Audi S5 Cabriolet
The S5’s seductive lines look even better in convertible form—with its roof stowed away, there’s nothing between the windshield and tail to disturb those flowing lines. Sleek and understated, the $60,000 S5 Cabriolet drips sophistication from every angle. The smaller-capacity supercharged V-6 engine (rather than the 2009 S4’s big-lunged V-8) hasn’t reduced the S5’s performance—it is still a startlingly rapid car, helped by Audi’s silken 7-speed double-clutch transmission. With its muted steering and stiff-jointed ride, the S5 ragtop lacks real driver engagement; it’s at its best as a fast and refined cruiser, rather than a cut-and-thrust racer. Its continent-covering credentials are enhanced by its excellent roof-up refinement and the all-weather sure-footedness of its quattro four-wheel-drive. And there’s the added benefit of two snug rear seats, and an accommodating trunk to swallow everyone’s weekend luggage. Try saying that about your Boxster, Z4, or SL. —Ben Whitworth
Audi, www.audiusa.com
BMW Z4 sDrive35i
The all-new Z4 is BMW’s first foray into the realm of hardtop roadsters. And while the retractable roof is now made of solid aluminum instead of layers of fabric, the coupelike convertible’s biggest selling point is actually its more flexible side—the car’s larger proportions offer more space for anyone looking for a daily driver. (Both the exterior and interior were designed by women—another first for the German manufacturer.) The top-end sDrive35i model (see "Hard to Top," page 30) is more than 350 pounds heavier than the previous-?generation Z4, but it’s not lean on performance. The Z4’s turbocharged 6-cylinder engine sends 300 hp to the rear wheels via an optional ultrasmooth-shifting 7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission. The $54,000 roadster reaches 60 mph in 5 seconds flat and traverses mountain passes as easily as many of its fixed-roof competitors. —Paul Meyers
BMW, www.bmwusa.com
Infiniti G37
Convertible variations of popular coupes and sedans are often an afterthought in the model line, but Infiniti decided to take a different approach with the G37, redesigning it from the ground up. Everything on the G37 hardtop convertible from the A-pillar rearward is new, and the clamshell-shaped folding roof tucks into the trunk in less than 25 seconds. The car looks great with the top down, and the cabin actually boasts a little more room than the coupe’s. Although the convertible’s 3.7-liter V-6 suffers a 5 hp drop compared to the coupe, it is blessed with Infiniti’s all-new 7-speed automatic transmission, and still reaches 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. Fans of Infiniti’s G Series who also enjoy a little fun in the sun should consider the $44,715 G37 convertible for the summer. —P.M.
Infiniti, www.infiniti.com
Lexus IS C
Lexus has recently put a lot of development dollars into their IS model line. First came the IS F—the Japanese brand’s first performance sedan—and now a new hardtop convertible model dubbed the IS C is beginning to find its way into dealer showrooms. This is not the only car in Lexus’ lineup to feature a retractable hard top (the SC 430 still lingers on after eight years of production), but it is undoubtedly the most engaging. The $44,815 IS 350C convertible takes its power train from the standard IS sedan models, and the 3.5-liter V-6 engine option produces 306 hp at 6,400 rpm. But anyone looking for better performance can check the F-Sport boxes on the order form and find everything from a carbon-fiber engine cover to a performance exhaust system inspired by the sport-tuned IS F’s. —P.M.
Lexus, www.lexus.com
Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG
The original SLK was the first car in its segment to feature the now-obligatory folding metal roof, and the current AMG model shows why it’s still so popular. As with the Z4, buyers are actually getting a two-for-one deal—an urbane coupe and an equally refined convertible. And both are improbably fast, because shoehorned into the SLK’s stubby nose is AMG’s thundering 5.4-liter V-8, hooked up to Mercedes’ quick-thinking 7-speed automatic transmission. The hand-assembled unit pumps out a full-blooded 360 hp for devastating in-gear go that rockets the roadster deep into three-figure speeds. A raft of mechanical upgrades ensure that the rest of the package measures up—with its quicker steering, reinforced chassis, vast brakes, and uprated suspension, the SLK feels alert and sharp on the move, thriving on fast, sweeping roads. It may be graying at the temples, but the $66,575 SLK55 AMG still keeps up. —B.W.
Mercedes-Benz, www.mbusa.com
Porsche Boxster S
Don’t be put off by the Boxster’s ubiquity. It’s such a hot seller because it’s so very good. Being mid-engined gives it a natural dynamic advantage over its other German rivals—with the majority of its weight sitting low and within its wheelbase, the Porsche feels incredibly alert and agile. Its stiff chassis and wonderfully intuitive steering mean that it can be poured into corners with real precision and confidence. The optional new PDK double-clutch system—the highlight of the $57,650 Boxster’s recent face-lift—is a gem, and offers the best of both worlds. Drop it into drive, and the Boxster will amble along cleanly and smoothly, with no low-speed judder or stickiness. Switch to manual and unleash the 3.4-liter flat six, and the shifts are both whip-crack quick and silky smooth, even when punching through to the redline. What a pity, then, that Porsche decided to lumber the system with a horribly counterintuitive layout—rather than a simple paddle-shift construction, the car has uncomfortable steering-wheel-mounted switches that just don’t feel natural. Sure, you’ll grow accustomed to it, but it will test your patience—and you’ll long for the simplicity of the Z4’s layout. —B.W.
Porsche, www.porsche.com