The Fastest And Funnest Convertibles For Summer 2012

Scott Burgess | AOL Autos

May 24, 2012

They’re fun, they’re fast and they’re the only vehicle segment that can provide tans to everyone on board: Convertibles.

And this time of year, as the days get longer and the northern states finish defrosting, convertible season has officially arrived for the entire nation. While there are a few staid and stuff rag tops, nowadays convertibles offer everything a hardtop coupe does. Performance, power, and nearly every luxury amenity known to a consumer come standard with the growing number of convertibles offered today. But most important attribute should be fun.

So drop your top and check out our picks for the five best convertibles for speed and fun.

Chevrolet Camaro SS

MSRP: $38,330
Invoice: $36,797
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg City, 24 mpg Highway

It’s mean, it’s powerful and it will blow the doors off of most cars on the road: The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS. It’s 6.2-liter V-8 rumbles at every red light and growls all the way through its short-throwing six-speed manual transmission. It shakes with 426 horsepower that everyone will notice whether cruising down a country road or screaming by on the open highway.

Best of all, it’s taut independent suspension, tight steering and Brembo brakes enhance the car’s performance and leaves a smile on every driver’s face.

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Audi S5 Cabriolet

MSRP: $59,300
Invoice: $55,150
Fuel Economy: NA

It’s grace. It’s elegance. It’s performance that leaves your eyes tearing up from either the wind in your face or you inability to believe a convertible this nice can perform so perfectly on the road: The Audi S5 Cabriolet.

Powered by a either a 3-liter supercharged V6 or a 4.2-liter direct injection V8, the S5 is that perfect mix of power and performance. It’s classic exterior and well-laid out four-person interior make even the most mundane crosstown chore an adventure.

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BMW 650i Convertible

MSRP: $90,500
Invoice: $83,440
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg City, 22 mpg Highway

Snooky should drive this: It’s the Ultimate Tanning Machine.

The new BMW 650i creates 400 horsepower with its 4.4-liter V8 and comes with a variety of high-tech features that help make mince meat out of mountain carving.

All-new for the 2012 model year, this drop-top Bimmer includes a sports tuned suspension, a six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed automatic and options such as adaptive cruise control and night vision.

It’s science and technology at the forefront that can make any driver look as good as a professional.

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Porsche Boxster

MSRP: $48,100 - $65,200
Invoice: NA
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg City, 27 mpg Highway

It’s the mid-engine roadster under $50,000. And it’s a Porsche in every sense of the word. What more could a driver ask for?

Powered by Porsche’s 2.9-liter flat six-cylinder engine in the base model, the Boxster still has plenty of punch on the highway. If 255 horsepower isn’t enough for you, there’s always the 310 horsepower 3.4-liter flat six in the Boxster S.

In either case, this lightweight racer makes any road trip a thrill ride. Add to it Porsche’s PDK automatic transmission and a driver won’t have a care in the world except where to put his luggage. But act now, the 2012 Boxster is being replaced by an all-new redesigned 2013 model.

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2012 Aston Martin DB9 Volante Luxury Edition Convertible

MSRP: $211,160
Invoice: NA
Fuel Economy: 13 mpg City, 20 mpg Highway

Even the name sounds expensive.

But 1 percenters should have something to enjoy the open road too. Thus: The Aston Martin DB9 Volante Luxury Edition Convertible.

As one might expect, this particular model, which includes a crystal key fob, comes with every luxury a person could expect and performance no one should underestimate. Under its hood is a 6-liter V-12 that creates 470 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a 1,000 watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound system also available.

With a 0 to 60 mph time well under five seconds, the DB9 convertible is the ultimate in speed and fun. Of course, paying for it may be another story.

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