An Indian summer is a great excuse to invest in a performanceconvertible. Two premium pop-tops that drive business cares awayare Audi’s $55,720 S4 Cabriolet and Lexus’ $63,500 SC 430,while Chrysler debuts its $34,960 Crossfire Roadster.

The S4 Cabriolet’s classic architecture, V-8 engine andall-wheel-drive add up to a comfortable ride. Twisty roads?High-speed highways? This Audi’s high rigidity, precisesteering, stability control system and exceptional crash protectiontake road conditions in stride. The automatic top folds away at thepush of a button. The 4.2-liter engine has 340 horsepower whetheryou buy the six-speed or optional automatic transmission. Inside,leather bucket seats provide substantial side support. Featuresinclude ABS and 12-way power seats. A navigation system, heatedseats and a garage door opener cost extra.

The Lexus SC 430 includes all of the above, plus traction andskid control. It focuses on luxury for those who prefer a leisurelycruiser…with 300 horsepower from its 4.3-liter V-8 engine. For atwo-door that looks small on the outside, it’s large on theinside. The retractable roof is a hardtop that hides in a rearniche. Sold only with a five-speed automatic transmission, the SC430 has a speed-sensing steering system, ABS, automatic headlightsensors, 10-way power seats, stability control and pre-wiring for acell phone.

Chrysler’s 2005 Crossfire Roadster is elegant, with muscularshoulders and a retro boat-tail rear end. Its distinctive Americanstyling and Mercedes-Benz engine set it apart. While the toprequires a few more moves than the SC 430 and the S4, once thecanopy is released, it’s powered down in 22 seconds or so. TheV-6 3.2-liter engine pumps out 215 horsepower. Features include agarage door opener, an eight-way power driver’s seat and ABS,stability/traction control, tire pressure monitor, and sports rollbars behind the front seats.

Editor and consultant Jill Amadio has been reporting on theautomotive industry for 25 years.