Five convertibles that must be sold.
Car owners are becoming more cautious and abandoning airy vehicles, leading manufacturers to discontinue numerous fresh air models without suitable replacements. Here are five instances of this trend.
A recent study by Jato Dynamics labeled "Cabriolets are Running Out of Air" illustrates the rapidly decreasing interest among consumers for open-top cars. According to experts, this trend is further exacerbated by the high expense of transitioning to electric vehicles. This cost pressure forces manufacturers to concentrate on producing successful models.
To make matters worse, government regulations on cybersecurity further complicate matters. The new cybersecurity law for vehicles has significant implementation costs, making discontinuing niche models with a limited remaining life more appealing. In essence, existing cabriolets and roadsters are being removed from the market. Allow me to introduce you to five worthwhile examples.
Porsche 718 Boxster: The Beloved Imp
Porsche aficionados are bidding farewell to the 718 Boxster. Despite its status as the pied piper for Porsche enthusiasts, this 30-year-old sports car is now being discontinued. Both the open and closed edition, Cayman, meet the same fate due to government regulations. Fortunately, Porsche intends to release a successor, an electric sports car.
For now, dealers are selling the remaining Boxsters for prices as low as €65,968.
Lexus LC500: Bidding adieu to the eight-cylinder and Japanese open-top culture
This model signifies the conclusion of an era. With the sale of the last Lexus LC500, Japan is not only wiping out open-air culture but also ending their prevalence of eight-cylinder engines. The remaining LC500s offer tremendous comfort and superb driving characteristics.
The iconic 5.0-liter V8 turbocharged engine delivers 464 hp and a maximum torque of 530 Nm, bringing 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and reaching its top speed at 270 km/h. Not only do these models offer a unique driving experience, but they also boast long-lasting Toyota quality - a sought-after trait in Germany.
Audi R8: The Dilemma
As another casualty, the Audi R8 Spyder will no longer be produced. Cybersecurity regulations have once again played a role in this decision.
The Audi R8 Coupe will continue to be manufactured. Prices for the last few R8 Spyders begin at €184,000.
BMW Z4: A Fading Chapter
Following this pattern, the BMW Z4 enters the sunset. A total of €55,800 will secure you a 2-seater roadster.
As the Z4 disappears, BMW aficionados will reminisce about the romantic allure of the two-seater roadster and its rich heritage.
Mazda MX-5: The Mazda That's Leaving
The final chapter of the Mazda MX-5, a two-seater roadster, is being written. Cybersecurity regulations are driving this change. If you're interested, dealers have Mazdas available from €31,990.
Fiat 124 Spider: The Departing Spider
The Fiat 124 Spider also bids farewell. This two-seater is closing its doors to the world as cybersecurity regulations take effect. Dealers are currently offering this model for €30,990.
Audi aimed to break free from the budget cars of the VW Group, ascend to the upper classes, and gain respect from the high-speed faction. When the R8 hit the market, it was more about image than financial gain. However, it's been 18 years and 44,000 vehicles later, and the spotlight has dimmed rather than shining bright. The coupe and roadster have only survived thanks to special edition and series models. So, there may not be much sympathy lost for the two-seater, even though it was hailed as the ideal powerslide machine by many.
Inconsolable fans might find solace in the gossip stream. Although there aren't any official plans or public statements, it seems Audi is unwilling to surrender the fast lane without a fight and is plotting a shared successor for the R8 and the buried TT. If that doesn't happen, there's always the Italian cousin at Lamborghini - their days are numbered, but they've announced a replacement in Sant'Agata.
VW T-Roc: The End of the Big Parade
VW is ending a mass movement: The Golf Cabrio is retiring, and soon the open T-Roc will follow. The T-Roc convertible, which is Germany's best-selling convertible under €36,000, doesn't seem to be a profitable venture for the Wolfsburg-based company. As Development Vice President Kai Grünitz stated, the next T-Roc version in 2023 will lack a fabric top and will be available with a fixed roof, signaling the end of a mass movement. Since the Beetle, VW has always had a convertible in their portfolio and often led registration stats.
Jaguar F-Type: An Exquisite Farewell
Jaguar is making an exquisite exit: Before the esteemed British brand fades into obscurity, they're trying to open a new chapter on the Electric Avenue. With the immanent retirement of the relatively common SUVs like the F-Pace and the E-Pace, and the swan song of the F-Type sedan, the days of the 2012-launched sports car, F-Type, are numbered - a unique model with roots in legendary models like the E-Type and the D-Type. And it's grandly saying farewell, as a sports car should: swiftly, confidently, and, most importantly, loudly. This swansong is named R75 and comes with a hefty price tag of €141,800, showcasing a powerful 5.0-liter compressor V8. It cranks out 575 PS, accelerating to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 300 km/h. Yet, even this won't be enough to dodge its demise. For no one at Jaguar HQ is holding back the truth that there won't be any more sports cars - or at least none with an internal combustion engine.
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Volkswagen is also parting ways with some of its convertible models. The Volkswagen Golf Cabrio and the T-Roc convertible, which are popular choices in Germany, will soon be discontinued due to decreased profitability.
Lexus is not just exiting the open-top culture, but also the large engine era. Along with the Lexus LC500 convertible, other automakers are facing similar challenges due to government regulations and the shift towards electric vehicles.
Porsche enthusiasts will be saying goodbye to not just one, but two Porsche models. Apart from the 718 Boxster, the Porsche Cayman, a closed counterpart, will also be discontinued due to cybersecurity regulations, making way for electric sports car models.
Source: www.ntv.de
