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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.

Toyota tops Kelley Blue Book's Resale Value Awards

Kelley Blue Book announced its annual Best Resale Value Award winners, and we weren't too surprised to see the list dominated by Japanese automakers - mainly Toyota and Honda. KBB hands out the awards based on the projected residual value of mostly all 2013 model year vehicles, and Toyota skated home with a number of awards including 10 of the 22 overall categories and having five of its products in the top 10 for models with best resale value. KBB's Best Resale Value Awards were announced in the same week as the ALG Residual Value Awards, and there were many similarities between both lists, especially when it came to Toyota.
To come up with its winners, KBB measures depreciation over the first five years of ownership, and looks for the cars it expects to hold its value the best after this time; on average, the report says the 2013 model year vehicles will lose 61.8 percent of its value in five years. Of the 22 categories, 15 slots were filled by Toyota, Honda and Nissan products, while the Camaro and Porsche (Cayenne and Panamera) each took home a pair of awards. If Toyota has anything to be upset about in this list of cars, it's that categories for Hybrid/Alternative Energy Car and Electric Vehicle went to the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Volt, respectively.
The overall top 10 models for the best resale value in 2013 are, in alphabetical order:

Scion xB gets one more special edition

The Scion xB, which is apparently still a thing, has added a final special edition to its long-running list, with the new 686 Parklan Edition. It's limited to, you guessed it, 686 units. As is so often the case for these special editions, there's a unique paint color, decals, wheels, and nifty little trim bits. That's good news for the Brown Car Appreciation Society, as Scion has opted for a handsome Cocoa Bean Metallic paint that almost feels wasted on this aging box. The gloss black wheels, mirror caps, and tailgate handle all feature bright red accents, but it's the cabin where we really see big changes. The 686 has dictated an outdoorsy interior theme, with plenty of camo fabric and quilted finishing on the seat uppers. There are a couple of zippable pockets in the front seats, including a rather hefty storage area in the seatbacks, while the floor and cargo area are protected by 686-branded rubber floormats. The xB 686 Parklan Edition, which can only be had with an automatic transmission, will be priced at $20,480, with sales slated to begin today. Read on for the official press release from Scion. Scion Checks the Box With Final xB Special Edition Model September 28, 2015 TORRANCE, Calif. (Sept. 28, 2015) – As Scion's iconic box, the xB, ends its run, Scion is taking the road less traveled to a place where the mountains meet the streets. Scion has partnered with 686, the snowboard technical apparel company, to create the xB 686 Parklan Edition. Starting today, a total of 686 xB special edition models are available for buyers seeking a unique combination of fashion and function. It will be priced at $19,685, excluding a delivery, processing and handling fee of $795. The 2015 xB 686 Parklan Edition incorporates seats with the quilted patterning and modern cubist camo style reflecting 686's design influence. Gloss black 16-inch alloy wheels featuring the 686 stamped logo tie in with the black-out badges, side mirrors, rear license plate garnish and door handles. On the outside, the Cocoa Bean Metallic paint is accented with red lines in the front, rear and on the side mirrors to capture 686's brand. For added functionality on the slopes, there is an incognito driver's side zippered storage pocket and zippered seat back pockets. Each xB 686 Parklan Edition also comes with all-weather floor and cargo mats. Additionally, a custom INNO Cargo Box and Roof Rack system is available.