Convertible Supercars Lead 2014’s Summer Trends
From the McLaren 650S Spider to the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, this summer’s most talked-about cars are high-performance convertibles with a focus on speed and style.
Convertible supercars are dominating the conversation for summer 2014, as manufacturers prioritise open-air performance and aggressive styling. The McLaren 650S Spider, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, has quickly taken the spotlight, replacing the 12C Spider and offering a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 with 641bhp and 680Nm. Its lightweight construction means only a 40kg increase over the coupe, and it lines up directly against the anticipated Lamborghini Huracan Spider and the Ferrari 458 Spider.
Supercars with the roof down
Ferrari’s 458 Spider remains a favourite in the segment, with its 4.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 producing 562bhp and 540Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. While the 458 Spider is now three years old, it continues to define the Italian drop-top experience, though a successor is expected in the near future.
Lamborghini’s Huracan Spider, though not officially launched at the time, was widely expected to feature the 5.2-litre V10 from the Huracan coupe, delivering 602bhp and 560Nm. The soft-top was set to add only a few kilograms to the coupe’s kerb weight, maintaining the model’s performance credentials.
Porsche’s 918 Spyder sits in a different class. As a hybrid hypercar, it combines a 4.6-litre V8 with two electric motors for a combined 887bhp and 1,275Nm. The 918’s 0–100km/h time of 2.6 seconds and a claimed top speed of 345km/h put it in rarefied company, rivalling the McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari, but its roadster body style makes it relevant to any summer convertible discussion.
Sports convertibles for broader appeal
Jaguar’s F-Type Roadster, introduced at Goodwood in 2013, targets buyers after British style and a choice of performance levels. The range includes a 3.0-litre V6 in 335bhp and 375bhp forms, and a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with 488bhp. The F-Type’s chassis and exhaust note have drawn attention from those considering Porsche’s convertibles.
BMW’s M4 Convertible offers something different: space for four adults and everyday usability, paired with a 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged engine producing 425bhp and 550Nm. The M4’s 0–100km/h time is 4.3 seconds with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
Alfa Romeo’s 4C Spider, shown at Geneva, brings a lightweight carbon-fibre chassis and 1.75-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the market. Its 240bhp output and 350Nm torque enable a 0–100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h. The 4C Spider’s focus on simplicity and driver involvement has attracted buyers looking for a purer open-top experience. For more on the 4C’s development, seeAlfa Romeo to Reveal Production 4C Sports Car Next Summer.
What’s driving the trend?
The current crop of summer convertibles reflects the demand for cars that combine performance with open-air driving. While the top end of the market is dominated by high-output supercars and hybrid hypercars, there is also appetite for lighter, more accessible sports cars. Buyers are increasingly looking for models that balance striking design, performance and everyday usability, with manufacturers responding across the price spectrum.
- McLaren 650S Spider: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8, 641bhp, 680Nm
- Ferrari 458 Spider: 4.5-litre V8, 562bhp, 540Nm
- Lamborghini Huracan Spider (anticipated): 5.2-litre V10, 602bhp, 560Nm
- Porsche 918 Spyder: 4.6-litre V8 + electric, 887bhp, 1,275Nm
- Jaguar F-Type Roadster: 3.0-litre V6 (335/375bhp), 5.0-litre V8 (488bhp)
- BMW M4 Convertible: 3.0-litre straight-six, 425bhp, 550Nm
- Alfa Romeo 4C Spider: 1.75-litre turbo four, 240bhp, 350Nm
