End of Maybach may jump-start Mercedes S-class convertible

A couple of nondenial denials from Mercedes-Benz execs at the New York auto show this week sure made it sound like there's a convertible coming, based on the redesigned S-class due out next year. If the brand follows its usual practice, the convertible would come out a year or two after the sedan. Significantly, Mercedes-Benz showed the Ocean Drive convertible concept five years ago with a Mercedes-Benz badge, rather than Maybach.

CAR Most Wanted of 2014: Mazda MX-5

By the CAR editorial team First Official Pictures 03 January 2014 18:30 It’s still the ultimate sun-loving, value-packed roadster that’s untouchable this side of a Porsche Boxster. The rear-drive, two-seat MX-5 is an icon and, frankly, fans cringe that it’ll be messed up, such is its consistent excellence.  Mazda’s SkyActiv philosophy should keep standards up, by bringing the 2014 roadster’s weight down. Mazda’s ethos is to optimise every component, from chassis architecture to drivetrains, to boost efficiency and driveability.

Porsche confirms smaller four-cylinder engines

Porsche has confirmed it will reduce its CO2 emissions by introducing four-cylinder engines in the next Boxster and Cayman models. CEO Matthias Müller told Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport magazine that road cars will follow the lead set by the Le Mans Porsche 919 we first saw at Geneva, by being fitted with smaller, turbocharged engines. 2014 Porsche Boxster and Cayman GTS revealed Porsche 919 Hybrid at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show Although Porsche hasn’t officially given any performance figures for the new four-cylinder petrol engine, Müller reportedly said it would boast up to 400hp – making it more powerful than the outgoing six-cylinder models, including the range-topping GTS unveiled last week.