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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #344 LIVE!

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #344 tonight, joined by Doug DeMuro, author of Plays With Cars, formerly of Porsche Cars North America, and all-around swell guy. You can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below, and we'll give them extra-diligent attention. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #344
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Best Convertibles for 2022

The past decade has not been kind to the drop-top enthusiast. No matter which dealer you walk into, convertible models have been biting the dust left and right. Nissan Z? Audi TT? Buick Cascada? Volkswagen Eos? All gone. Remember the humble Chrysler Sebring/200? Well, you do now. Fortunately, though, the news isn't all bad. There are still plenty of options out there for those who absolutely must have a convertible. Whether you need something to haul behind your retirement cruiser, a performance car that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world or just something that allows you to sling the roof back after a long day of on-location business meetings before catching the flight back to your everyday hustle and bustle, there's at least one cabriolet out there to suit your needs. Here are our picks and starting prices for the top convertibles in several categories for 2022.  For the frugal open-top lover: 2022 Mini Convertible ($34,650) Let's face it; gas ain't cheap. But open-top motoring doesn't need to be a wallet killer. The Mini is cheap (at least by 2022 standards) and an absolute joy to drive, so there's really no downside here ... except for the roof. Get it?    For the hardtop lover: 2022 Mazda MX-5 RF ($37,260) / 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible ($69,695) The number of hardtop convertibles has seriously dwindled due to weight concerns and the fact that fabric roofs have gotten so quiet, but there are still some options for those who prefer a more coupe-like look with the roof up. Our picks here are the delightfully Targa-like MX-5 Miata RF and literally any Corvette Stingray — even the hardtop has a removable roof!    For long road trips: 2022 Ford Mustang Convertible ($34,100) The first image that comes to mind for many who are told to visualize an American convertible is the classic Ford Mustang. It's not the only drop-top pony car out there, but thanks to the Camaro's tiny trunk, it's much harder to see the USA in a Chevrolet when a drop-top enters the equation. The Mustang has much more cargo space and a much larger opening, which is likely the difference between keeping your bags under lock and key or leaving them exposed in the back seat.    For towing behind an RV: 2022 Jeep Wrangler ($31,590) While many small runabouts make sense for towing behind a motor home (or nestled up inside a fancier one), the Wrangler has a serious advantage when it comes to RVing: it can easily be flat-towed.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo returns in these spy shots

Way back in 2012, Porsche got enthusiasts all hot and bothered with the Panamera Sport Turismo at the Paris Motor Show. The concept imagined a hybrid wagon with a shapely rear end. Porsche said at the time production was "possible," but these spy shots indicate the vehicle is actually under development now. Take a close look through the gallery and you'll see that this test car sports some light camouflage at the back, but it does nothing to hide the new rump. Compared to the sedan, the longer roof looks to provide extra headroom for rear passengers, along with a few extra cubes of cargo space. The rear glass sits more upright, and a spoiler visually lengthens the five-door. The wagon's front end is identical to other recent spy shots of the future Panamera. We don't have any technical details about the wagon, but it would likely share powertrains with the sedan. The cabin layout would probably also be identical, including touch-capacitive controls to replace traditional buttons. A Panamera wagon makes sense in the Porsche range. The long-roof version would offer all of the sedan's performance but have a little more room. If a customer with a family doesn't want a Cayenne, this would be the obvious alternative, and the massive 911 range shows Porsche isn't afraid to build a bevy of model variants. If you think a Panamera station wagon seems odd, just remember people thought a Porsche SUV was weird, too. And, of course, that move turned into a huge success for the company. Related Video: