Two years ago the auto industry was in disarray but we can already see from the ongoing 2012 Chicago Auto Show that things are beginning to pick up. New car sales will always be hit hard because it’s a huge expense and the public would rather a more stable economy before they even consider a new vehicle. As you would expect there have been some great cars on show in the Windy City and because we are a few months off from the hot season it seems fitting to view 3 of the 26 new convertibles, which we feel are the best from the show.
Depending on budget and taste the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible has to be the best of the three because with the top down you will be able to hear those 650 horses of pure power, which is almost 100 horsepower more than the Camaro ZL1. All that power comes from the 5.8-liter V8 engine and has a supercharger thrown in for good measure, which ensures a smooth pickup in power when compared to a turbo.
Most convertibles add a little extra weight for more strength to the frame becasue it does not have a roof to make the car stiffer, thankfully there is a huge set of Brembo brakes and Bilstein shocks to handle the extra power from that engine all of which is channeled through an improved 6-speed manual transmission.
Next up we have the 2013 Chevrolet 427 Corvette 60th Anniversary Package, which we have to say looks awesome on its own but lacks the aggressive feel when parked next to the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible. The 427 doesn’t have as much power as its rival but there’s still 505 hp on call for when you need it, all of which comes from a huge 7.0-liter V-8 LS7 engine but it’s those extra features that make this model very special.
The rear spoiler has been changed for this special edition, there is also gray brake calipers, limited edition wheel center caps and a diamond white leather for the interior. To us it doesn’t matter if the 2013 Chevrolet 427 Corvette 60th Anniversary Package has less power because it all becomes irrelevant once you reach a certain speed and your ears struggle to cope with the wind from not having a roof.
For those who would rather have a more practical drop top then maybe the 2012 Mazda Miata Special Edition is more for you, it’s not only much tamer but the price is more realistic as well. There is to be just 450 of these vehicles with a smaller 2.0-liter 167hp engine but what this lacks in power more than makes up for in handling and fun factor, which are two of the most important features of a car like this. Some of the main features are Bilstein shocks, sports suspension, LSD and a choice of two superb paint finishes. For more details on all three cars view the videos that we have embedded for you below.
For details on all 26 convertibles from the 2012 Chicago Auto show then visit their official website.
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