Hottest Convertible Tops for the Summer!

Summer brings with it many pleasures unique to the season, like barbecues and beach visits. Yet for many car enthusiasts, summer means one thing: Convertible season!

Of course, convertibles are exciting to drive all year round, but when the sun is out and the sky is blue, even those of us who don't consider ourselves to be car experts may feel the itch to cruise around with the top down.

If you're in the mood for a convertible this summer, you could choose a used model to save cash or a vintage car to go the classic route. But if you're like most car fanatics, you're probably on the lookout for the latest and greatest - and when it comes to finding the hottest convertibles of the summer, you have many different options to choose from, ranging from Ford to Maserati and beyond.

Perhaps the car of the summer is the brand new Porsche Boxster Spyder, a convertible lover's dream come true in terms of both form and function. The curves of the car evoke the classic Porsche 550 Spyder driven by screen icon James Dean in the 1950s. But make no mistake: This car is 21st century all the way, with all of the latest amenities and technologies available for the serious sports car connoisseur.
 
Another convertible that's sure to make waves on the highway in the months to come is the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG.

This hard-top convertible will keep the interior of the car safe in all conditions, and doesn't compromise the clean lines of the car when the top is up. However, the weight it adds means that the model will be both slower on the road and quicker to consume fuel than a soft-top convertible.

At the highest end of the price spectrum, the Bentley Continental GTC Speed comes in at nearly a quarter of a million dollars - but it has the horsepower, speed, luxury and prestige to match.

Unfortunately, if you want to take advantage of the car's ludicrous 322 km/h speed capabilities, you'll have to put the top up, since indulging in the true convertible experience of driving with the top down actually diminishes the vehicle's aerodynamic design.

The Spyker C8 Alleron Spyder actually surpasses the $250,000 mark, bedeviling all but the wealthiest convertible fans.

Yet for a more affordable option, the Ford Shelby GT500 is a relatively reasonable $53,645, with the looks and performance potential of a far more expensive car.

Whatever your budget or personal preferences may be, whether the Porsche Boxster convertible or a Mercedes-Benz, there's a hot new convertible for you this summer.