Open Season

Convertibles can make a mere car ride feel like a vacation. Here’s a sampling of what’s new and interesting among dozens of drop-tops available. Not in the market for new wheels? Vacation-area auto rentals offer plenty of open-air options, including Mustangs, Miatas, Corvettes, PT Cruisers, Jeep Wranglers, and Chrysler Sebrings

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Bentley GTC // The British Bentley marque is reborn since its acquisition by Volkswagen, and the GTC Speed is its most powerful convertible ever. Based on the gorgeously muscular Continental GT coupe, the standard GTC’s 6-liter twin-turbo W-12 pumps 553 ground-pounding horses through a 6-speed automatic transmission, and the GTC Speed ups that to 600 ponies and a not-in-my-neighborhood 200-mph top end. You can have it with dark or bright turned-aluminum inserts to set off its diamond-quilted, leather-lined cabin. $202,000

BMW Z4 // Some deemed the previous Z4 ungainly, but this svelte new one closes that discussion. In addition to a choice of 255-hp or twin-turbo 300-hp 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine under its long, low hood, it offers a slick aluminum hardtop that retracts in 20 seconds and occupies minimal space in its 9.2-cubic-foot trunk. Choose between 6-speed manual or automatic and from a range of powertrain and suspension settings available through the standard Dynamic Driving Control. $50,000

Cadillac XLR // Today’s retractable hardtop XLR includes the ultra-luxury Platinum and the ultra-hot XLR-V. The former packs a 320-hp 32-valve DOHC VVT Northstar V-8, the latter a hand-built 443-hp supercharged version. Both feature Magnetic Ride Control, Adaptive Forward Lighting, hand-cut and sewn leather with wood or metal trim, and a suede-like Alcantara headliner. $87,000

Chevrolet Corvette // In 505-hp Z06 and 638-hp supercharged ZR1 form, the Corvette offers super-car capabilities at reasonable prices, while even the basic 430-hp convertible optimizes its grins-per-dollar ratio. Variable-ratio power steering and a rear-mounted 6-speed manual gearbox are standard; 6-speed automatic, a power top, custom-wrapped leather, and Magnetic Ride Control are optional. $54,000

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