(June 26, 2012) MIAMI — The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG was named the overall Best Convertible automobile at the second annual “Topless in Miami” event hosted by the Southern Automotive Media Association, headquartered at the elegant Ritz-Carleton Hotel in Key Biscayne. 

The Mercedes SLS was closely contested by the beautiful Jaguar XKR-S, which was voted Best Luxury Convertible by the 70 SAMA members who drove and graded the 17 vehicles on design, ease of convertible operation and overall driving and handling characteristics. Also entered in the luxury category were the Infiniti G Convertible, the Mercedes Benz SL 550 and the Mercedes SLS AMG.



The Chevrolet Camaro was named the Best Family Convertible, challenged closely by the Ford Mustang. Other vehicles in the category were the Chrysler 200, Jeep Wrangler and the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet.

The Audi TTS Roadster won the 2012 trophy for Best Sports Car Convertible, contested closely by the Mercedes Benz SLK55 AMG. Also in the category were the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Nissan Z Roadster.

In the Small Convertible category, the Fiat 500c Gucci was judged the winner by the SAMA members, the second consecutive year that the little Italian import has won the coveted trophy.  Other cars in the category were the Mini Cooper S Roadster, the Smart Car and the Volkswagen EOS.

A total of 14 manufacturers participated in the second annual “Topless in Miami” event, designed to showcase the best convertible automobiles on sale in the United States today. The participating manufacturers included Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Infiniti, Jaguar, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Jeep, Audi, Mazda, Fiat, MINI Cooper, Smart and Volkswagen.