Only the top is soft in new Audi A5/S5 cabriolet

Audi is bucking the trend among luxury automakers who are churning out hardtop convertibles, as the new A5/S5 cabriolets that will reach these shores in October will be the old-fashioned, soft-top design. While other manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Volvo, among others, offer folding hard-tops, Audi says the compromise necessary to make room for the top and all its mechanical apparatus makes a soft-top the right choice for a small to mid-size convertible. The soft top is well insulated; even during a steady rain during our first drive of the car, the cabin was relatively quiet.

Bentley Continental & Mulsanne Le Mans Limited Edition UPDATED

“There will be 48 of each of the six models (Mulsanne, Continental GT V8 coupe and convertible, Continental GT W12 coupe and convertible and Continental GT Speed coupe) – for a total of 288 in all. Among the 288, the six specification choices are not limited.” Now we know! Bentley has revealed a series of Limited Edition Le Mans cars – either as the Mulsanne Le Mans or Continental Le Mans – to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Le Mans (in which Bentley partook) and the 10th anniversary of Bentley’s victory at Le Mans in 2003. Unfortunately, all the Le Mans Limited Editions are exclusively for North America.

Jaguar confirms F-type engines, XJ Ultimate at Beijing

Jaguar used the 2012 Beijing motor show to announce a raft of new engines - including details of the V6 which will power the F-type and news that a four-cylinder, Ford Ecoboost related petrol engine will be fitted to the XJ. It's downsizing to the maximum. It also unveiled the £123,000 XJ Ultimate, the highest spec yet seen on its aluminium luxury car - replete with champagne cooler, a pair of massaging back seats and iPads for the rear passengers.