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In my line of work, I need to review all types of vehicles in order to remain current. To my wife's chagrin, this also includes road-testing convertibles. It's not that she dislikes open-top cruising; it's simply that the surrounding swirls of cool air always chill her. Heated seats help but now, because of Mercedes' Airscarf, I may never review another drop-top unless it's a Merc.

The Mercedes-Benz SL is arguably the brand's most storied and revered line. From its very beginnings in 1954 as the 300SL hit the stage, it was clear that this was to be a very special car. Now in its 6th generation, this fact remains.

The 2013 Mercedes SL550 is as spectacular to behold and see in motion as it is to drive. With more power than many performance cars and more panache than countless luxury saloons, the SL-Class is worth every penny of the king's ransom required to purchase one.


What is a Mercedes-Benz SL550?
The SL-Class is a retractable hardtop roadster that casts a shadow on all other Mercedes droptops (and many from other makes) save for the uber-exotic SLS AMG roadster.

The Mercedes SL plays double-duty as an equal part sports car and GT cruiser with few if any drawbacks. As a flagship here in North America, the SL is only available with V8 or V12 engines. In other markets, the well-utilized 3.5L V6 serves as the base engine.

The SL-Class is a retractable hardtop roadster that casts a shadow on all other Mercedes droptops. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Price and Specs
The 2013 Mercedes SL550 carries a hefty yet well-deserved base price of $123,900. As tested, my Diamond White metallic SL550 with Premium Package and Magic Sky Control roof retailed for a shade over $137,000.

The turbocharged 4.7L V8 engine develops an easily dispatched 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The only available transmission is a smart and smooth-shifting 7-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.

The turbocharged 4.7L V8 engine develops an easily dispatched 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550
The first element that needs to be addressed is this engine: The V8 puts out a wonderful muted growl upon startup, a sign of good times to come. However, unlike a boisterous V8 from other makes, the Merc's doesn't sound as much as it is felt -- and a delightful feeling it is. Only at WOT does it roar (and majestically at that).

The engine is so smoothly massaged that it almost gives the impression that it is lazy. Never rushed, it delivers its massive power without drama, almost saying that it could do so much more. From 1,800 rpm, all torques are pushing the car, effortlessly launching the Mercedes SL550 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.

Although this may be a large roadster, it refuses to act as such. The surprisingly quick steering caught me off guard the first few times I yanked on the wheel, but I quickly acclimatized to charging the long bonnet along the right line. With all that gusto, it was nice to feel the large cross-drilled discs being clamped down with authority by the great big calipers.

The true beauty of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 is its Jekyll-and-Hyde nature. The transmission plays a large role where it will seamlessly glides from one gear to another when cruising, top down, soaking in the sun and sights. The supremely cosseting Active Body Control (ABC) active suspension levels the road surface, enabling the ability to hover.

At the touch of a few controls, the SL goes from pampered to racy -- the other role it plays so very well. The transmission and ABC in Sport transform the Merc SL550 into a very sporty 2-seater far more capable than its outer dimensions and girth would suggest. Note: The use of ABC in sport seriously requires a smooth patch of tarmac so as not to upset the otherwise poised balance of the car.

At the touch of a few controls, the SL goes from pampered to racy -- the other role it plays so very well. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550
With the top up or down, the SL550 is one of the best physically sorted retractable hardtop convertibles on the road -- it makes the Ferrari California look ugly.

The fact that the SL is likely one of the most masculine roadsters on the road certainly plays in its favour. The large front grille, side strakes, and wheels are all eye candy.

The roof stows away in under 20 seconds, and still allows for a decent 235 liters of stuff in the trunk.

The interior is nothing short of beautiful, in materials, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The most impressive elements are the extraordinary Drive-Dynamic Multicontour seats in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550. They not only hug the occupant in place, but counter Gs with their side bolsters that inflate. Literally, on top of that, we find the aforementioned warm-air blowing airscarfs... Dreamy them seats are.

The interior is nothing short of beautiful, in materials, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The most impressive elements are the extraordinary Drive-Dynamic Multicontour seats. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550
The 2013 Mercedes SL550 is a big player in segment that spans price ranges and vocations; from the Audi R8 Spyder, the BMW 6 Series, Porsche 911, and Chevrolet Corvette convertibles.

Some are sportier than the Merc, but none are as regal.

From GMM

Sahara Force India has hit out at the mid-season tire specification change that, according to technical director Andy Green, was a terminal setback for the Silverstone based team.

And, as Ferrari now turns its full attention to the 2014 challenge, the Italian team has also lamented the move from the original steel-belted 2013 Pirelli tires to last year's kevlar specification.

The move was ostensibly made on safety grounds, but Ferrari and Force India argue that it hurt their performance badly.

Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team

"We started the season in a good way," said Fernando Alonso. "We won in China, we won in Spain and then we seemed to lose a bit of the performance, especially when the 2012 Pirelli tires came back.

"That was probably the point in the championship (where) we said 'bye-bye'," the Spaniard revealed.

Sahara Force India's is a similar story, but perhaps even more dramatic.

"Initially the others couldn't do what Ferrari and us were able to," technical boss Green told Auto Motor und Sport.

"But Red Bull and Mercedes did a really good job of lobbying. That's just unfair. They had the same opportunity as we did to build a car for the 2013 tires -- if they didn't do a good job, that's their problem. But they were rewarded for it instead," he insisted.

The change from steel to kevlar internals may seen academic, but it had a big impact on aerodynamics, Green explained.

"It gave us bad oversteer in fast corners," he said. "The aerodynamics at the rear of the car no longer worked because the tire deformed less."

Green said Sahara Force India then "stopped developing the car and could only react" to the problem "with different ride heights and suspension settings".

In addition with his rally implication with Citroën, Robert Kubica is set to race several rounds of the World Touring Car Championship with the french squad, alongside Sébastien Loeb and Yvan Muller.

Since his competition return in rallying, after his crash in february 2011 that ended his Formula 1 career, Robert Kubica has impressed the Citroën Sport squad. While the Pole, who set great performances in WRC2 driving a Citroën DS3 RR3 modified, is rumoured to enter the main team as a works driver in WRC, he is now set to race selected rounds in WTCC next season.

C-Elysée WTCC. (Photo: Citroën Racing)

"If we are doing something in rally, I will ask Robert to do one or two World Touring Car Championship events," said Matton, head of Citroën Motorsport to Autosport. Maybe some events we can run a test car to let him drive - but for sure he will not be involved as a championship driver next season.

"He is not interested in doing a full championship. But Robert is interested to drive in general and helping us with some advice and giving us some of his experience - he is interested in that, Matton added. He hasn't done any development testing yet. In our agreement from the start of the year, the plan was to let him drive the touring car and I hope that we can do this before the end of the year. He can give very good advice."

IndyCar Series' current leader Helio Castroneves (Team Penske) set the fastest time of the day during official testing held on the 2-mile oval Auto Club Speedway at Fontana.

Castroneves was able to reach a speed of more than 218.3mph which was at least 2 mph faster than the speed set by Andretti Autosport's Marco Andretti's 216.9 mph tour. More than 23 drivers were present for this session in preparation for the grand finale that will be held on the Southern California circuit.

Chevy drivers posted the four fastest times on Tuesday, with Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon, who sits second in the championship, running the fastest lap for Honda with a 216.2 mph lap, which was good enough for fifth.

Will Power at Fontana. (Photo: IndyCar)

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing's Graham Rahal, who set the slowest speed of the day, encountered engine issues at the beginning of the test and ran very few laps before parking his car.

Honda's brand-new twin-turbo V6 engine turned approximately 50 laps during the afternoon with Schmidt Hamilton Racing's Simon Pagenaud at the controls. No issues were reported and speeds in the high 211mph range were set by the Frenchman.

From GMM

The final cost of the project to bring formula one to Russia was massively higher than first estimated.

The Russian business daily Vedomosti reports on Thursday that, instead of EUR 142 million, the race track project at Sochi actually cost 260 million.

The figure was confirmed by Guennadi Saienko, representing the race promoter Omega Center.

"It (the original figure) was a rough calculation, not taking into account many of the necessary requirements of the designer, the company Tilke GmbH, which has supervised the construction," he said.

Photo: Formula Sochi

It had also been claimed recently that an organisational dispute between the promoter and Russia's sanctioning body had meant a key FIA race application date was missed.

But Dmitry Erofeyev, also representing the promoter Omega, said Sochi will be on the 2014 calendar.

"When the calendar is published, you will see our grand prix there, even without an asterisk," he said.

France: Perhaps the love capital of the world? Or is that Italy? Regardless. A love affair that started with a Brit crossed country lines -- and even the English Channel -- as the latest iteration of Bentley's drop-top and I made each other's acquaintance. Starting in London, England and ending up in Le Mans, France (then back again) afforded us some alone time. Whether on rural roads or on the motorways, top up or down, it's not hard to see why this fantastic piece of machinery is turning heads internationally.


What is the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible?
Aside from being as divine as a fresh pot of perfectly brewed English Breakfast tea, this Bentley takes the title of being the world's fastest four-passenger vehicle -- and I'm talking legitimate room for four people, not a 2+2 that holds a couple of individuals and perhaps a Corgi and maybe a dog toy, too.

Unveiled to the world at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible draws its inspiration from its GT Speed Coupe sibling, but with a twist: It goes topless.

Aside from being as divine as a fresh pot of perfectly brewed English Breakfast tea, this Bentley takes the title of being the world's fastest four-passenger vehicle (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible Price and Specs
If 6.0L, twin-turbocharged, W12 and 616 horsepower don't make you weak in the knees, this might: Drop the 8-speed, close-ratio transmission into gear, pop it in Sport mode (a mode that delivers a sharper throttle response and allows gear-shifting at higher engine speeds) and let the tingly sensation consume your inner being.

The potency of its hand-built engine combined with a trigger-happy right foot will leave the hair on your body blowing as you reach speeds of 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds.

Furthermore, if you ever have the chance to truly experience its full glory, the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible has a top speed of 325 km/h. You'll have to excuse me while I freshen up. I think I salivated on my keyboard in the process of writing that statement...

Adding fuel to the already hot fire is the inclusion of a permanent all-wheel drive system. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, this year-round touring vehicle can stand up to the elements without breaking a sweat.

Its MSRP starts at $262,600.

If 6.0L, twin-turbocharged, W12 and 616 horsepower don't make you weak in the knees, this might: Drop the 8-speed, close-ratio transmission into gear and pop it in Sport mode. (Photo: Bentley)

Driving the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
Speed-regulated zones in England and France somewhat restricted the GT Speed Convertible's wrath from being unfurled. That said, there's plenty of excitement and merriment to be honed in on despite certain limitations.

With the top up, the four-layer soft roof does an impeccable job of deadening intrusive sounds trying to manipulate their way inside the serene cabin.

With the top down, enjoy the full benefits of open-air cruising and pay close attention to the opera that comes out of the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible's rifled exhaust pipes. Pavarotti would be pleased to hear such a mellifluous note that penetrates the ears and leaves little to the imgination. It can growl sweet nothings to me all day.

With the top down, enjoy the full benefits of open-air cruising and pay close attention to the opera that comes out of the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible's rifled exhaust pipes. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
While there are shared parts between the Coupe and the Convertible, there are some striking differences, as well. Aside from the obvious drop-top, exclusive 21" alloy wheels, dark-tint grilles and "rifled" exhaust tail pipes characterize the exterior of the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible.

You'll find a matrix radiator grille and bumper air intakes in a dark- or light-tint chrome finish. Not to mention the Silver Lake exterior paint that pops against the cumulonimbus clouds.

Inside, a Linen-coloured hide greets the entrants. It is then accented with touches of imperial blue and burr walnut veneer. The fun doesn't stop there: The optional massage seats ($1,045) are a heavenly touch when embarking on a long journey. There's also the Naim for Bentley premium audio system, which (when not listening to the grunt and burble from the exhaust) had me singing praises (and pop songs) all day long.

The only drawback I found was the minimal storage the boot holds in the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed. There's only 260 litres back there. I know, not very impressive, but it does hold one large and one carry on suitcase. It could be worse. I'm not complaining.

Inside, a Linen-coloured hide greets the entrants. It is then accented with touches of imperial blue and burr walnut veneer. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Comparing the 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
When comparing the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible, there really isn't much that comes close. There is the Aston Martin DBS Volante, but it's technically a 2+2 and only has 510 horsepower -- yes, I said "only!" There's also the Ferrari California (again a 2+2 configuration) with 483 horsepower, and a top speed of 312 km/h.

You could easily say the GT Speed Convertible is in a class of its own, which it is, for more than one reason.

Hyundai will use the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas (November 5-8, 2013) to unveil a more potent version of its Genesis Coupe, with output jumping from 348 to 1,000 horsepower!

Through a partnership with Bisimoto Engineering, the Genesis Coupe's 3.8L V6 received twin Turbonetics turbochargers, a new fuel pump, forged Arias pistons, as well as new cooling and exhaust systems, among other upgrades.

The exterior of this 1,000 hp Hyundai Genesis Coupe includes a massive front grille, Toyo R888 R-Compound tires on 20'' aluminum wheels, and a custom Electric Blue paint. Inside, there are Buddy Club racing seats and harness, a Rywire mil-spec harness, and a digital Racepack IQ3 dash.

Photo: Hyundai

In order to compete with the Ford Mustang, launched in 1964, Chevrolet introduced the production Camaro on September 26th, 1967. Four different versions were made including base, RS, Z-28, and SS, with power ranging from 140 hp to 350 hp. Pricing started at $2,466 USD.

The second generation (1970-1981) was affected by the oil crisis of 1973: Five years later, 5.7L V8-equipped Camaros generated a mere 125 hp vs. 300 hp at the beginning of the decade.

The third generation (1982-1992) gave birth to the famous IROC-Z Camaro, and the fourth (1993-2002) was actually built in Boisbriand, Quebec.

After a 7-year hiatus, the Camaro resurfaced, helped by the success of the first Transformers movie, in which it starred as Bumblebee. Ranging from 323 hp to 426 hp, it continues to fuel passions.

Sources say a sixth generation will be unveiled in 2015.

Photo: old car manual project

Hertz Corporation, one of the world's largest car rental companies, today announced the expansion of its Dream Cars fleet in the U.S. with the introduction of the all-electric Tesla Model S sedan and Tesla Roadster. They will join a number of exotic models including Porsches, Aston Martins, Bentleys, and others.

The Tesla Model S won't be available across the country, however. In fact, only travellers who land at the San Francisco and Los Angeles airports will have access to these cars.

“Customer and industry support for Hertz's Dream Cars has been overwhelming, so adding the Tesla Model S to the already outstanding fleet was an easy choice,” said Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and CEO. “The ability to offer a truly unique driving experience to Hertz customers is a thrill, and the addition of this vehicle shows the passion we have in offering the best and most diverse fleet to our customers.”

Photo: Tesla Motors

With competition growing among automakers and suppliers to develop autonomous driving technology, the industry will be better served by adopting a single standard sooner rather than later, a group of experts said Wednesday.

Peugeot is a brand that is part of a group, PSA, being squeezed in Europe's depressed car market. However, Maxime Picat sees positives for the future based on the company's re-alignment to the needs of growing emerging markets, the Peugeot brand's repositioning based on revitalised products and understanding changing needs in mature markets.

Peugeot is a brand that is part of a group, PSA, being squeezed in Europe's depressed car market. However, Maxime Picat sees positives for the future based on the company's re-alignment to the needs of growing emerging markets, the Peugeot brand's repositioning based on revitalised products and understanding changing needs in mature markets.

In a blip of a promotion that will be over before most consumers know it has started, Nissan will deliver three of its new Versa Note hatchbacks in a box from Amazon.com in the coming days.

Car-sharing company Zipcar said it expanded its Detroit fleet to 40 vehicles from 10.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration received a complaint on Tuesday for the unintended acceleration of a Tesla Model S.

After modifying the Alfa, we headed straight for Germany and the Nürburgring. Our pal Rob flew in from San Francisco to join and follow in a modern rental car.

A Washington anti-union group today filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board on behalf of eight workers who allege they were misled by UAW officials attempting to organize Volkswagen AG's Chattanooga assembly plant.

Auto production in Mexico, which is already at a record level, may get another boost from BMW and Hyundai, which are considering building factories in Latin America's second-largest economy, Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said Wednesday.

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson said today he envisioned a woman running one of the Detroit Three automakers one day, and that it was inevitable in an industry where half the customers are female.

The 2014 Honda Crosstour goes on sale Wednesday with an MSRP of $28,210, including destination. That'll buy you a two-wheel drive EX version.