Raise the Roof These models give you good reasons to drive around with the top down.
By Jill Amadio
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
An Indian summer is a great excuse to invest in a performanceconvertible. Two premium pop-tops that drive business cares awayare Audi's $55,720 S4 Cabriolet and Lexus' $63,500 SC 430,while Chrysler debuts its $34,960 Crossfire Roadster.
The S4 Cabriolet's classic architecture, V-8 engine andall-wheel-drive add up to a comfortable ride. Twisty roads?High-speed highways? This Audi's high rigidity, precisesteering, stability control system and exceptional crash protectiontake road conditions in stride. The automatic top folds away at thepush of a button. The 4.2-liter engine has 340 horsepower whetheryou buy the six-speed or optional automatic transmission. Inside,leather bucket seats provide substantial side support. Featuresinclude ABS and 12-way power seats. A navigation system, heatedseats and a garage door opener cost extra.
The Lexus SC 430 includes all of the above, plus traction andskid control. It focuses on luxury for those who prefer a leisurelycruiser...with 300 horsepower from its 4.3-liter V-8 engine. For atwo-door that looks small on the outside, it's large on theinside. The retractable roof is a hardtop that hides in a rearniche. Sold only with a five-speed automatic transmission, the SC430 has a speed-sensing steering system, ABS, automatic headlightsensors, 10-way power seats, stability control and pre-wiring for acell phone.
Chrysler's 2005 Crossfire Roadster is elegant, with muscularshoulders and a retro boat-tail rear end. Its distinctive Americanstyling and Mercedes-Benz engine set it apart. While the toprequires a few more moves than the SC 430 and the S4, once thecanopy is released, it's powered down in 22 seconds or so. TheV-6 3.2-liter engine pumps out 215 horsepower. Features include agarage door opener, an eight-way power driver's seat and ABS,stability/traction control, tire pressure monitor, and sports rollbars behind the front seats.
Editor and consultant Jill Amadio has been reporting on theautomotive industry for 25 years.
