| For years, a convertible roof was a feature only | | | | mind. For example, a Porsche 911 turbo is clearly not |
| offered with sports cars or muscle cars. Ford | | | | meant to be a passenger car, while the BMW 3 |
| Mustangs, Chevy Camaros, and other similar vehicles | | | | series could provide the speed, convertible top, and |
| would always come with a convertible option, giving | | | | 5-passenger comfort. This new breed of convertible, |
| their drivers a unique top down, wind in the hair | | | | coupled with increased horse power, would give the |
| experience. These convertibles offered a feeling of | | | | owner a full sports car driving experience without the |
| freedom that most drivers could only envy. | | | | limited cabin space. Because these cars don't skimp |
| However, for those drivers who preferred luxury | | | | on the amenities either, they are still viewed as |
| automobiles, there were other restrictions to worry | | | | complete luxury vehicles. |
| about. Most luxury vehicles were designed to offer a | | | | With the burgeoning success of these crossover |
| smooth, comfortable driving experience, not a fast, | | | | vehicles, companies like BMW, Mercedes Benz, and |
| sporty one. With the exception of Porsche, Ferrari, | | | | Audi felt that they could earned the clout to offer a |
| and Lamborghini, which always had a focus on | | | | full on sports car to the market as well. Convertibles |
| combining speed with high end amenities, other luxury | | | | like the BMW Z4, Mercedes CLK200, and Audi TT |
| automotive companies couldn't provide a similar | | | | would give these companies the chance to ride out |
| exhilarating driving experience. When the | | | | the sports car wave that they started with their |
| manufacturer saw a demand for a car that combined | | | | transitional luxury sports cars. Buyers now had |
| sportiness and classic luxury, a new option arose: the | | | | options to choose from, regardless of what |
| luxury convertible car. | | | | manufacturer they preferred, or the price tag they |
| This car changed the expectations that customers | | | | were looking for. Now there will always be the option |
| had for their high-end vehicles. Auto makers such as | | | | of a high end luxury vehicle that boasts a convertible |
| BMW and Audi were now able to offer a sportier | | | | top and increased horsepower and a traditional |
| car, with a convertible top, that didn't only focus on | | | | convertible sports car that offers all the speed and |
| the driver. High-end sports cars are two seat | | | | agility of their Porsche counterparts. |
| speedsters, and are designed solely with the driver in | | | | |