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Top 20 Bold and Beautiful Convertibles from Across the Globe - Part I

Can there be anything more blissful than letting the wind blow through your hair as your convertible roars down the road? Compared to when they first came off the assembly line, today's topless cars are flashier, quicker and more adept at handling squally weather. India doesn't see many such convertibles though. It's actually a question of security rather than all-weather practicality, because cars parked on the street in India can easily become targets of break-ins.

From the super luxurious to the sporty, ragtops take everyday driving to a new level of enjoyment. Here's our pick of the top 20 bold and beautiful convertibles from across the globe.

Aston Martin DBS UB-2010

Just 40 Aston Martin DBS UB-2010 that include only 20 Volantes would be out on the roads. Each DBS UB-2010 will wear special doorsill plates with Aston Martin CEO of nearly a decade Dr. Ulrich Bez's signature. Aston says Bez will personally sign off on each of the UB-2010 cars, lending his signature to the car's final inspection plate as well. Special features include unique colours and trim.

Audi R8 Spyder 5.2

The all-aluminium convertible has a 5.2-liter V10 engine that leaps from 0-100 kmph in just 4 seconds, with a top speed of 313 kmph. There's no doubt that the car is priced high, but it is one of the most versatile cars in its price range. Audi says half of R8 buyers use it in manual transmission form for special weekend trips, and the other half use it with the automatic for daily drives. In either case, the optional carbon-fiber inlays and 19-inch titanium wheels make it almost unbearably cool.

Bentley Continental GTC Speed

This Bentley is manufactured in a perfect design, advanced technology and comfort. The luxurious convertible, which is also considered as one of the most powerful convertibles, carries an engine that stirs up 600 bhp, displays a peak speed of 321 kmph and runs from 0-100 kmph in 4.5 seconds. The car swanks a dark chrome grille, 20-inch sport wheels, twin tailpipes, Mulliner diamond-quilted leather seats and a three-spoke leather steering wheel with aluminium inlays.

Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

It's stiff, it's fast, it's hot! With 475 bhp on tap from its supercharged 5.4L V-8 engine, the Ford Shelby GT500 comes with a unique cloth convertible top, leather-trimmed sport-bucket seats, 19-inch wheels, Cobra badging and racing stripes. The lightweight cloth top is similar to that used for high-end, exotic sports cars, providing an elegant visual upgrade to the car. The car delivers an athletic, confident feel and epitomizes the ultimate Mustang.

Maserati GranCabrio

As hot as it is, this is the first four-seater convertible in Maserati's history. It features the GranTurismo S coupe's 4.7-liter 433-bhp V8 engine with a top speed of 294 kmph and 0-100 kmph acceleration of 5.1 seconds. It also features the continuous chrome trim that encloses the cabin and integrates with the third rear stop light, with an extremely beautiful triangular LED light cluster. The 20-inch wheel rims and chrome dashboard rings and an Alcantara finish on the steering wheel accentuate the beauty to the core.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio

This convertible is something of an enigma. The E-Class may not be as sporty as the no-frills 3-Series convertible but is definitely more of a beautiful cruiser. It will go zero to 100 kmph in 5.1 seconds and is capable of putting on show a top speed of 209 kmph. A navigation system, rear side airbags, laser cruise control and airscarf are options worth the splurge. The AIRCAP automatic draft-stop, which can be activated at the push of a button, greatly reduces turbulence in the interior of the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, creating a sea of warm air.

Porsche Boxster Spyder

Porsche engineers set their sights on a distinctive design and saving weight, knocking out a claimed 80 kg from the 2009 Boxster S to carve the amazing Boxster Spyder. This romping roadster offers a pure sports car experience. The new one-piece aluminium decklid with two aero humps is the most alluring detail saving 3 kg over the regular car's rear trunk and half-a-ton in the bargain. The gas tank is reduced in capacity by 10 litre and an optional 6 kg lithium-ion starter battery ($1700!) can save 10 kg. The 3.4-liter, 320 bhp engine is a flat-6 and the 6-speed manual is the lightest in the entire Porsche fleet pouncing from knot to 100 in just 4.1 seconds.

Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

The Aileron Spyder offers open-top motoring along with all the usual Spyker characteristics, striking aviation-inspired styling and hand-crafted quality, based on the exclusive use of noble materials. The all-aluminium V8 engine delivering 400 bhp is a hand-crafted and shoots from 0-60 kmph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 301 kmph. Roof is a semi-automatic canvas soft-top that requires only one latch to unleash. Optional features include a turned aluminium dashboard fascia, elegant 19-inch wheels, quilted leather detailing for the cockpit, Chronoswiss dashboard instruments and a unique Louis Vuitton luggage set.

Mazda MX-5

The eye-catching 2010 MX-5 Miata represents more than 20 years of a winning concept - a lightweight roadster that's purely about the experience between driver and machine. This sleek two-seater convertible's primary characteristic is its fun drivability. Along with precise handling, the roadster exhibits an array of traction-related options, a 167-bhp 4-cylinder engine, heated leather-trimmed bucket seats and a seven-speaker Bose audio system.

BMW Z4 sDrive30i

Whether you're cruising down the coast or driving to your daily grind, this sporty hardtop convertible is sure to put a smile on your face. Featuring extra-responsive handling and a powerful 3.0-liter, inline-6 engine, the BMW Z4 allows you to get to your destination in a hurry; but with a car that's so much fun to drive, why would you want to? The driver can savour the linear crescendo of power as the revs climb and there sure can be no feeling as great as that. It leaves everyone pondering, why can't all cars come with base engines as good as this?

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