All-new BMW 4-Series Convertible breaks cover

Behold! BMW's latest beautiousness has been revealed! Okay, I'll admit to really liking convertibles. The first cars I drove as a teen were convertibles. I've owned a Cougar convertible and an MGB sports car (vintage shall we say?), As the world has changed, so has the vehicles I drive like most folks. Where I live it was 117 degrees the other day which is not conducive to top-down driving. But I digress. What we have here is BMW's latest cabriolet, the 4-Series Convertible. It will be available in Germany in numerous permutations, with gas, diesel, and mild hybrid drivetrains. Here in the US, we'll see the gas versions (four- and six-cylinder) and maybe the mild hybrids. (The mild hybrids use four-cylinder engines mated to a small hybrid drive that increases power and fuel efficiency. Interestingly, the diesel mild hybrid gets more than 40 mpg. See media release after the "read more" jump.) I like the look of the new grille which was first seen on a BMW concept EV. While processing these pics, I was struck by how Audi-like the new car looks. Don't get me wrong, the A5 Cabriolet is a looker. Maybe it's the rounded rump over the rear wheels of the 4-Series Convertible that does it. Anyway, the previous convertible had a hard metal plastic roof while the new 4-Series Convertible has a fabric folding top like in the olden days. Of course today's soft tops are far superior in terms of quietness and weather protection (My MG leaked like a sieve, but I loved it anyway). The real point is that this new 4-Series Convertible provides all the fun, luxury, tech, and sporty driving you could want and more. That is if you have the bank account of course. All of BMW's suite of tech and features are either standard or optional. The 4-Series Convertible will go into production later this year for Germany and the EU. Expect US arrival in Spring 2021 (my guess).

Source: BMW - Media release and pics

Mini Convertible Sidewalk Edition Drops its top in time for Springtime Cherry Blossoms

Mini's vehicles are about sportiness, efficiency, and fun and the 2020 Mini Convertible Sidewalk edition is special-edition fun. Shown is a Cooper S model with the turbo four (192 hp) and a seven-speed automatic. What makes the Mini Convertible Sidewalk special is the edition-specific Deep Laguna Metallic paint and matching stripes (see right). Also on hand are Anthracite seating with Petrol and Energetic Yellow contrast stitching, 17-inch light-alloy Scissor Spoke two-tone wheels, and a soft-top roof with a woven-in arrow design. The Mini Convertible Sidewalk edition can also be ordered with the 1.5-liter inline-three cylinmder (102 hp) and six-speed manual of the base Cooper model. As with all Mini's (and most every car available today) you can order your new drop-top with as many of as few options and extras that you like and your budget will allow. I like how these pics contrast the car against the cherry-blossom backdrop.Check out the two press releases and pics after the jump. Now if that dang virus would just go away. Top down, masks on!

Source: Pictures and press releases courtesy of Mini. More after the "read more" jump.