Just in time for spring, the stylish, simple-to-stow soft-top…
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1Â (pictured above)
Among four-seat convertibles, the Camaro’s 580-hp engine is second only to that of the $260K+ Bentley Continental Supersports. The supercharged V-8 sits above a magnetic suspension that adjusts the shocks thousands of times a second—a system adopted by Ferrari. $60,000; chevrolet.com
Porsche Boxster S
Fully redesigned for 2013, the longer, lighter, and stronger (now with 315 hp) Boxster proves you don’t have to spend a Wall Street bonus to drive one of the world’s sharpest-handling—and sharpest-looking—sports cars. $60,900; porsche.com
Jaguar XKR-S
The fastest, most powerful series-production Jag in history is both rarefied in its design—long hood, short cabin, lines reminiscent of the old E-types—and just plain rare: This year, Jaguar brought only 25 of these 550-hp soft-top beauties to the U.S., with 100 more en route for 2013. $138,000; jaguarusa.com
Mini John Cooper Works convertible
This is the Mini for aesthetes who also want muscle. The John Cooper Works edition, with a flexible fabric top, packs an impressive 208 hp in its diminutive frame. Call this two-seater cute at your own risk. $35,100; miniusa.com
