The Mercedes-Benz G500 Cabriolet was a V8-powered, open-top variant of the W463 G500 that was introduced for the 1999 model year. The G 500 Cabriolet was offered on short wheelbase but was phased out in 2013. These luxury 2-door SUVs were initially fitted with Mercedes' M113 E50 engine, which was a 292hp 5.0L V8. This engine was replaced for the 2009 model year by Mercedes' M273 KE55 powerplant, which was a 5.5L V8 that generated 382hp. Over the course of production, both 5 and 7 speed automatic transmissions were offered. Although Mercedes didn't officially sell the G-Class in the United States until 2002, a small company called Europa imported European examples and prepared them for the US market.