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By Andrew Nabors –  May 30, 2017

Top 10 Most Powerful Exotic Convertibles of 2017

Sometimes you just need to go topless. Convertibles seem to be very polarizing to enthusiasts, you either love them or hate them. Sanctioning bodies have all but eliminated them from competition, and Federal crash standards require windshield frames to be made of unobtanium for rollover safety. But a few manufacturers are still willing to build the cars we demand, so let's take a look at the most powerful production convertibles on the market in 2017. 2017 Rolls-Royce DawnAs the long awaited replacement for the Drophead Coupe, the Dawn is not simply a convertible Wraith. It is from the same family as the Ghost, but engineered to be a convertible from tires to the top. Only 20% of components are shared between Wraith and Dawn. The well-insulated top can be raised or lowered at up to 31 mph. Every moving part from the power closing doors to the top itself operates in a silent and graceful manner.• Engine: 6.6 liter Twin Turbo V12• Horsepower: 563• Torque: 605 lb-ft• 0-60: 4.3 seconds• Rolls-Royce Dawn Listings 2017 Lamborghini Aventador SV RoadsterAs the state of the art in V12 powered composite supercars, the Aventador SV Roadster is more of a targa top than a true convertible. It allows for open air motoring once the roof panels are stored in the front compartment. It has full-time AWD with a single clutch automatic transmission. It has 49 more horsepower than the base model, along with improved aerodynamics. The one-piece monocoque chassis is made of carbon fiber, and it is visible throughout the interior.• Engine: 6.5 liters V12• Horsepower: 740• Torque: 509 lb-ft• 0-60: 2.8 seconds• Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster Listings 2017 Ferrari 488 SpiderAs a spiritual successor to the 288 GTO, Ferrari is making V12 power with V6 fuel economy. New composites in the chassis allow it to be light and rigid, with only 110 lbs difference between coupe and convertible. The twin turbos have lightweight TiAl compressor wheels for a quick spool up. The first all-new convertible since the 360, the interior is far more ergonomic than any Ferrari before it.• Engine: Twin Turbo 3.9 liter V8• Horsepower: 661• Torque: 561 lb-ft• 0-60: 3.0 seconds•Ferrari 488 Spider Listings 2017 Lamborghini Huracan Spyder & 2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder Ok, for the sake of repetition we placed these two together. That's because their differences are only external. Audi owns Lamborghini so the drivetrains are identical. It comes down to looks and price. The R8 is 70 lbs heavier thanks to a plush interior and more insulation. Lamborghini offers a deeper exhaust note thanks to high flow mufflers, but both sound the same when the baffles are open. Lamborghini has slightly more aggressive gearing in 3rd to 7th gear which puts more power to the ground, but Audi prefers a lower cruising RPM for the ultimate in ten-cylinder luxury.• Engine: 5.2 liter V10• Horsepower: 602• Torque: 412 lb-ft• 0-60: 2.8 seconds• Lamborghini Huracan Spyder Listings - Audi R8 V10 Spyder Listings 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Z06If you are looking for the latest in fiberglass fashion, the Corvette Z06 convertible starts at $84,445 and offers 29 miles per gallon. One of the few drop-tops available with a manual transmission, it has enough horsepower and torque to get loose at any speed. An innovative stability control system allows drivers to fine-tune the traction, throttle response, and active exhaust to their own liking. A data recorder saves video of your laps along with throttle and G-force data to an SD card in a format that is easily uploaded to social media. It is also activated in Valet mode to catch unscrupulous drivers.• Engine: 6.2 liter Supercharged V8• Horsepower: 650• Torque: 650 lb-ft• 0-60: 2.9 seconds•Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Listings 2017 BMW M6Get it while you can, because the 6 Series coupe and convertible have been discontinued. This year will be a longer model run, but the factory will need time to get ready for the next generation. The F12 chassis is a solid foundation with more structural steel than most other convertibles. Because it was launched in 2012, the 4,500 lb weight is comparable to its contemporaries. This will also be your last shot at a manual transmission, as BMW has confirmed the 5 and 6 Series will not offer a stick in the near future.• Engine: 4.4 liter twin turbo V8• Horsepower: 600• Torque: 590 lb-ft• 0-60: 3.7 seconds• BMW M6 Listings 2017 Maserati GranTurismoThe GranTurismo embodies all that is Italian motoring, and a convertible is the most elegant example. The fabric top follows the same lines as the coupe, with plenty of room for 4 adults. It doesn't need any silly turbos or superchargers because the symphony of a high-winding V8 is all you need. A Centennial edition was released to mark 100 years in the business, and it offers the quality of a coach-built classic with modern performance.• Engine: 4.7 liter V8• Horsepower: 454• Torque: 384 lb-ft• 0-60: 4.6 seconds• Maserati GranTurismo Listings 2017 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante  Aston-Martin's first carbon fiber convertible packs traditional V12 power with incredible aerodynamics. Instead of a giant rear spoiler, the trunk lid incorporates an aero-duct. It preserves the sensuous silhouette. For proper balance, the 8 speed automatic transmission is rear mounted and connected by a torque tube that runs the length of the cockpit. The top dissapears in 14 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. If the wind is too noisy, the Bang & Olufsen audio is rated at 1,000 watts. If you expect compromise in your convertible, look elsewhere.• Engine: 6.0 liter V12• Horsepower: 576 (metric)• Torque: 464 lb-ft• 0-60: 3.6 seconds• Aston-Martin Vanquish Listings 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet The original supercar from Stuttgart has come a long way since 1963, but convertible versions haven't always offered powerful drivetrains. It is still a flat-six, but everything about it is made to perform. The latest in turbocharged technology is a dynamic boost funtion that holds the throttle open to keep the turbines spinning. The Sport Chrono package is now standard and it has bumped up the base price. Center lock wheels and all wheel drive are also standard, but the only transmission choice is the PDK automatic.• Engine: 3.8 liter twin turbo flat six• Horsepower: 580• Torque: 516 lb-ft• 0-60: 2.8 seconds•Porsche 911 Turbo S Listings 2017 Bentley Continental Supersports Ok who really needs a convertible with this much power? Using lessons learned on the Continental GT3-R, the long awaited return of the Supersports has been accompanied by praise and astonishment. Quilted leather is stitched by hand to provide comfort at 205 mph. All-wheel drive is standard, as is the need for 98 octane. Don't worry, it will idle on 93 but full power will be restricted. Objects of this size and stature should not be able to move like this, but it would be fun to show up at the drag strip and race for titles.• Engine: 6.0 liter W12 Twin Turbo• Horsepower: 700• Torque: 750 lb-ft• 0-60: 3.9 seconds• Bentley Continental Supersports Listings

By Andrew Nabors –  April 27, 2017

Top Ten 600-700 Horsepower Production Cars

Our job is to help find new homes for the world's most powerful cars, so we have a finger on the pulse of automotive performance. Of all the new listing we receive, horsepower from the factory seems to have reached a plateau just above 600 horsepower. Of course, hypercars can put more power to the ground, but we have covered them Ad Nausem. So let's take a look at the unsung heroes of the horsepower wars to see how they compare.Yes, the top-level Italians make well over 700, and that's great. But these underdogs are not seeking everyone's attention, they are the logical evolution of everyday cars. No, we didn't include the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon because everyone else is. These cars are on the lot and ready to go. so tell us your thoughts in the comments below. Audi RS7: 605 hp Cadillac CTS-V: 640 hp BMW M6 Competition Package: 600 hp McLaren 675LT Spider: 666 hp Lamborghini Huracan Performante: 640 hp Bentley Continental GT: 633 hp Corvette Z06: 650 hp Aston-Martin DB11: 600 hp Dodge Viper ACR: 645 hp Nissan GT-R Nismo: 600 hp

By Andrew Nabors –  June 30, 2016

Top 10 Cars For Independence Day

In order to celebrate the 240th anniversary of our own #brexit, here are 10 patriotic vehicles for the 4th of July. Tell us which car you'd add to the list in the comments below. Have a happy & safe 4th of July from all of us here at the duPont REGISTRY! 1. 2014 Hennessey Venom GT: Built to bring the top speed record back to the US, the Venom GT went 270.49 mph at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Powered by a twin-turbo Chevrolet V8 making 1,244 hp and 1,155 lb-ft of torque, it is one of the fastest and most powerful production cars ever built. Don't mess with Texas! View Listing 2. 1957 Corvette: Thankfully not resto-modded, this green & beige roadster has all the options. When tuned properly, the fuel injected 283 sounds like freedom as it destroys the rear tires. Not just for showing off, "fuelies" are still very fast by modern standards. Oh, and the four-speed T10 transmission along with four-wheel drum brakes feel great after Leg Day. View Listing 3. 2016 Ford F350 Dually Black Ops By Tuscany: If you haven't seen Hankook's latest all terrain tire in 37", this truck has six of them. Riding on a 6" suspension lift, this 6.7L Powerstroke Diesel offers 440 hp and 860 lb-ft of torque. View Listing 4. 1996 Dodge Viper RT/10 Shelby: Since Mr. Shelby was a major contributor in taking the original Viper from concept to production, Dodge and Shelby American joined forces to build 19 special edition Vipers in 1996. Instantly recognizable thanks to the open front grille, the design was meant to evoke memories of the original Shelby Cobra.  View Listing 5. 1987 Buick GNX: " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> was the last rear-wheel drive Regal. Buick engineers knew the Regal would transform into a boring commuter car for 1988, so they went wild in '87. Only 547 cars were built, being transformed by McLaren Performance Technologies into turbocharged monsters.  View Listing 6. 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited HEMI: Starwood Motors has a slight obsession with HEMI powered Wranglers. Powered by the same V8 found in the SRT 392 Challenger, it offers 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque to locking Dana axles. HID headlights and LED fogs will set the woods on fire, as critters run from the sound of dual 3" stainless exhaust. View Listing 7. 2016 Dodge Challenger Hellcat: With a name from a ferocious WWII Naval Fighter, the Hellcat is a 707 hp maniacal Mopar. The most horsepower of any production American car is made by supercharging a 6.2L V8 along with your choice of manual or automatic transmissions. If you need four doors, the same drivetrain is also found in the Charger Hellcat. View Listing 8. 2005 Ford GT Twin Turbo: If superchargers don't excite you, this wild GT packs two giant turbos to make 745 horsepower at the wheels. The thirst is real, and four fuel pumps feed 116 octane to 1" fuel rails. A new 5.4L block is packed with forged internals to handle the boost, and Sparco 4pt racing harness holds you in place. View Listing 9. 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe: You might have a hard time finding an original Daytona Coupe since only 6 were built. Replicas are more user-friendly than the original race cars, and this one packs a Mast Motorsports supercharged LS3 tuned to 820 hp and 713 lb-ft. Nothing is more American than Daytona on the 4th of July. View Listing 10. 2009 AM General Armored Hummer H1: To protect our troops from IED blasts, many hummers were armored thick steel plates on the doors, roof and ceiling. This might be the most American vehicle on this list, since our State Department has restricted sale to US Citizens only. The bomb-proof ride weighs in at only 12,100 lbs, and it has Air Conditioning designed for the Iraqi desert. View Listing

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