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[extract] The new 458 Spider joins the 458 Italia, widening the range of Ferrari

According to a recent report, the Ferrari 458 Italia Spider will feature a folding metal roof. While the car had been expected to use a canvas roof, a member of the TeamSpeed forum has said sources in Maranello have decided against it. Instead, the Spider will reportedly adopt a folding hardtop similar to the one used on the California. This should allow for maximum convenience and security, but it will likely come with a weight penalty. Regardless if these rumors are correct, the 458 Spider will feature a 4.5-liter V8 engine with 570 PS (562 hp / 419 kW) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. Power will flow to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which will likely enable the roadster to rocket from 0-100 km/h in less than 3.6 seconds. As we have previously reported, Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo has stated "We also plan a spider version (of the 458 Italia), but not for a couple of years." Source: teamspeed

My army good friend just received his 7 months fat bonus, and is determined to buy a MX-5 convertible. Knowing that I am 'expert' in cars, he consulted me where to buy cheaply. I told him PI. He already got a Altis which he intend to let his wife drive, and the new MX-5 for him(or in his own words, if his wife is able to give him good service the night before, she can have the car for a few days - Haa Haa) So flipping thru the newspaper, he saw a few ads that sells the hardtop version at $82k range(after cash rebates of course). Now to expedite his sourcing effort he wants to know the 'standard' features of the car that is available from different PI. Like some may bring in original keyless entry or maybe original Bose Hifi. He wants to get the car before CNY. He also don't want to overpay for a lesser featured car, meaning for the same price maybe another PI has a unit that is better equipped. Colors is not important to him....as a engineer...he is much interested in the standard equipment aspect of the car. He understands the cash rebates system sonewhat and knows that ALL PI are out for a living. He is expected to place order this weekends, provided he can get one ready stock for CNY. What he wants is to get a better equipped car at a 'normal price'. Not wanting to be carrot head chopped! Anyone with some local knowledge of MX-5 to help?

At the 2006 British International Motor Show, Mazda is revealing the new Mazda MX-5, now equipped with a power retractable hard top roof. From official press release: The British International Motor Show will be held in London until Sunday, 30 July, 2006. Featuring a new, unique power retractable hard top roof, this is an all-new addition to the third-generation Mazda MX-5 which has been celebrated globally since 2005. According to Mazda "This new MX-5 model provides a unified sense of driving exhilaration, ready to spread the fun of lightweight sports cars in diverse and distinct new ways."

Perhaps the most technologically advanced convertible in the world. Click here to view the animation of the transformation sequence. File is approximately 1.5 MB is size. Alternatively, if you have broadband, click here to view the version with DVD-quality sound. Warning: BIG FILE, approximately 4.7 MB. But well worth it. On the downside, the car will probably cost more than a Mercedes-Benz SL convertible.