© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Fun in the Sun
With summer approaching fast after a year of pandemic-induced isolation, what better way to get out and enjoy the sun — while continuing to remain socially distant — than behind the wheel of a new convertible? And for those who enjoy the drive even more than the destination, adding some high-spirited performance to that open-top experience is the ultimate way to travel. Journey through this selection of convertible sports cars available in America, beginning with the affordable and accelerating toward the exorbitant. Also note an interesting data point: Price per Horsepower, highlighting the best power values in this exclusive group of convertible sports cars. The winner might be a surprise.
© Mazda North American Operations
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MSRP: $26,830
Engine: 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G 4 cylinder
Manual Transmission: Available
Horsepower: 181
Price per Horse: $148.23
Now in its fourth generation, the MX-5 Miata is a thoroughly modern 2-seat roadster, recalling a time when sports cars were more about being light and nimble rather than having voluminous power.
© General Motors
2021 Chevrolet Camaro LT Convertible
MSRP: $32,695
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 cylinder
Manual Transmission: Available
Horsepower: 275
Price per Horse: $118.89
With styling reminiscent of classic Camaros, the current convertible features the first turbocharged engine ever bolted in a production Camaro.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible
MSRP: $32,655
Engine: 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 4 cylinder
Manual Transmission: Available
Horsepower: 310
Price per Horse: $105.34
One of the most iconic vehicles on this list, the Mustang has been a fixture on American roads since its introduction more than 50 years ago.
© BMW of North America
2022 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
MSRP: $38,900
Engine: 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 228
Price per Horse: $170.61
The high-performance variant of the modern version of the iconic MINI, the MINI John Cooper Works is updated for 2022 with a refreshed exterior design, a new instrument cluster and new equipment options.
© Ford Motor Company
2021 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
MSRP: $45,620
Engine: 5.0-liter V8
Manual Transmission: Available
Horsepower: 460
Price per Horse: $99.17
Even with turbochargers becoming more common, Ford still offers the Mustang with a normally aspirated V8 engine. The Mustang GT Convertible wins with the lowest price per horsepower in this list of convertible sports cars.
© Audi AG
2021 Audi TT Roadster
MSRP: $53,900
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 cylinder
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 228
Price per Horse: $236.40
Introduced almost 20 years ago, the TT is currently in its third generation, featuring a sleek design styled to evoke its R8 sibling while keeping the basic shape of the original car.
© BMW USA
2021 BMW Z4 sDrive 30i
MSRP: $49,700
Engine: 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4 cylinder
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 254
Price per Horse: $195.67
Last year BMW brought back the Z4, which now shares a platform with the Toyota Supra; the classic roadster is a welcome addition to the BMW lineup.
© Porsche Cars North America
2021 Porsche 718 Boxster
MSRP: $62,600
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer 4 cylinder
Manual Transmission: Available
Horsepower: 300
Price per Horse: $208.67
The 718 Boxster may be the least expensive of the convertible sports cars in the Porsche lineup, but a few minutes behind the wheel proves it is pure Porsche.
© Audi AG
2021 Audi S5 Cabriolet
MSRP: $60,600
Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged V6
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 349
Price per Horse: $173.64
With full-time quattro all-wheel drive, the Audi S5 delivers great performance to any season.
© BMW of North America
2021 BMW Z4 M40i
MSRP: $63,700
Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 382
Price per Horse: $166.75
BMW launched the new Z4 with the sDRive 30i, and followed up with the M40i sporting a 3.0-liter TwinPower inline 6-cylinder producing 382 horsepower.
© Jaguar Land Rover
2021 Jaguar F-TYPE P300 Convertible
MSRP: $64,700
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 cylinder
Horsepower: 296
Price per Horse: $218.58
The sexy F-TYPE convertible gets a fresh look for the 2021 model year, but — sadly — the manual transmission has been discontinued.
© General Motors
2021 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
MSRP: $68,495
Engine: 6.2-liter V8
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 495
Price per Horse: $138.37
The introduction of the all-new 2020 Corvette marks the first time this legendary sports car has a mid-engine configuration — as well as the first retractable hardtop.
© General Motors
2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible
MSRP: $70,195
Engine: 6.2-liter supercharged V8
Manual Transmission: Available
Horsepower: 650
Price per Horse: $107.99
The ZL1 boasts the highest level of performance in the Camaro lineup — able to launch to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds.
© BMW AG
2021 BMW M4 Convertible
MSRP: $77,650
Engine: 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6 cylinder
Manual Transmission: Available
Horsepower: 425
Price per Horse: $182.71
The highest performance version of BMW’s 4 Series, the M4 stands out with aggressive styling to match its powerful motor. The new M4 Coupe has debuted, although the M4 Convertible continues for 2021 based on the previous generation.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
2020 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet
MSRP: $86,650
Engine: AMG 4.0-liter biturbo V8
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 503
Price per Horse: $172.27
In typical AMG fashion, the tuner managed to shoehorn a powerful V8 engine into this entry-level convertible with entertaining results.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0
MSRP: $89,500
Engine: 4.0-liter flat 6-cylinder
Manual Transmission: Available
Horsepower: 394
Price per Horse: $227.16
A 6-cylinder engine returns to the Boxster with the GTS 4.0, powered by a normally aspirated 4.0-liter flat 6-cylinder engine producing 394 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque.
© Jaguar Land Rover
2021 Jaguar F-TYPE R Convertible
MSRP: $105,900
Engine: 5.0-liter supercharged V8
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 575
Price per Horse: $184.17
Residing at the top of the F-TYPE lineup, the F-TYPE R’s supercharged V8 engine will put a 186-mph wind through any hair.
© BMW of North America
2021 BMW 8 Series M850i xDrive Convertible
MSRP: $109,400
Engine: 4.4-liter BMW M Performance TwinPower Turbo V8
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 523
Price per Horse: $209.18
Returning after a 20-year hiatus, the 8 Series is the new flagship performance coupe / convertible of the BMW line.
© Porsche Cars North America
2020 Porsche 911 Cabriolet
MSRP: $114,000
Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo boxer 6 cylinder
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 379
Price per Horse: $300.79
With one of the most iconic shapes on the automotive landscape, the Porsche 911 debuted in 1963 and continues today as a benchmark among sports cars.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster
MSRP: $127,900
Engine: AMG 4.0-liter biturbo V8
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 469
Price per Horse: $272.71
Although AMG is typically responsible for high-performance versions of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the powerful AMG GT is a standalone model with no corresponding Mercedes-Benz version.
© BMW of North America
2021 BMW M8 Competition Convertible
MSRP: $139,500
Engine: 4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 617
Price per Horse: $226.09
BMW M variants represent the highest performance iterations from the German car company, and the M8 sits at the top of the M lineup.
© Audi AG
2021 Audi R8 Spyder
MSRP: $182,100
Engine: 5.2-liter V10
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 562
Price per Horse: $324.02
As eye-catching today as when it came to market more than 10 years ago, the R8 Spyder is one of the few sports cars housing a V10 powerplant.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
2020 Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet
MSRP: $186,450
Engine: AMG 4.0-liter biturbo V8
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 603
Price per Horse: $309.20
The high-performance version of the luxurious S-Class Cabriolet lineup, the S63 carries a range of technological creature comforts that include an enhanced automatic wind protection system called AIRCAP, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, heated armrests and heated front and rear seats.
© Ferrari S.p.A
2021 Ferrari Portofino
MSRP: $214,533
Engine: 3.9-liter turbocharged V8
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 591
Price per Horse: $363.79
The Portofino is the “entry level” model in the Ferrari lineup that replaces the aging California T. The Portofino employs a retractable hardtop that not only adds stiffness and security, when closed it creates a sleek fastback style.
© Porsche Cars North America
2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet
MSRP: $219,800
Engine: 3.8-liter twin-turbo boxer 6 cylinder
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 640
Price per Horse: $343.44
Porsche introduced the latest generation 911 two years ago, and since then the Teutonic automaker has been rolling out the full range; the latest is the powerful 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, which will sprint to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Aston Martin DB11 Volante
MSRP: $216,495
Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 503
Price per Horse: $430.41
Aston Martin built its reputation creating vehicles that comingle a blend of elegant styling with sports car performance — the DB11 Volante is a perfect example.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Bentley Continental GT Convertible
MSRP: $236,100
Engine: 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 626
Price per Horse: $377.16
Last year Bentley introduced an all-new Continental GT Convertible with fresh styling, a higher level of luxury and improved performance.
© Ferrari S.p.A
2021 Ferrari F8 Spider
MSRP: $274,280
Engine: 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 710
Price per Horse: $385.77
Ferrari has offered a mid-engine V8 sports car and an open-top version since the 1970s — the F8 Spider is the latest member to join that exclusive group.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder
MSRP: $287,400
Engine: 5.2-liter V10
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 640
Price per Horse: $449.06
The Lamborghini Huracan EVO is designed to be bold in both styling and performance, accomplishing both with ease.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 McLaren 720S Spider
MSRP: $315,000
Engine: 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 710
Price per Horse: $443.66
With the highest performance of the convertible sports cars in the McLaren lineup, the 720S Spider features a carbon fiber roof that retracts in 11 seconds. It takes about 3 seconds less to reach 124 mph.
© Aston Martin
2020 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante
MSRP: $329,100
Engine: 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 715
Price per Horse: $460.28
With a top speed of 210 mph, the DBS Superleggera Volante is the fastest convertible the carmaker has ever produced.
© Ferrari North America
2021 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider
MSRP: $350,000
Engine: 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 710
Price per Horse: $492.96
The Pista is part of a new Special Series from Ferrari that sets a new benchmark for spider performance thanks to its powerful engine and emphasis on aerodynamics and weight reduction.
© Ferrari Cars North America
2021 Ferrari 812 GTS
MSRP: $380,000 (est.)
Engine: 6.5-liter V12
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 789
Price per Horse: $480.62
The 812 GTS is the first Ferrari spider with a front-mounted V12 engine since the 1969 Daytona Spider.
© Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster
MSRP: $460,247
Engine: 6.5-liter V12
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 740
Price per Horse: $621.96
Lamborghini’s latest V12 mid-engine model, this Aventador variant delivers power through a 7-speed robotized transmission and all-wheel drive, allowing the Aventador S Roadster to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a mere 3 seconds.
© Ferrari Cars North America
Ferrari SF90 Spider
MSRP: $550,000 (est.)
Engine: 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 hybrid with three electric motors
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 986 horsepower
Price per Horse: $557.81
The most powerful production Ferrari ever, the SF90 features a retractable hardtop. The SF90 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s first plug-in hybrid system that combines a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine with three electric motors — two on the front axle and one located between the engine and gearbox.
© Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
2021 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster
MSRP: $573,966
Engine: 6.5-liter V12
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 770
Price per Horse: $745.41
With a time of 6:44.97, the Aventador SVJ is the fastest production car around the famed Nurburgring racing circuit in Germany.
© McLaren Automotive Limited
McLaren Elva
MSRP: $1,690,000
Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 804
Price per Horse: $2,101.99
Named for and inspired by the McLaren Elva M1A race car designed by Bruce McLaren, the superlight modern-day Elva is an open-cockpit two-seater featuring a carbon fiber chassis, body and seats. The Elva has no roof, windshield or side windows — even so, this convertible can be driven without a helmet or goggles. McLaren has created an Active Air Management System that channels air through the nose of the Elva and directs it at high speed in front of and over the occupants.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ferrari Icona Series — Monza SP1 / SP2
MSRP: $1,700,000
Engine: 6.5-liter V12
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 799
Price per Horse: @2,127.66
The Ferrari Icona Series of special edition models will feature cars inspired by the most exciting Ferraris of the 1950s. The first two Icona models are the Monza SP1 and Monza SP2, intended to honor Ferrari racing barchettas including the 166 MM and 750 Monza.
© Bentley Motors
Bentley Mulliner Bacalar
MSRP: $2,000,000
Engine: 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 650
Price per Horse: $3,076.92
The oldest coachbuilding company in the world, Mulliner has been creating bespoke versions of Bentleys for decades. Named for a beautiful lake on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the Bacalar is a 2-seat open-air luxury grand tourer featuring styling cues from the EXP 100GT concept car.
© Automobili Lamborghini
Lamborghini Sian Roadster
MSRP: $3,297,632
Engine: 6.5-liter V12 hybrid with electric motor
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 819
Price per Horse: $4,026.41
Lamborghini’s first foray into electrification, the Sian Roadster combines its V12 engine with an electric motor producing 34 additional horsepower integrated within the gearbox. Electricity gets stored in a supercapacitor and the electric motor can be used for low-speed operation.
© Pagani
Pagani Huayra Roadster BC
MSRP: $3,500,000
Engine: 6.0-liter Mercedes-AMG V12
Manual Transmission: Not Available
Horsepower: 800
Price per Horse: $4,375.00
One of the most extreme, exclusive vehicles on the road, the Huayra Roadster BC name honors Pagani’s first customer, Benny Caiola. Built using new composite technologies based on carbon fiber and carbon titanium, the Huayra Roadster BC is lighter and stiffer than the Huayra coupe, with the same powerful Mercedes-AMG V12 engine.
