Performance Trends

Beheaded Beetle
Volkswagen has already shown a prototype convertible version of its market-quaking New Beetle. So it's not surprising to see aftermarket companies trumping the factory by decapitating Beetles before VW can get around to producing its own choptops. The first one to reach MT's attention comes from Special Vehicle Concepts.

Designed by Newport Convertible Engineering, the Beetle droptop is much more than a frivolous hacksaw attack. Beneath the floorpan, the structure is reinforced with a large X-frame, while steel beams are also added just behind the rear seat, under the dash, and along the doorsills. The seatbelts get repositioned upper anchor points, and a manual canvas top is installed. The top itself stacks neatly when folded back, with its edge mimicking the curvature of the Beetle's newly hinged trunklid. The extensive reinforcement is substantial enough so that the doors slam with as much authority as any roofed Beetle's.

Because the canvas top replaces not only the roof but the rear and side windows, and its rear window is a smaller plastic unit, outward visibility is compromised. But that's what they make sideview mirrors for, isn't it? If you've got $11,995 lying about and a Beetle whose steel lid is wholly unsatisfactory, contact ConvertiBeetle Inc., Dept. MT, 8180 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 1004, Scottsdale, AZ 85260; telephone: 602/607-9392; fax: 602/607-9396. Visit the Web site at www.convertibeetle.com or e-mail to Convbtl@aol.com.

Performance Test
SLP Pontiac Grand Prix GTX
In September's "Performance Trends," we drove SLP Engineering's Ram Air-equipped Pontiac Grand Prix GTX, and now we've had a chance to get one on MT's test track. As we expected, the performance gains of SLP's better breathing gives the supercharged 3.8-liter V-6 a bit more gumption, and the 17-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot tires improve adhesion slightly.

Initial acceleration of the GTX is actually a tick behind in the stock GTP where, we posit, the extra mass of the larger wheels and tires extracts a small toll. As speed builds, and the car reaches a velocity where the Ram Air effect comes into play, the GTX demonstrates a slight advantage that builds to a significant 0.6-second-better 0-90-mph clocking. In around-town driving, the GTX's acceleration is virtually indistinguishable from that of a standard GTP. Handling improvements were also slight, though initial steering turn-in and braking is noticeably better on the GTX. Sold through Pontiac dealers, the basic GTX package starts at $2499.