Marty Padgett's Inside Scoop on Auto News and Cabrio

Audi Planning Micro Electric City Car

By Marty PadgettMarty Padgett, September 16th, 2008

The Interwebs are abuzz with talk of Audi planning a city car along the likes of BMW's Microcar and Benz's Smart fortwo. Unlike the BMW, which will offer both gasoline and electric versions, and the Smart, which offers only gasoline for the moment, we've solely heard of electric propulsion for Audi's city car. WorldCarFans came across the news from the UK's CAR Magazine; the blurbs are interesting but not surprising in this age of unstable fuel prices and, some say, potential worldwide recession. We do know that Audi will be sporting some concept vehicles at the upcoming Paris Auto Show, and perhaps this city car will be one of them. Also, a... The Interwebs are abuzz with talk of Audi planning a city car along the likes of BMW's Microcar and Benz's Smart fortwo. Unlike the BMW, which will offer both gasoline and electric versions, and the Smart, which offers only gasoline for the moment, we've solely heard of electric propulsion for Audi's city car. WorldCarFans came across the news from the UK's CAR Magazine; the blurbs are interesting but not surprising in this age of unstable fuel prices and, some say, potential worldwide recession. We do know that Audi will be sporting some concept vehicles at the upcoming Paris Auto Show, and perhaps this city car will be one of them. Also, a... Read More

Tags: Electric Cars, New Products, Rumor Mill

Posted in: 2002, 2010, Audi, Volkswagen, Cabrio

2010 Lexus IS Convertible Is Paris-Bound

By Marty PadgettMarty Padgett, August 28th, 2008

Lexus is planning a convertible version of its IS sedan, but no coupe version is planned. A report in Autoblog, via eGMCarTech this morning, says that the Lexus SC convertible is history, and that a new IS convertible is in the pipeline. TheCarConnection.com's sources report the new convertible IS will be shown as soon as October's Paris auto show. The Lexus IS convertible won't quite let it mirror the BMW 3 Series lineup, as no hardtop coupe version is planned for the current-generation car. However, the hardtop convertible will bring Lexus a new offering at a much lower price point than the expensive SC convertible--and reportedly, the... Lexus is planning a convertible version of its IS sedan, but no coupe version is planned. A report in Autoblog, via eGMCarTech this morning, says that the Lexus SC convertible is history, and that a new IS convertible is in the pipeline. TheCarConnection.com's sources report the new convertible IS will be shown as soon as October's Paris auto show. The Lexus IS convertible won't quite let it mirror the BMW 3 Series lineup, as no hardtop coupe version is planned for the current-generation car. However, the hardtop convertible will bring Lexus a new offering at a much lower price point than the expensive SC convertible--and reportedly, the... Read More

Tags: Paris Auto Show

Posted in: 2002, 2010, Lexus, Volkswagen, Cabrio

Callaway’s Latest Spin on the ‘Vette: C16 Cabrio

By Marty PadgettMarty Padgett, March 21st, 2007

“Callaway is bringin’ it!” someone just told me over my shoulder, staring at this pic of the new Callaway C16 Cabrio. What they’re bringing, we couldn’t clarify despite repeated attempts to talk through their Taco Bell 64-ouncer. But we can confirm Callaway is bringing something to New York—a supercharged, modified ‘Vette dubbed the C16 Cabrio. The ‘vertible ‘Vette, plumped up with Callaway supercharging and styling, spits out 616 horsepower and brazenly wears a pricetag of about $130,000, putting it in Ford GT category as well as weekend studio in Orlando category. It just goes to show you:... “Callaway is bringin’ it!” someone just told me over my shoulder, staring at this pic of the new Callaway C16 Cabrio. What they’re bringing, we couldn’t clarify despite repeated attempts to talk through their Taco Bell 64-ouncer. But we can confirm Callaway is bringing something to New York—a supercharged, modified ‘Vette dubbed the C16 Cabrio. The ‘vertible ‘Vette, plumped up with Callaway supercharging and styling, spits out 616 horsepower and brazenly wears a pricetag of about $130,000, putting it in Ford GT category as well as weekend studio in Orlando category. It just goes to show you:... Read More

Tags: Exotics, Enthusiasts, New York Auto Show

Posted in: 2002, 2007, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Convertible, Sports Cars, Cabrio