Top Down Roundup — Sophisticated St. Louis

Edited by Matthew Cottrell

Bentley Continental GT Convertible S: Sporting performance and dramatic presence

Inspired by the limited-edition Supersports and extending the breadth of choice in the Continental line-up, the S models are aimed squarely at the performance-focused driver by combining dramatic visual presence with the latest hybrid powertrain and the Continental GT Speed’s chassis technology. The fourth-generation Continental GT S models are the fastest and most powerful yet to carry the S badge.

At 680 PS and 930 Nm, the new S models’ High Performance Hybrid powertrain is 130 PS more powerful than that of the previous generation GT S. Fully deployed, it delivers 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds and powers on to a top speed of 190mph, accompanied all the while by the thrilling soundtrack of a sports exhaust that accentuates the 4.0-liter V8’s “crossplane” beat (the iconic, deep, uneven exhaust rumble of a V8 engine that uses a cross-plane crankshaft). Demonstrating its advanced powertrain engineering, the High-Performance Hybrid even outperforms the previous generation’s W12 Speed powertrain on all power, torque, and performance parameters – while also being capable of up to 50 miles in pure electric mode.

A unique package of exterior design, interior specification, and a dynamic chassis places the new Continental GT S models in a distinctive niche within the range. With their sporting aesthetic and emphasis on the sheer enjoyment of driving, the S models extend the breadth of choice offered by the definitive grand tourer.

BMW Z4 Final Edition: a very limited edition Z4 M40i marking the end of the two-seat roadster’s production.

Since its introduction in 2002, the BMW Z4 Roadster has been thrilling enthusiasts with its unique combination of classic proportions, a purist driving experience, and sporty dynamics. The Z4 Final Edition, characterized by its exclusive BMW Individual paint, unique interior accents, and commemorative badging on the door sill plates, is a special Z4 M40i commemorating the end of production of the iconic 2-seat Roadster.

The BMW Z4 Final Edition will be produced in very small numbers from February to April of 2026 in a single, well-equipped configuration. Customers need only choose between a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

Contrasting red stitching in the cabin of the Z4 Final Edition provides a literal common thread that ties together the instrument panel, center console, door panels, and M Sport seats, which are trimmed in Vernasca leather and Alcantara. The floor mats feature red piping, and the special door sill plates are inscribed with “Z4 FINAL EDITION”. The seatbelts are trimmed in the M tricolor.

The Z4 Final Edition comes standard with a full range of comfort, convenience, and safety features, including the Driving Assistance Package, the Premium Package, and a Harman Kardon surround-sound system.

Chevrolet Corvette 2027 Grand Sport X: blending heritage-inspired design with a next-generation V8 engine producing more torque than any other naturally aspirated V8 predecessor.

Born in the early 1960s as a limited run of five C2 race cars that competed at tracks like Sebring International Raceway, Grand Sport has long stood for lightweight, track-focused Corvettes that look as fast as they drive. Road-going Grand Sport models have added to the formula of the name with every generation, borrowing features from the fastest cars in each Corvette generation, while maintaining heritage colors, distinct striping, and signature fender hash-marks that once served as ways to tell the original race cars apart.

At the core of every 2027 Corvette Grand Sport X is the next-generation LS6 6.7L V8, which is now Corvette’s primary engine – powering the 2027 Stingray as well. Launching General Motors’ next generation of V8s, LS6 raises the bar for performance thanks to engine architecture upgrades that will soon benefit other V8-powered Chevrolets.

Delivering 535 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque, this naturally aspirated engine sees increases in power and torque across the rev band compared to its predecessor. A larger 6.7L displacement and 13.0:1 compression ratio sharpen response, while a 95-mm throttle body and tunnel ram intake with high-velocity ports move more air to unlock additional power. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission routes all this power to the wheels.

The Corvette Grand Sport X expands the Grand Sport formula with all-wheel drive, creating a chest-compressing 721-hp2 express. It pairs the LS6 V8 at the rear axle with a front-axle electric motor and compact battery pack from the record-setting Corvette ZR1X to create an eAWD Corvette that is as confident in challenging weather as it is on a dry track.

GM’s Bowling Green Assembly will build the Grand Sport lineup with US and globally sourced parts beginning this summer.

Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster: the most powerful open-top ever created by Lamborghini

In April, Automobili Lamborghini presented its latest Few Off model, the Fenomeno Roadster. With a limited production of 15 units, the company says the roadster “represents moments when engineering, design, and pure driving emotion converge without compromise. Radical in concept and striking in appearance, these cars transform performance into an experience that is both visceral and unforgettable.”

The roots of the Few Off tradition can be traced back to the 1968 Miura Roadster, a unique interpretation of the revolutionary car created by Bertone that embodied Lamborghini’s ambition to challenge conventions and explore new possibilities. Decades later, the first true expression of this vision was the Reventón Roadster, which marked the beginning of a lineage of exceptional open top Few Off models. It was followed by the Veneno Roadster, the Centenario Roadster, and the Sián Roadster.

The Fenomeno name follows Lamborghini’s tradition of drawing inspiration from legendary, courageous bulls. In both Italian and Spanish, Fenomeno means “phenomenal”, a name that embodies the power and exclusivity of this extraordinary model, which delivers a combined system output of 1080 CV from a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 that is linked to three electric motors. Capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h in 2.4 seconds, from 0–200 km/h in 6.8 seconds, and reaching over 340 km/h, it combines extreme performance with cutting-edge hybrid technology. It is the most powerful open-top model ever produced by Lamborghini.

“Fenomeno Roadster represents the purest expression of our brand values: visionary design, uncompromising performance, and absolute exclusivity,” Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., said at the launch event. “It is a unique interpretation of driving emotion, created for a select group of customers who seek something truly beyond convention. Each example is conceived as a collectible masterpiece, where engineering excellence meets true bespoke craftsmanship.”

Pagani Utopia Roadster: Blending retro-inspired design with extreme mechanical performance

The Pagani Utopia Roadster is the third creation from the 30-year-old company founded by Horacio Pagani, an Argentine Italian from a humble background. At age 28, he moved to Europe, securing a position with Lamborghini as a sweeper and mechanic, where he quickly worked his way up to become a chief engineer, championing the use of carbon fiber composites and playing a leading role in the development of the Lamborghini Countach Evoluzione.

Horacio Pagani says he designed the Utopia as a direct response to customer demands for simplification, lightness, and a purer, analog driving experience in an overly digital automotive age. Moving away from the heavily aero-focused, spoiler-heavy designs of past cars like the Zonda, the Utopia utilizes over 40 composite material formulations and advanced Carbo-Titanium to deliver a flowing silhouette that delivers open-air exhilaration without sacrificing the structural rigidity, weight, or performance of its coupé sibling. Utopia is powered by a bespoke 864-horsepower, 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine developed by Mercedes-AMG, producing a prodigious 1,100 Nm of torque.

True to Pagani's philosophy of blending timeless aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, the hypercar features an exposed manual transmission and highly detailed mechanical dials inside. The open-top driving experience is enhanced by active aerodynamics, an advanced suspension system, and innovative Pirelli Cyber Tire sensors that relay real-time conditions to the car's driving dynamics controls.

Porsche 911 GT3 S/C: Focused squarely on people who prize visceral, open-air driving.

The 2027 911 GT3 S/C delivers a pure driving experience and combines the lightweight components of the 911 S/T with the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer engine of the 911 GT3, producing 502 hp and 331 lb.-ft. torque. of torque.

The striking carbon-fiber fenders and doors of the 911 S/T, in combination with the black windshield frame, imbue it with an unmistakable look. In line with its positioning as a driver's car, it is only available with the short-ratio and lightweight six-speed GT Sport manual transmission.

The 911 GT3 S/C is the only open-top variant of the current 911 range that is also a pure two-seater – reminiscent of the 911 Speedster from 2019, but in contrast to its predecessor, the 911 GT3 S/C is not a limited production model. For the first time, a Street Style Package is available for the 911 GT3 S/C, allowing you to further adapt the vehicle to your personal taste.

"The new 911 GT3 S/C responds to our customers' desire for sports cars that are particularly fun to drive," said Frank Moser, Vice President 911 and 718 model line.

Rolls-Royce Project Nightingale: an ultra-exclusive, fully electric two-seater open-top convertible

The storied marque’s first issue of its Coachbuild Collection, Project Nightingale, is named after Le Rossignol, French for ‘the nightingale’, and the name of the designers’ and engineers’ house near Henry Royce’s winter home on the Côte d’Azur. While drawing inspiration from high-speed experimental ‘EX’ Rolls-Royces of the 1920s and 1930s, this forward-thinking production concept is constructed using the Rolls-Royce Architecture of Luxury aluminum spaceframe and powered by a fully electric drivetrain that delivers a uniquely silent open-top experience.

“Some of the most discerning Rolls-Royce clients in the world asked us for our most ambitious work,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Car. “We responded by bringing three things together that have never coexisted within our brand: the complete design freedom of coachbuilding, our powerful, near-silent all-electric powertrain, and a uniquely potent yet serene expression of open-top motoring – an experience that only this technology makes possible. Achieving this required the same audacious mindset that drove our co-founder, Sir Henry Royce, to create his radically different experimental ‘EX’ motor cars of the 1920s. Project Nightingale shares the spirit of those landmark projects and is the most extravagant expression of what Rolls-Royce is capable of today.”

Limited to 100 examples, it’s available to purchase by invitation only to aesthete-minded clients with a deep affinity for Rolls-Royce design. These select few have begun participating in a multi-year program of private gatherings, curated by Rolls-Royce around the world, that immerse them in the creative and technical development of their motor car in advance of its 2028 delivery.