By Gaywheels.com Staff Writers
The editorial staff at Gaywheels.com is always being asked for advice on car buying. With summer on its way, the talk inevitably turns to those versatile vehicles that we seem to love so much – the convertible. Once a rare breed on American roads, they’ve reappeared in numbers and variations once thought to be impossible. We’ve taken on the task of choosing 9 hot gay-friendly convertibles for 2006. This is by no means a complete list so visit our New Car Section to find the perfect convertible for your style and budget.
Under $30K
2007 Saturn Sky
Saturn’s new “halo car” is one helluva looker and is sure to garner all kinds of attention when cruising down the boulevard or speeding down the freeway. With a base price of under $24K and more standard equipment than its corporate cousin Pontiac Solstice, we finally have an affordable alternative to the venerable Mazda MX-5. The Sky is available with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. If the 177hp engine isn’t enough for you, a turbo-charged Sky Redline with 260hp will be available this fall.
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
The Eclipse Spyder took a year off from the American roads and from the looks of it somebody had some “work” done. Thankfully, Mitsubishi spent the money and the result is a beautiful, curvaceous body with Jay-Lo booty and the dance moves of Miss Jackson. At $25,389 for the base convertible and a V6 still under the $30K mark, this is a sporty, sexy four seater that we can all afford.
Pontiac G6 Convertible
Pontiac, YES, Pontiac brings the first American 4-seater retractable hardtop since Ford introduced the Skyliner in the 50s. With the safety and security of a metal roof and the ability to drop that top at the push of a button, the G6 Convertible offers the best of both worlds. Starting at $28,490 for the base V6 GT and only $29,990 for the 227hp GTP, Pontiac brings us European design and technology without breaking the bank. So, do as the Pontiac ad campaign says and “Get Hard”.
Under $55K
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
There is nothing like the number 8. Some people would say it is too much, others, not enough but generally speaking the majority of us really love 8…and yes, we are talking cylinders. The American V8 is a thing of beauty and few do it better than Chevrolet, especially in their Corvette. The latest iteration is the most refined, sensuous, desirable beast yet to come from GM. It may not have the cache of some of its European rivals but if you are looking for affordable performance that you can live with while getting a tan, the Corvette should be on your list. A 6-speed manual 6.0L V8 starts at $51,390.
Mercedes Benz SLK280 & SLK350
Driving the SLK350 is like finding the perfect pair of jeans. It may be a little pricey but DAMN it makes you look and feel good. Add to that amazing performance and you have a perfect match. With two V6 engines, the beautiful design and stunning driving characteristics can be had starting at $42,900. Both can be matched to a brilliant 7-speed automatic and come with a fully automatic retractable hardtop. And, unlike its Bavarian competition, nobody will question the beauty of the sheet metal.
Volvo C70
Our Swedish friends at Volvo are known for their safety so it would make sense that the new C70 would have a retractable hardtop. This four-seater is the replacement for both the old C70 coupe and convertible and early indications is that it is a worthy improvement. While not the most athletic vehicle in its class, it offers style, safety and luxurious comfort with the security of the hardtop when needed. Swedish suntans start at $38,710 for the 6-speed manual.
IF YOU HAVE TO ASK, YOU CAN’T AFFORD IT
Jaguar XK Convertible
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Yeah, show me someone that doesn’t think the 2007 Jaguar XK Convertible is beautiful and I’ll show you someone that has no pulse. While the last generation XK was a looker, the 2007 XK simply knocks your socks off. In addition to good genetics, it has room for 4 (with the 2 rear seats being for those of smaller stature) and a usable trunk. But those are practical considerations and as the Jaguar ads have been telling us, he XK is about being Gorgeous. Driving one won’t make you look like those hotties in the ads but it will certainly help! Rolling elegance begins at $80,835
Cadillac XLR-V
With the launch of the XLR-V, it is official, Cadillac is not messing around. While some might argue about the design and the ability for an American brand to command a near six-figure base price, the numbers make no apologies. With a 443hp supercharged V8 and a 0-60 time of less than five seconds we’d say Cadillac is ready to throw down with the big boys. American badass luxury starts at $97,485.
Bentley Continental GTC
Take a moment and look at the photo of the Bentley Continental GT Convertible. Now, close your eyes and repeat after me “552hp, twin-turbo12-cylinder engine with AWD”. Need we say any more?