Fridae

Remember Madonna’s t-shirt in her 1985’s “Papa Don’t preach” video: was this with reference to her Italian heritage or men? Or did she knew a thing or two about Italian cars as well? Debate all you want on Italian men, but in my books, Italy as a nation has been the sculptors of some of the world’s most stunning beauties (beaus) on wheels.  

Since 2004, the Italian motoring industry has been through a renaissance of sort, led by Fiat’s return to form. Honestly, they hit a slight glitch in recent times, yet again. Latest from the Italian automotive giant, Fiat: they incurred a lost of €179 million in the second quarter of 2009. With their failed bid for Opel/Vauxhall and the not universally approved marriage with America’s least desirable bridegroom, Chrysler, things look just that little bit shaky for the had-been struggling Italian automotive giant whose other brand portfolio includes, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati and of course, Ferrari. 

Perhaps a reminder is needed: Lamborghini is actually Italian. Yes, since its German Inc days some flamboyance has been traded in for clean lines and reliable technology sourced from Audi, little wrong with that to be honest.  

Enough of the business talk (hard-ons killer) let’s focus on their cabriolets. Cars which men, sorry gay men should be concerned about. Cabriolets are the equivalent of accessories, albeit big ones and with that come with wheels. Cabriolets are gay's men shoutout to breeders that we have a fabulous life, while you shall suffer in your space wagon. And not just any cabriolets, Fridae gives you the four hottest ones from the nation that knows best how to put style on wheels.    

Production of the 8C Competizione coupe has stopped since January; deliveries of the limited production run of just 500 Spider has begun. Alfa Romeo has gone for a softer set-up with the car, to minimise its inevitable weight gain and maintain driving pleasure.

The roof is a simple fabric affair which has to be manually released from the windscreen. When folded back, there is a slight mess behind the car, where the front panel acts as its own tonneau.

Extra reinforcement has been necessary both under the bonnet, where a massive cross brace has appeared, and under the car, but 14kg is saved by the standard fitment of carbon ceramic brakes.

The suspension retains its double wishbone architecture but despite stiffer springs and roll bars, it has softer damping and a more compliant ride overall.

The Spider's specification mirrors the coupe, carbon body panels with a 450bhp 4.7-litre V8 motor and a six-speed electronically actuated manual gearbox. With just 90kg more, 0-100 km/h takes 4.5sec, just 0.3sec slower than the coupe.

Left-hand drive only, sorry folks.  

7 out of 10  

Forbidden fruits: sour and not worth it. 

Named after the 250GT California of 1957 and it opens up a new market for the brand. It’s a softer, more approachable Ferrari for those who not keen on a sharply honed normal Modenese car. However, there is a fear that the California may be a little too soft, with not enough focus, hence diluting the brand’s overall image. 

The California is Ferrari’s fourth current model series –is the first Ferrari road car to have a front-mounted V8 engine and a dual-clutch gearbox. Although not the first Ferrari to have a removable hard-top, the California is the first to follow the current trend of having a fully retractable one that electrically folds into its boot.

The California’s two-piece folding hood retracts into the boot in 14 seconds, the single most defining mechanical piece of the Ferrari’s personality.

A 4.3-litre engine, used in the Maserati GranTurismo with 453bhp with direct fuel injection, 3.9 secs from 0 to 100 km/h: impressive for a 1735kg car. 

Coming to Singapore? 

Sold out till 2011, get in the queue! 

8 out of 10, 

The first almost beautiful Ferrari since the F355! 

Lamborghini Murciélago LP650-4 Roadster 

Only 50 units will ever be built: comes with a Grigio Telesto exterior that combines grey bodywork with a special bright orange Arancio LP 650-4 featured on the front spoiler and sills. The LP 650-4 logo applied to the car's exterior indicates the car's increased power. Flashy bits include orange brake calipers and a transparent V12-engine cover, which shows off the V12 engine.

Interior features echo the car's striking grey-and-orange exterior: besides the orange touches, there is an asymmetric dash design, with black Alcantara Nera on the driver's side, including door panel and central tunnel, and black leather Nero Perseus on the passenger's side.

A monsterous 6.5 litre V12 engine that produces 650 hp along with permanent four-wheel drive: With 660 Nm of torque, 0-100km/h is 3.4 secs and the top speed is around 330 Km/h. Facelifts while on the move?

With only 50 units, we don’t stand a chance. 

9 out of 10

I can only imagine the leading men from the gay porn industry behind the wheel of one. 

The Fridae office adores the 500's brilliant reiteration of the classic city runabout. And the soon to arrive 500C adds more chic favour to the mix - a removable canvas roof. Unlike competitors, the 500C is most certainly not a full-on convertible.

While the MINI canvas roof folds into a pram-like profile, the 500C's canvas simply scrunches up as it retracts. Retaining the windows and side pillars means there's no clumsy folding metal, hence keeping the weight low and the boot relatively free. 

The roof comes in three shades (black, ivory and red), all the better to contrast with the 500's famously comprehensive options list. This simple style of open-roof motoring is a deliberate nod to the original 1957 500. 

1.4 litre engine with 100 bhp, but note the low kerb weight of 970kg allows a almost zippy 11 secs to get to 100 km/h from rest. 

Coming to Singapore? 

Yes, hopefully by early 2010. 

10 out of 10 

11 out of 10, if you get the 500C in Barbie pink... fridae’s webmaster’s dream car.