What Are Roadsters?

Vehicles known as roadsters usually have a convertible body and a two-seater cabin. These models have a very sporty look and are designed to offer customers a fun- filled ride every moment of the journey.

These vehicles are usually very light and with rear wheel drive. Its name comes from English, and it is the term used to describe the old convertible sports vehicles. These models used to have a folding bench housed in the trunk to be able to expand the car seats to four.

In older roadsters there was not even a hood to cover the cabin. These vehicles always left the seats in the air and did not have windows.

One of the most classic models is the Jaguar XK  (model that illustrates our cover), a jewel of the automotive world, manufactured between 1948 and 1961. A more modern model is the Alfa Romeo Spider, originally from 1966 and already beginning to incorporate hood.

Mercedes SLC

This German-made model is an example of modern roadster design . The Mercedes SLC is a multi- faceted vehicle, offering both a small sports car and a fun convertible.

Among its flaws, the interior design of this roadster does not reflect an evolution over the years. Since its launch in 2011, the cabin has hardly undergone any modifications.

Still, as a good roadster , the SLC offers the driver agile handling and immediate response. In addition, its rear-wheel drive provides sportiness when driving with curves.

In short, despite its somewhat obsolete interior, the SLC is a small sports car with a very attractive aesthetic and that offers the guarantee of a brand with as much name as Mercedes. It is the perfect example of a modern roadster .

Lotus elise

With an incredible lightness that can be a curb weight of less than 1,000 kilos, the Lotus Elise is another great example of what the roadster market offers today. With a first version originating in 1994, the Elise has been a shock to the British brand.

Its design, both interior and exterior, offers certain futuristic details, especially in the cabin. The British manufacturer offers a highly rigid roadster built with high-quality materials. It has attractive air intakes throughout the vehicle and a very aerodynamic design.

Of course, as was the case with the Mercedes SLC, not all are advantages. In the case of the Elise, its propulsion system incorporates a four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 2.0 liters.

The negative point of this technology is the 320 hp it offers, which are somewhat scarce when taking into account that it is a supercharged engine. Still, the Lotus Elise is another great example of the design and type of ride that roadsters offer today.

Mazda MX-5

A third example of a roadster is the well-known Mazda MX-5. Launched for the first time in 1989, this model has been reinventing itself to this day, with the name change to the NC series. Its recent face washes have modified the front area of ​​the vehicle but it maintains the same engines as in previous versions.

The NC2 version, launched on the market in 2013, increases the quality of the model by including standard equipment that Mazda previously only offered as extras. In addition, one more gear was included in the manual transmission and the price of the basic trim variant was reduced.

With 920,000 units sold in 2013 since its inception in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 is the world’s best-selling two-seater convertible vehicle. Therefore, it is the perfect and most recognizable example of a roadster that can be found on the road today.

Bmw z4

Finally, another of the best examples of modern roadsters is the also famous Z4 model developed by BMW. This model stands out for its endless hood and its low height. Its aerodynamic aesthetic is characteristic of the models in its segment, as well as the type of driving it offers.

With a very special cornering, whoever gets behind the wheel of the Z4 will be able to experience the most sporty and agile driving. Its interior maintains the usual elegance in BMW models with correct updates.

This model is currently in a pause period, since its latest version has been discontinued. However, the automotive market – and especially sports car fans – eagerly await the launch of the next generation.