The Paris Motor Show previews keep on coming thick and fast as Audi lifts the wraps off its RS5 Cabrio ahead of its official unveiling in the French capital.
Much like the refreshed coupe model, the Cabrio features a Audi’s subtly updated frontal treatment, which includes re-shaped headlamps with LED strip frames, a mildly tweaked take on the single-frame grille and revised brakelamp units with LED accents. This model rolls on 19-inch alloys and also features a dual exhaust system flanking a rear diffuser and a carbon-fibre rear spoiler.
All good, but the most interesting feature has to be a lightweight electrically folding canvas roof that takes 15 seconds to open/close and can be operated at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
At the heart of this model lies Audi’s tried-and-tested 4,2-litre direct-injection V8 engine. Coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends drive to all four corners via an uprated Quattro system, this unit will propel the RS5 Cabrio from standstill to 100 km/h in 4,9 seconds on the way to an electronically limited 250 km/h. You can, however, specify an upgrade that bumps the top end speed up to 280 km/h.
Audi plans to introduce the RS5 Cabrio to the llcal market during the second quarter of 2013.