BMW’s has announced official details on the new 335is Coupe and Convertible models. The 335is is a detuned version of the 340HP N54 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight six found in the also new Z4 sDrive35is.

The 335is are also the first 3-Series models in the U.S. to be suggested with BMW’s 7-speed DCT (Double Clutch Transmission) with Launch Control. The top speed of the 335is will be limited to 150 mph or 241km/h.

The 335is Coupe makes 0-60 mph (96km/h) runs in 5.0 seconds with the dispensable 7-speed DCT and 5.1 seconds with the manual 6-speed. The 335is Convertible, meanwhile, requires 5.2 seconds for the 0-60mph run whether supplied with the 6-speed manual or optional 7-speed DCT. The 335is has M Style bumpers, the rear with an integrated diffuser, new kidney grille surrounds in high gloss black, Shadowline black window trim, wing mirror caps in high gloss black, and standard 18-inch light alloy wheels in ferric grey color (19-inch are optional).

The 335is will initially be available only in the U.S. and Canada with prices in the States beginning from $50,525 including destination for the 335is Coupe, and $59,075 including destination for the Convertible.

Audi has released the first official teaser shots and basic information about its much anticipated A5 Sportback. This includes details on the entry prices and the engine type. Sportback is the third variant of the A5 series after the Coupe and Convertible. It is five-door coupe with a low roofline and a large hatchback that draws its inspiration from the Sportback concept study revealed in Detroit Auto Show in January this year.

According to Audi the Sportback’s baggage volume of 480 liters or 17.0 cubic feet is nearly equal to A4 Avant. However, there’s also the option to fold the rear seats down and the volume will increase to 980 liters or 34.6 cubic feet.

The engine range of the A5 Sportback will include two gasoline and three diesel engines. The two gasoline units with the capacity of the 2.0-liter TFSI will have an output of 211HP and 350 Nm or 258 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.2-liter V6 will generate 265HP. The engines will be combined with Audi’s all-wheel drive quattro system.

The A5 Sportback is scheduled to arrive at European dealerships in September with an entry price of €36,050 in Germany for the 2.0 TDI versions. A cheaper model of the vehicle is possible to also appear in the middle of 2010. Audi A5 Sportback will not be sold in the U.S. market.

Tomorrow night in Manhattan, Nissan will officially drop the top on the new 370Z Roadster, but before then, a teaser site is up with a singular image of the convertible Z for the world to see.

The convertible Z will be fitted with a power-retractable soft-top rather than the all-too-fashionable folding hard-top, which should keep both weight and complexity in check. The NISMO version is expected to be equipped with a new aero package, along with upgraded suspension, braking and rolling stock and possibly a few tweaks underhood. We’ll be on hand Tuesday evening with cameras and laptops in hand, so check back tomorrow for all the details.

The 2009 Nissan 370Z has already demonstrated itself as one of the best performance bargains on the market, but for those who crave the wind-in-your-hair experience that only a drop-top can deliver, a convertible variant is right around the corner. Nissan will expose the 370Z convertible at the New York Auto Show on April 8th, and according to a Nissan designer we spoke to at the 370Z’s launch, it’s going to look remarkably better than its predecessor.
The crosswise roof-line and misshapen rear will be dispatched in favor of a more fluid canvas roof, because unlike the 350Z, the 370 was designed from the onset as a convertible. As previously denounced, Nissan decided early on that a retractable hard-top was out of the question, primarily due to packaging and weight constraints – not to mention the risk of cannibalizing Infiniti G37 cabrio sales. The 3.7-liter V6 will carry over, along with the choice of a manual or automatic gearbox and Base or Touring trims. Expect a full report from the NY show floor in a few months time.

Infiniti has just put out new pictures and details of its all-new G37 Convertible as the vehicle made its world premiere at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The first-ever G Convertible is located on the latest generation G37 Coupe with which it shares the 3.7-liter V6 engine rated in the U.S. at 325HP. The engine is backed by a choice of an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox.
The four-seater G37 Convertible preserves a coupe-like profile with the top up thanks to a three-piece retractable hardtop that allows the use of a shorter rear overhang and low boot lid. Infiniti says that compared to the G37 Coupe, the Convertible utilizes all-new body panels from the A-pillar back, along with a 28mm wider overall width, broader rear track and modified rear suspension. With a touch of a button on the center console, the retractable hardtop stows in approximately 30 sec, which is about 8 sec more than what the BMW 3-Series Convertible needs for the same process.