2011年最酷的10款敞篷跑车
Alex Taylor III | 2011-06-23 15:02
分享：
[译文]
Now that summer is here, it's time to reconsider one of the best reasons for hot weather: top-down motoring. Its pleasures are limitless: wind in your hair, sun on your face, sky over your head, and envious looks from passers-by.
The following list is entirely subjective. It reflects a bias for four seats over two, comfort over sport, and canvas over folding metal.
Owning a convertible means compromising on things like body rigidity and interior space -- the roof has to go somewhere -- so a convertible should be free of other assaults on the senses like a bone-jarring ride. As for the preference for soft over hard, it's all a matter of convenience and style. When a folding metal top is retracted, it leaves little or no room in the trunk. And the extra storage space it requires usually demands a wider-than-usual rear structure. Extra inches in that dimension aren't flattering to anyone.
Herewith, my 10 picks for stylish motoring from Southampton to Sedona in the summer of 2011:
1.Fiat 500 Cabrio
Base Price: $19,500
The 500 will be a hot conversational topic wherever it goes this summer, and the Cabrio dials up the fun factor. This is a convertible that won't leave you entirely exposed because the roof rails remain in place when the top is down. The advantage is that the top can be retracted while you are driving, and the action is fast and direct. The Cabrio will look its best on trips to the beach and at early-evening al fresco gatherings.
2.Mazda MX-5 Miata
Base Price: $22,960
The Miata breaks the two-seat rule, but I've included it because 1) it was an instant classic when it was introduced in 1989 and remains so today; and 2) its canvas top is a model of utility, designed to be pulled up by the driver while seated with one hand.
The optional retractable hardtop doesn't make the cut. The Miata is a sports car any driver can appreciate -- no prior experience required. It's fun to drive even when you aren't going fast. And shifting through its smooth-as-butter six-speed gear box helps you understand why manual transmissions are still manual.
3. Pre-1980 VW Beetle Cabrio
Base Price: $5,060 (1979 model)
You still see them in southern California, their high windshields deflecting the breeze, their canvas roofs stacked high behind the back seat. The Cabrio had a more elegant stretched look with the top down than the turnip-shaped hardtop because its body was sub-contracted out to Karmann, which derived it from a Beetle limousine. More than 300,000 Cabrios were made between 1949 and 1980. They're still a bargain. A 1974 model with 129,000 miles was for sale recently at $5,100.
4.Ford Mustang Convertible
Base Price: $31,310
Having made its debut in 1964, the Mustang has been around longer than the Miata and came into its prime with the current generation. Riding in it brings back memories of burgers, shakes, drive-in movies, and "American Graffiti."
The nostalgia compensates for the 20th century engineering, notably the solid rear axle. The good news is that a V-8 is superfluous, given the 305 horsepower put out by the standard 3.7 liter V-6. The bad news is that Ford's acclaimed EcoBoost engine that combines performance with fuel economy isn't an option.
5.Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Base Price: $29,275
One of the newest convertibles on the market, the Camaro finally went into production at the end of January after four years on the auto show circuit. Its exaggerated proportions -- it's very wide and not very tall -- keep it looking fresh and distinctive.
The structural improvements needed to keep the topless body from excessive shaking were engineered in from the beginning, and driveability is unusually good. With a base V-6 engine that produces 312 horsepower, it should face off nicely against the Mustang in stop-light drag races. And kudos to Chevy engineers for standing in the way of progress and sticking with the soft top.
6.Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabrio
Base Price: $56,850In this price class, there should be few compromises, and the Benz makes none. In profile with the top down, the body is modern yet timeless. The chrome-finished fittings gleam in the sunlight and operate with absolute precision.
Sure, there are techno-breakthroughs like the Aircap, an aerodynamic wing that deflects air over the passengers, but the real appeal of the E350 is its maturity and confidence. On a drive this spring on Pacific Coast Highway, I held my own against some cars even higher up on the food chain.
7.Jaguar XK8 convertible
Base Price: $75,495Another classic roadster that breaks my rule on (effective) two-seaters, the XK8 wraps the traditional British fittings of burl walnut and leather in an absolutely elegant body.
Unlike some in this price class, the controls of the Jag are straightforward and the car can be driven with effortless ease. I'd replace the touch-screen and rotary transmission shifter with toggles and a stick, but otherwise this car is both an esthetic and dynamic delight. It's a worthy successor to the original E-type on display in the Museum of Modern Art.
8.Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible
Base Price: $135,800Lavish and exotic, the Maserati overwhelms the senses in the way you remember Claudia Cardinale or Gina Lollobrigida. Built by hand at Maserati's historic factory in Modena, the GT convertible is an absolute stunner.
Its body shell is voluptuous, the throaty rumble of its engine intoxicating, the detailing of its interior exquisite. Not designed for a casual relationship, it demands intense involvement from its owner, but repays such an investment in rich motoring pleasure.
9.Bentley Continental GTC convertible
Base Price: $205,600First shown to the world in September 2005, the GTC convertible is aging gracefully behind its signature upright mesh grille (made of plastic these days instead of brass for safety reasons).
You hardly need 12 cylinders any more, but it is nice to know they are available for this two-and-three-quarter ton mechanical marvel that is capable of reaching 62 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds and has a top speed of 195 miles per hour.
Substantial without being ostentatious, the Bentley fades into the background in Greenwich and Palm Beach and makes a quiet statement everywhere else.
10.1959 Cadillac El Dorado Biarritz
Base Price: $7,401Other cars -- Chryslers, Lincolns, and DeSotos -- had massive tail fins, but none took them to the heights that Cadillac did. The fin era peaked in 1959 and the Biarritz was the peak of the peak. It was nearly 19 feet long, of which eight feet was front and rear overhang, and weighed more than two-and-a-half tons.
Kitsch for years, these cars are now considered high automotive art. The '59 model launched in a recession and only 1,320 were ever built, so we'll probably never see Don Draper drive one on "Mad Men." You can buy a nice example today for $175,000.
夏天到了。人们之所以会喜欢炎夏，一个重要的理由就是可以开着敞篷车兜风。敞篷车的乐趣是无穷的：清风过耳，阳光拂面，头顶青天，更别提行人艳羡的眼神了。 下面的榜单完全基于个人喜好。它反映了笔者对四座跑车的偏爱超过双座跑车，偏爱舒适性多于运动性，而且偏爱软顶车篷多于折叠式硬顶。 要拥有一辆敞篷车，就意味着要在车体硬度和内部空间等方面做出一些牺牲。敞篷车意味着没有顶篷防护，所以不宜进行越野等激烈驾驶。至于喜欢软顶甚于硬顶，则是出于便利和时尚的考虑。因为折叠式硬顶收起来之后，后备箱几乎就不剩什么空间了。这样一来，硬顶敞篷车就需要额外的存储空间，因此这种敞篷车往往需要比一般轿车更大的尾部结构。但不是所有的人都喜欢把车屁股加长几英寸。 以下谨为大家奉上笔者精选的10款2011年夏季时尚敞篷车。 | Now that summer is here, it's time to reconsider one of the best reasons for hot weather: top-down motoring. Its pleasures are limitless: wind in your hair, sun on your face, sky over your head, and envious looks from passers-by. The following list is entirely subjective. It reflects a bias for four seats over two, comfort over sport, and canvas over folding metal. Owning a convertible means compromising on things like body rigidity and interior space -- the roof has to go somewhere -- so a convertible should be free of other assaults on the senses like a bone-jarring ride. As for the preference for soft over hard, it's all a matter of convenience and style. When a folding metal top is retracted, it leaves little or no room in the trunk. And the extra storage space it requires usually demands a wider-than-usual rear structure. Extra inches in that dimension aren't flattering to anyone. Herewith, my 10 picks for stylish motoring from Southampton to Sedona in the summer of 2011: |
图片提供：克莱斯勒公司
1.菲亚特500敞篷版 底价：19,500美元 今年夏天，菲亚特500所到之处都会成为热门话题，它的敞篷版更是乐趣无穷。这款敞篷车并不会使驾驶者的身体完全暴露在外，因为即便顶篷降了下来，车顶梁仍在原位。这种设计的好处是在驾驶过程中无需停车便可收起顶篷，既迅速又直接。驾着菲亚特500 Cabrio去海边兜风或参加傍晚的户外聚会必定拉风之极。 | 1.Fiat 500 Cabrio Base Price: $19,500 The 500 will be a hot conversational topic wherever it goes this summer, and the Cabrio dials up the fun factor. This is a convertible that won't leave you entirely exposed because the roof rails remain in place when the top is down. The advantage is that the top can be retracted while you are driving, and the action is fast and direct. The Cabrio will look its best on trips to the beach and at early-evening al fresco gatherings. |
图片提供：马自达汽车公司
2.马自达 MX-5 Miata 底价：22,960美元 Miata是款双座轿跑，它的上榜似乎与我对四座轿跑的偏好相矛盾。我之所以把它列为榜眼，是出于两个原因：1.）1989年，这款车一经面世就立即成了经典，其经典地位至今不变；2.）Miata的软顶是实用性的典范，驾驶员在坐姿状态下，只需一只手就可以把顶篷拉上。 Miata的可选收缩式硬顶则差强人意。Miata这款跑车让所有驾驶者都能享受到驾乘的乐趣，无需跑车驾驶经验。即便驾驶速度并不快，驾车者仍能感受到驾驶的乐趣。Miata的六档变速箱换档平顺，让人明白为何自动档依然无法取代手动档。 | 2.Mazda MX-5 Miata Base Price: $22,960 The Miata breaks the two-seat rule, but I've included it because 1) it was an instant classic when it was introduced in 1989 and remains so today; and 2) its canvas top is a model of utility, designed to be pulled up by the driver while seated with one hand. The optional retractable hardtop doesn't make the cut. The Miata is a sports car any driver can appreciate -- no prior experience required. It's fun to drive even when you aren't going fast. And shifting through its smooth-as-butter six-speed gear box helps you understand why manual transmissions are still manual. |
图片提供：大众汽车公司
3.1980年前生产的大众甲壳虫敞篷车 底价：5,060美元（1979版） 现在在加州南部仍然能见到这款跑车，它们高耸的挡风玻璃挡住了迎面的微风，帆布软顶高高地堆在后座上。和罗卜形的硬顶甲壳虫相比，这款敞篷车更优雅舒展，这是因为它的车身制造被分包给了卡尔曼公司（Karmann），后者在一款豪华版甲壳虫轿车的基础上推出了现在的这款车身。在1949年到1980年间，共有30多万台甲壳虫敞篷车问世。它们现在仍是抢手货，最近有一辆开了129,000英里的1974版甲壳虫敞篷车欲出手，卖主叫价5,100美元。 | 3. Pre-1980 VW Beetle Cabrio Base Price: $5,060 (1979 model) You still see them in southern California, their high windshields deflecting the breeze, their canvas roofs stacked high behind the back seat. The Cabrio had a more elegant stretched look with the top down than the turnip-shaped hardtop because its body was sub-contracted out to Karmann, which derived it from a Beetle limousine. More than 300,000 Cabrios were made between 1949 and 1980. They're still a bargain. A 1974 model with 129,000 miles was for sale recently at $5,100. |
图片提供：福特汽车公司
4.福特野马敞篷车 底价：31,310美元 福特野马于1964年首次亮相，它的历史比马自达Miata更悠久，野马新一代车型的问世也标志着这个品牌进入了鼎盛时期。开着它，让人不禁回想起以汉堡、摇滚、汽车电影院和电影《美国风情画》（American Graffiti）为标志的美国六七十年代。 这款跑车的不足之处在于它的工艺还停留在20世纪的水平，尤其是后悬挂太硬，好在它的怀旧感为我们提供了些许安慰。好消息是新款野马敞篷车使用了标准的3.7升V6发动机，能泵出305马力，因此老款的V8发动机可以光荣下岗了。坏消息是因兼顾性能与燃油经济性而广受好评的福特EcoBoost发动机并没有安装在这款跑车上。 | 4.Ford Mustang Convertible Base Price: $31,310 Having made its debut in 1964, the Mustang has been around longer than the Miata and came into its prime with the current generation. Riding in it brings back memories of burgers, shakes, drive-in movies, and "American Graffiti." The nostalgia compensates for the 20th century engineering, notably the solid rear axle. The good news is that a V-8 is superfluous, given the 305 horsepower put out by the standard 3.7 liter V-6. The bad news is that Ford's acclaimed EcoBoost engine that combines performance with fuel economy isn't an option. |
图片提供：通用汽车公司
5.雪佛兰大黄蜂敞篷车 底价：29,275美元 大黄蜂是敞篷车市场上的新锐之一，虽然这款跑车早在四年前就曾在车展上亮相，但它直到今年一月末才投入批量生产。大黄蜂敞篷车采取了夸张的比例，横向很宽，但高度并不是很高，因此外观十分新颖且与众不同。 大黄蜂敞篷车从一开始就进行了结构性的改良，以防止无顶篷的车身过度抖动。这款跑车的操控性也异乎寻常的出色。它搭载了一款312马力的V6发动机，应该可以与福特野马在短程加速赛中一较高下。在此也谨对大黄蜂工程师们不断进取的精神和坚持软顶的做法表示赞赏。 | 5.Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Base Price: $29,275 One of the newest convertibles on the market, the Camaro finally went into production at the end of January after four years on the auto show circuit. Its exaggerated proportions -- it's very wide and not very tall -- keep it looking fresh and distinctive. The structural improvements needed to keep the topless body from excessive shaking were engineered in from the beginning, and driveability is unusually good. With a base V-6 engine that produces 312 horsepower, it should face off nicely against the Mustang in stop-light drag races. And kudos to Chevy engineers for standing in the way of progress and sticking with the soft top. |
图片提供：戴姆勒汽车公司
6.奔驰E350敞篷车 底价：56,850美元这个价位的跑车很少会在某一方面上做出“牺牲”，而奔驰则压根没有在任何方面做出牺牲。奔驰敞篷车采取了时尚却永不过时的造型。内饰的电镀处理在阳光下闪耀着微光。它的操控也是绝对的精准。 这款敞篷车在技术上也做出了重大的突破，例如它采用了奔驰自主研发的Aircap装置，Aircap是一个扰流翼板，可以使吹向乘客头部的气流上移。今年春天有一次在太平洋海岸高速公路（Pacific Coast Highway）上，我还开着我自己的奔驰E350敞篷车与几辆更加名贵的跑车飙了一把。 | 6.Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabrio Base Price: $56,850In this price class, there should be few compromises, and the Benz makes none. In profile with the top down, the body is modern yet timeless. The chrome-finished fittings gleam in the sunlight and operate with absolute precision. Sure, there are techno-breakthroughs like the Aircap, an aerodynamic wing that deflects air over the passengers, but the real appeal of the E350 is its maturity and confidence. On a drive this spring on Pacific Coast Highway, I held my own against some cars even higher up on the food chain. |
图片提供：捷豹汽车公司
7.捷豹XK8敞篷车 底价：75,495美元这款经典的双座轿跑再次打破了我对双座轿跑的成见。XK8的内饰采用了传统的英式胡桃木加皮革的搭配，车身也是绝对的典雅。 和这个价位上的某些车型不同的是，这款敞篷车的操控非常简洁，驾驶起来毫不费力。不过我倒宁愿把它的触屏改成按键设计，把旋转式档位改成传统的排档杆。但除此之外，这款跑车既美观又动感大方。作为曾在现代艺术博物馆（Museum of Modern Art）展出的E型车的后续车型，这款车当之无愧。 | 7.Jaguar XK8 convertible Base Price: $75,495Another classic roadster that breaks my rule on (effective) two-seaters, the XK8 wraps the traditional British fittings of burl walnut and leather in an absolutely elegant body. Unlike some in this price class, the controls of the Jag are straightforward and the car can be driven with effortless ease. I'd replace the touch-screen and rotary transmission shifter with toggles and a stick, but otherwise this car is both an esthetic and dynamic delight. It's a worthy successor to the original E-type on display in the Museum of Modern Art. |
8.玛莎拉蒂GT敞篷车 底价：135,800美元 这款玛莎拉蒂轿车既奢华又别具异域风情，给人的感觉就像好莱坞女星克劳迪娅•卡汀娜或吉娜•劳洛勃丽吉达，以万种的风情压倒你的感官。这款GT敞篷车出自玛莎拉蒂历史悠久的摩德纳（Modena）工厂，它绝对是一款令人惊叹的杰作。 它的车体弧线十分撩人，引擎的低吟令人迷醉，内饰精致高雅。它不是为了和你来一段露水姻缘，而是需要车主投入大量的感情，而它回馈给你的则是丰富的驾乘快感。 8.Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible Lavish and exotic, the Maserati overwhelms the senses in the way you remember Claudia Cardinale or Gina Lollobrigida. Built by hand at Maserati's historic factory in Modena, the GT convertible is an absolute stunner. Its body shell is voluptuous, the throaty rumble of its engine intoxicating, the detailing of its interior exquisite. Not designed for a casual relationship, it demands intense involvement from its owner, but repays such an investment in rich motoring pleasure.
图片提供：宾利汽车公司
9.宾利欧陆GTC敞篷车 底价：205,600美元 这款敞篷车在2005年9月首次登台亮相。不过在其标志性的垂直网状格栅背后，这款GTC敞篷车正在优雅地老去。（出于安全原因，现在的散热格栅基本上不再用黄铜制造，而是改用塑料）。 现在基本上已经用不着12汽缸的发动机了。不过这个自重2.75吨的机械杰作只需5.1秒便可以从静止状态加速到62英里/时，其最高时速高达每小时195英里。 这款宾利敞篷车皮实而不招摇，不过它们正淡出格林威治和棕榈滩，在其它某个角落静静地诉说自己曾经的荣耀。 | 9.Bentley Continental GTC convertible Base Price: $205,600First shown to the world in September 2005, the GTC convertible is aging gracefully behind its signature upright mesh grille (made of plastic these days instead of brass for safety reasons). You hardly need 12 cylinders any more, but it is nice to know they are available for this two-and-three-quarter ton mechanical marvel that is capable of reaching 62 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds and has a top speed of 195 miles per hour. Substantial without being ostentatious, the Bentley fades into the background in Greenwich and Palm Beach and makes a quiet statement everywhere else. |
图片提供：通用汽车公司
10.1959版凯迪拉克埃尔多拉多比亚里茨敞篷车 底价：7,401美元 尽管克莱斯勒（Chrysler）、林肯（Lincoln）和德索托（Desoto）的几款老爷车都有巨大的尾翼，但其中没有任何一款车型达到了凯迪拉克的高度。尾翼时代在1959年达到了巅峰，而比亚里茨敞篷车更是巅峰中的巅峰。它的长度几乎达到19英尺，光是前后突出部分就有8英尺长，其自重超过两吨半。 多年以来，人们一直认为这款敞篷车做工粗糙，但现在人们的审美变了，转而觉得它具有高度的艺术性。59年版的比亚里茨敞篷车问世时适逢经济萧条，因此只造了1，320辆。所以，我们也许看不到热播剧《广告狂人》（Mad Men）的主角唐•德雷柏在剧中开这款敞篷车了。不过现在花175,000美元可以买到一部车况较好的珍品59版比亚里茨。 译者：朴成奎 10.1959 Cadillac El Dorado Biarritz Other cars -- Chryslers, Lincolns, and DeSotos -- had massive tail fins, but none took them to the heights that Cadillac did. The fin era peaked in 1959 and the Biarritz was the peak of the peak. It was nearly 19 feet long, of which eight feet was front and rear overhang, and weighed more than two-and-a-half tons. Kitsch for years, these cars are now considered high automotive art. The '59 model launched in a recession and only 1,320 were ever built, so we'll probably never see Don Draper drive one on "Mad Men." You can buy a nice example today for $175,000.
