[KAHBOOM]

I test drove a black/ stone non-sport 7AT yesterday. Like the coupe, this car looks much better in person than in the pictures- especially with the top down. The black color is the way to go as it hides the seams between the panels. I got a chance to drive one just for kicks. It's not bad- just not my taste though. The rear end is wider than the coupe which gives it a more agressive look than many convertibles in this class. The exhaust note was muted a little compared to the coupe. With a tanabe muffler replacement (if possible)- that would perfect the sound IMO. I was thinking that if they would have kept the exhaust note the same it would have been awesome hearing that with the top down. You can feel the extra weight compared to the coupe a little but it still doesn't feel sloppy or unsporty. The convertible (especially in non sport) is primarily a boulevard cruiser and not do much a GT car however. But when I got back in my car I was zipping around spiritedly because compared to the conv it felt more nimble. This could also be because of the sport steering and suspension however.

The wind noise is very subdued- even at 80 MPH with the top down you could still have a conversation and hear the radio quite well.

The interior materials looked and felt just a little more appealing than the coupe. The washi was swirled a bit differently and looked like a brighter finish. The cool seats worked perfectly. The leather felt a little more supple.

From the outside I was envisioning the car lowered with the headlights and grill in dark chrome, a sport roll bar and some bigger tires/ wheels. It has some potential. I don't think that it is as bad as many think. You have to remove yourself from comparing it to the coupe and look at it just for what it is.