All-New 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible Breaks Cover

Bentley's brand-new topless Continental GT is here, combining open-top driving thrills with supreme opulence.

It was back in September 2017 when Bentley presented the all-new third-generation Continental GT at the Frankfurt Auto Show, setting a new pinnacle for luxury grand tourers. Now, just over one year later, the covers have come off its convertible counterpart, combining open-top driving thrills with supreme opulence. The Coupe’s elegant, sculpted styling has been carried over to the all-new 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible, which looks just as exquisite without a fixed roof.

Speaking of which, the electric folding fabric roof can be deployed or stored in 19 seconds at up to 30 mph, transforming the Continental GT Convertible from a luxurious coupe into an open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button. Seven fabric hood colors are available, including a swanky tweed finish for the first time. A newly designed neck warmer, which is both warmer and quieter than the previous model, is seamlessly integrated into the heated seats, optimizing efficiency and airflow around the electrically adjustable headrests.

Compared to its predecessor, the 2019 Continental GT Convertible is five percent stiffer and 20 percent lighter, but it still has a kerb weight of 5,322 pounds making it slightly heavier than the coupe version, which tips the scales at 4,947 pounds.

Powering the open-top grand-tourer is Bentley’s wonderfully powerful 6.0-liter W12. Like the coupe, the engine produces 626 horsepower and is connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The dash to 62 mph is completed in 3.7 seconds, which is just a tenth of a second slower than its fixed roof sibling. Top speed still sits at a scintillating 207 mph.

Inside, you’ll find the finest selection of high-quality leathers and rare wooden veneers, as well as a heated steering wheel, seat heaters and new heated armrests, ensuring passengers will travel in sumptuous comfort. According to Bentley, the new Continental GT Convertible is as quiet as the previous-generation Continental GT Coupe thanks to “combination of roof insulating materials and operating mechanism, combined with sealing system improvements and acoustic treatments.” Rear legroom is identical to the Coupe, too. Elsewhere, the cabin features a configurable digital instrument cluster and a rotating 12.3-inch infotainment display.

As standard, the all-new Continental GT Convertible rides on 21-inch Five Tri-Spoke wheels, with the option of 10-Spoke and 22-inch Five Open-Spoke wheels. Each design is offered in a selection of ten polished and painted finishes. Pricing for the 2019 Continental GT Convertible hasn’t been announced yet, but expect it to be even more expensive than the Coupe, which starts at a wallet-crunching $225,000.

New Audi A1 Breaks Cover With More Powerful S1 To Follow

Meanwhile, Audi fans in the US weep because we can't have it.

Although we've never received the Audi A1 in the United States, it has always been one of our favorite models from the German brand. Think of it like a shrunken down Golf GTI with a nicer badge and an up-market interior. Audi has been teasing the next-generation A1 for a while now, and it is finally here. Images of the car leaked on the internet prior to its initial reveal, but we now have all of the juicy details about Audi's smallest car. Although it won't be sold in the United States, simply seeing this new car is enough to make us yearn for it.

New sports cars are getting bigger, so it's refreshing to see a small car that measures just 13.2 feet from end to end. The A1 will be powered by a variety of engines ranging from a three-cylinder producing 94 horsepower, to a 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing up to 200 hp. Power goes out through a six-speed manual or S-Tronic dual-clutch, though the most powerful version will be dual-clutch only. Whomp whomp. Inside, the A1's cabin looks upscale yet funky thanks to Audi's virtual cockpit display and GTI-style yellow plaid seats. On the exterior, we appreciate the Q2-inspired C-Pillars and the aggressive vent in the hood.

Enthusiasts who crave even more power from their supermini will not be disappointed, as Autocar reports that a more powerful S1 will soon follow. The S1 will utilize the Volkswagen Group's EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing around 250 hp going out to a Haldex AWD system. 0-60 mph should take just 5.9 seconds, and of course, it won't come to America.

2019 BMW Z4 Finally Breaks Cover At Pebble Beach, And It's A Beauty

Quite the stunner, isn’t it?

Last year, BMW unveiled the beautiful Concept Z4 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and we’ve been eagerly anticipating the production model ever since. Fast forward one year later, and the 2019 BMW Z4 has finally broken cover in all its production glory at the same location after months of tantalizing teasers and leaked photos – and it looks sensational from every angle.

While most concept cars are significantly toned down when they enter production, the Z4 looks a lot like the striking concept, sporting an athletic exterior, vertically stacked headlights, a long hood, and a prominent kidney grille with a large mesh design. Large intakes tucked behind the front wheel arches optimize the airflow, while a a central driving position, and an integrated rear spoiler add to the Z4’s sporty character.

BMW has only released details about the Z4 M40i First Edition launch model for now, which will feature specific design and equipment features. It’s finished in Frozen Orange Metallic combined with an electrically operated textile soft top in anthracite with silver effect. BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line, black exterior mirror caps and two-tone 19-inch light alloy wheels with a double spoke design round off the exterior highlights.

Inside, the interior of the First Edition model features Vernasca black leather trim with decorative stitching, electrically adjustable seats with memory function and a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. For the first time in a BMW roadster, the Z4 also gets adaptive LED headlights and a Head-Up Display, as well as the next-generation Live Cockpit system with two high-resolution digital displays.

As expected, the BMW Z4 M40i First Edition is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. Power figures have yet to be confirmed, but the previous reports suggest it should produce around 380 hp. BMW says there will be enough power to propel the sports car from 0-62 mph in roughly 4.4 seconds. It should be a dream to drive, too, thanks to BMW M tuned sports suspension with electronically controlled dampers, M Sport braking system and an electronically controlled M Sport rear differential.

Transmission options haven’t been revealed, but the interior photos suggest it will only be available with an automatic. Full details and specifications will be announced on September 18, according to BMW. The 2019 BMW Z4 30i will arrive in the US in Spring 2019, while the M40i version (including the First Edition) will go on sale in Q2 2019.