The sun's out, so it's time to oggle over some flash cars for summer show-offs. Put on a baseball cap, slap on the factor 30 and take to the roads in an ostentatious drop-top.
1. Audi R8 V10 Spyder (2010-2012)
The R8 V10 may lack the draw of a top-notch supercar, but it has the heart and soul of a super-quick and well-balanced sporting convertible.
It’s thrilling, too, thanks to a mid-mounted 518bhp 5.2-litre V10 that’s related to the one in the Lamborghini Gallardo. It drives all four wheels, providing enough thrust and traction to hit 62mph from rest in 4.1sec and a breezy 194mph flat out. A canvas roof keeps weight low and the handling is rear biased for fun. You can choose either a six-speed manual or an automated R-tronic transmission.
See Audi R8 V10 for sale on PistonHeads
Quality is first class and problems are few, but you’ll need deep pockets to buy such a thing. Prices start at £60k for a 2011 example.
2. Bentley Continental GTC (2006-present)
If you want to waft effortlessly across continents in great style while soaking up the rays, the car in which you should do it is the fast, refined, beautifully finished and elegant Continental GTC.
Performance is as you’d expect from something with a 552bhp 6.0-litre twin turbo W12 muscle to flex, with a 0-62mph time of just 4.8sec and a top speed of 195mph. The GTC will whisper around town and growl out on the open road, if you want it to. It also rides and handles surprisingly well, aided by four-wheel drive, while the leather and wood interior is suitably cosseting, with room for four.
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Convertibles?