Righteous Roadsters

Taking a weekend road trip this summer? Heat things up with one of our favorite sun-catching summer rides.

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

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In recent years, retractable hardtops have proliferated in the convertible segment, but none can touch the first of the modern wave: the Mercedes SL. On sale now as a 2009 model, the high-performance SL63 AMG (which replaces the SL55 AMG), features some important revisions to this modern classic. The most noticeable change is the more menacing front end (similar to that of the latest C-Class sedan). The real difference is under the skin. Cars from AMG (Mercedes’ in-house performance division) have always been about brute force. Now mated to the SL63’s fire breathing 518-hp V8 comes a bit of finesse: a new automatic seven-speed transmission with five settings including sport, sport plus and manual. The SL has always been the top long-distance, drop-top cruiser; now, it’s starting to act more like a serious sports car. $133,000; www.mbusa.com

Chevrolet Corvette

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Gas prices be damned – American muscle is alive and well! Just ask the folks frothing at the mouth for the forthcoming Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. But all take a backseat to the most storied American sports car: the Corvette. Already known as the best power-to-price deal on four wheels, the 2008 Corvette Roadster gets an all-new V8 rated at 430 hp and 424 lb-ft. of torque – good for staggering straight-line speed. Cabin quality, the bane of most current GM cars, could be better, but the dual-cockpit layout is spacious and ergonomic. There is plenty of trunk space even with the cloth top stowed. For a serious sports car, the ride is extremely compliant, making the Corvette great for longer trips. However, like a weightlifter who skimps on cardio training, the brawny ‘Vette could stand to tone up some of its muscle in form of more crisp handling. $54,575; www.chevrolet.com/corvette

Porsche Boxster

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Last month, we gushed over the Porsche Cayman coupe. And since the Cayman is, in essence, a fixed-roof Boxster, here we go again… The Boxster is damn-near flawless, as responsive and nimble as can be, making even the slightest bend in the road an exhilarating experience. If the base model’s 245 hp and 201 lb-ft. of torque sound inadequate (trust us, they are not), spring for the S model which is massaged for an extra 50 horses and 50 lb-ft. of twist. The so-called “Bose High End Sound Package” leaves much to be desired, but the sound of Porsche’s signature flat-six engine revving behind your head is about as melodious as it gets. $45,800; www.porsche.com/usa

Mazda MX-5 Miata

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“Oh no” were our exact words when our Mazda MX-5 Miata arrived in a retina-scorching shade of red that makes day-glo seem muted. Of course, as soon as we started driving, it was “oh yeah!” all the way. Punch the throttle into any kind of corner and the mini-Maz proves its mettle. Rear wheel drive, hypersensitive steering and a power-to-weight ratio that makes its 2.0-liter 166-hp engine seem boundless all make for good times on the twisties. Longer trips? Not so much. The seats have two positions: close and closer. As for cargo, the MX-5’s trunk makes your average glove box seem palatial. The MX-5, available in soft-top and retractable hardtop varieties, is probably the best value weekend toy around. Just be sure to pack light. And stay away from red. $21,285 (base MSRP with soft top); www.mazdausa.com

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