TOPLESS IN THE ALPS; Geneva show boasts a bevy of hot convertibles.

Byline: BOB GRITZINGER

We've already touched on a trio of drop-tops debuting at the Geneva motor show-Corvette convertible, AW, March 1; Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG, AW, Feb. 23; Mini convertible, AW, Feb. 16. That was just the beginning of a virtual onslaught of convertibles at the Swiss show, conveniently timed for spring.

We would be remiss not to revisit the ragtop Corvette, considering our reader's spy shot did not show it in its open-air splendor. The convertible version of the 400-hp, V8-powered sixth-generation 2005 Corvette arrives this fall, hot on the heels of the late-summer showroom debut of the new coupe. Its most notable feature is an optional power-operated soft-top-a throwback, in that power operation was last offered on a Corvette in 1962. A manual folding top is standard. Designed at the outset with drop-top in mind, the open-air Vette retains the C6 coupe's ride, handling and performance-with its top up or down-says chief engineer Dave Hill.

Italian automakers came to Geneva with a pair of performance roadsters, the production Lamborghini Murcielago roadster and the Maserati MC12, the road-going Grand Tourer version of the company's GT racer. Styled by Giugiaro based on an idea from Ferrari/Maserati design chief Frank Stephenson, MC12's bodywork is all carbon fiber, including its removable hardtop, and it rides on an aluminum chassis. The car is powered by a mid-mounted 630-hp 6.0-liter V12 linked to a six-speed paddle-shifted automanual gearbox. Want one? Better get to work on it, because Maserati says it will build about 25 copies for road use and five more for the racing program. In 2005 Maserati will build another 25. Look to next week's cover story for the full, inside scoop.

Meanwhile, Lamborghini delivers on the promise of a Murcielago roadster, first shown as a concept car in 2003 at the Detroit auto show. Fitted with the same 580-hp 6.2-liter V12 as the coupe, Lambo's latest roadster takes its place in a pantheon that includes such top-down screamers as the 350 GTS, Miura Roadster and the Diablo Roadster. The production Murcielago roadster goes on sale in the second half of 2004, no doubt at a substantial premium over the $300,000 coupe.

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