but both sound the same when the baffles are open. Lamborghini has slightly more aggressive gearing in 3rd to 7th gear which puts more power to the ground, but Audi prefers a lower cruising RPM for the ultimate in ten-cylinder luxury.
• Engine: 5.2 liter V10
• Horsepower: 602
• Torque: 412 lb-ft
• 0-60: 2.8 seconds
• Lamborghini Huracan Spyder Listings – Audi R8 V10 Spyder Listings
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
If you are looking for the latest in fiberglass fashion, the Corvette Z06 convertible starts at $84,445 and offers 29 miles per gallon. One of the few drop-tops available with a manual transmission, it has enough horsepower and torque to get loose at any speed. An innovative stability control system allows drivers to fine-tune the traction, throttle response, and active exhaust to their own liking. A data recorder saves video of your laps along with throttle and G-force data to an SD card in a format that is easily uploaded to social media. It is also activated in Valet mode to catch unscrupulous drivers.
• Engine: 6.2 liter Supercharged V8
• Horsepower: 650
• Torque: 650 lb-ft
• 0-60: 2.9 seconds
•Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Listings
2017 BMW M6
Get it while you can, because the 6 Series coupe and convertible have been discontinued. This year will be a longer model run, but the factory will need time to get ready for the next generation. The F12 chassis is a solid foundation with more structural steel than most other convertibles. Because it was launched in 2012, the 4,500 lb weight is comparable to its contemporaries. This will also be your last shot at a manual transmission, as BMW has confirmed the 5 and 6 Series will not offer a stick in the near future.
• Engine: 4.4 liter twin turbo V8
• Horsepower: 600
• Torque: 590 lb-ft
• 0-60: 3.7 seconds
• BMW M6 Listings
2017 Maserati GranTurismo
The GranTurismo embodies all that is Italian motoring, and a convertible is the most elegant example. The fabric top follows the same lines as the coupe, with plenty of room for 4 adults. It doesn’t need any silly turbos or superchargers because the symphony of a high-winding V8 is all you need. A Centennial edition was released to mark 100 years in the business, and it offers the quality of a coach-built classic with modern performance.
• Engine: 4.7 liter V8
• Horsepower: 454
• Torque: 384 lb-ft
• 0-60: 4.6 seconds
• Maserati GranTurismo Listings
2017 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
Aston-Martin’s first carbon fiber convertible packs traditional V12 power with incredible aerodynamics. Instead of a giant rear spoiler, the trunk lid incorporates an aero-duct. It preserves the sensuous silhouette. For proper balance, the 8 speed automatic transmission is rear mounted and connected by a torque tube that runs the length of the cockpit. The top dissapears in 14 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. If the wind is too noisy, the Bang & Olufsen audio is rated at 1,000 watts. If you expect compromise in your convertible, look elsewhere.
• Engine: 6.0 liter V12
• Horsepower: 576 (metric)
• Torque: 464 lb-ft
• 0-60: 3.6 seconds
• Aston-Martin Vanquish Listings
2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet
The original supercar from Stuttgart has come a long way since 1963, but convertible versions haven’t always offered powerful drivetrains. It is still a flat-six, but everything about it is made to perform. The latest in turbocharged technology is a dynamic boost funtion that holds the throttle open to keep the turbines spinning. The Sport Chrono package is now standard and it has bumped up the base price. Center lock wheels and all wheel drive are also standard, but the only transmission choice is the PDK automatic.
• Engine: 3.8 liter twin turbo flat six
• Horsepower: 580
• Torque: 516 lb-ft
• 0-60: 2.8 seconds
•Porsche 911 Turbo S Listings
2017 Bentley Continental Supersports
Ok who really needs a convertible with this much power? Using lessons learned on the Continental GT3-R, the long awaited return of the Supersports has been accompanied by praise and astonishment. Quilted leather is stitched by hand to provide comfort at 205 mph. All-wheel drive is standard, as is the need for 98 octane. Don’t worry, it will idle on 93 but full power will be restricted. Objects of this size and stature should not be able to move like this, but it would be fun to show up at the drag strip and race for titles.
• Engine: 6.0 liter W12 Twin Turbo
• Horsepower: 700
• Torque: 750 lb-ft
• 0-60: 3.9 seconds
• Bentley Continental Supersports Listings
