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Nine cars we wish were convertibles

The snow has melted, the sun is shining, and the days are getting longer. At the Autoblog Detroit office we feel like our winter hibernation is finally over. And with warmer temperatures come visions of opening up a convertible roof and cruising. You know, just turn up the bass and let the Alpine blast. There are plenty of droptops on sale in the US, and more on the way (like the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata). That said, we always want more. More! More! More! In that spirit, we cooked up a list of nine cars aren't currently sold as convertible, but ought to be. Check out our picks, below. Summer's just around the corner. Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S In some parallel universe, this car actually happened. Toyota showed us a FT 86 Convertible concept at the Geneva Motor Show in 2013, and we immediately started licking our chops over the thought of a rear-wheel-drive convertible based on the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S twins. These days, the MX-5 Miata is our only option for affordable roadster fun. A competitor to the Mazda seems like a no-brainer to us, especially since we have naught but good to say about the BRZ/FR-S as-is. Unfortunately in our present timeline, this car is as likely for production as a BRZ STI. Which is to say, not very. Dang. Lexus RC F Unlike the FR-S, a convertible from Toyota's luxury division might actually see the light of day. The current IS convertible is about to be phased out, and the Lexus LF-C2 concept from the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show is really a thinly veiled look at a possible RC convertible. A droptop RC would be plenty good, but let's reach for the starts. What we really want is to run topless in an RC F, complete with that powerful, loud, 5.0-liter V8 engine. Lexus says the RC F is a true competitor to the BMW M4. If that's true, it only makes sense for Lexus to mimic the Germans and offer its performance coupe in a folding hardtop form. Maybach Landaulet Maybach is bach back, recast as an upper crust trim level for Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-Maybach S600 is seriously awesome, and more luxurious than a trip to the spa. But why not go a step into the truly ridiculous levels of extravagence and bring back that open-top Landaulet? We think your local princess will love this idea, and with better S-Class bones underneath, Jeeves will have a pretty enjoyable ship to steer, too. Besides, with that slick new Mercedes design language, a Landaulet redux wouldn't be nearly as hideous as the old model, pictured here.

Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ecosport and Tesla profits | Autoblog Podcast #537

On this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Green Editor John Beltz Snyder and Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale. We talk about driving the 2018 Ford Ecosport and Hyundai Accent. Joel tells us why he loves the naturally aspirated engine in our long-term Honda Ridgeline. We discuss Tesla's profitability claims, Johan de Nysschen leaving Cadillac and a possible date change for the Detroit Auto Show. As usual, we'll also spend a listener's money on a car. Autoblog Podcast #537 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Driving the 2018 Ford Ecosport Driving the 2018 Hyundai Accent A love letter to the Honda Ridgeline's V6 Leadership change at Cadillac Will Tesla be profitable this year? Will NAIAS move to October? Spend my money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video: Earnings/Financials Green Podcasts Detroit Auto Show Cadillac Ford Honda Hyundai Tesla Used Car Buying Truck Crossover SUV Economy Cars Electric Sedan

Honda to reveal new Civic Coupe in LA

Honda will reveal 2016 Civic Coupe next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The company isn't saying much, but promises the two-door will "showcase even sportier lines" than the sedan that launches this week. The coupe will also feature the same engines as the four-door model, which is powered by either a 2.0-liter inline-four or a 1.5-liter turbo. These will just be the tip of the iceberg in what Honda promises will be "the most diverse and innovative lineup in Civic's 43-year history." Additional variants to follow, including a five-door hatchback, a warmed-up Si model, and a smokin' hot Type R version that will be the first of its kind to be offered in the US. The first sedans will begin arriving at dealers this month, with the coupes to follow in the new year. For now, the 2016 Honda Civic Coupe will be showcased alongside the new Clarity FCV that debuted in Tokyo last month and will be marking its North American debut in LA. Honda to Debut 2016 Civic Coupe and Next-Gen Clarity Fuel Cell at 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Nov 10, 2015 - TORRANCE, Calif. - World debut of all-new 2016 Civic Coupe elevates sporty styling and dynamic performance on 10th-generation Honda Civic platform - 2016 Civic Coupe marks next step of ambitious cadence in new Civic lineup - Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle makes North American debut in advance of U.S. launch in 2016 Honda will reveal details on two exciting new expressions of its Clean, Safe, Fun brand values at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show with the world debut of the all-new 2016 Civic Coupe, the second in a line of new 10th-generation Civic models that will be launching over the next 18 months, and the North American debut of the all-new Honda Clarity Fuel Cell sedan, providing an early look at Honda's next-generation approach to low-carbon mobility, scheduled to launch in the U.S. next year. 2016 Honda Civic Coupe Built on the same athletic Civic platform that underpins the highly anticipated 2016 Civic Sedan that goes on-sale at Honda dealerships nationwide on November 12, the 2016 Civic Coupe will showcase even sportier lines, with an intimate, high-tech interior and engaging powertrain options to continue Honda's focus on launching the sportiest and most expansive Civic lineup in brand history.