One of the more anticipated cars of 2009, details of Audi’s A5 and S5 convertible have already been released – way ahead of the car’s planned debut in March 2009 at the Geneva Auto Show.
Instead of going the route taken by most of its competitors these days, Audi has opted to stick to tradition with a ragtop, which opens in just 15 seconds and takes 17 seconds to close. An optional “acoustic” roof, which nearly reduces wind noise to that of its hardtop sibling, will also be available. The automatic operating function can be used at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
Most of the styling cues are directly from the A5/S5 coupe, though the cabriolets feature a redesigned rear deck to accommodate the folding top. With the top folded, it uses 60 dm3 of the total 380 dm3 – though the rear seats also feature 50/50 split for added practicality. Obviously, to retain rigidity, both vehicles now weigh considerably more than their coupe counterparts.
The base A5 Cabrio will feature a 1,8-litre TFSI engine that produces 118 kW and is equipped with a manual gearbox, while other models include a 2,0-litre TFSI-equipped A5 with 132 kW and a 219 km/h top speed – as well as an uprated 2,0-litre TFSI with direct injection that produces 155 kW and increases top speed to 241 km/h.
There is also a 3,2-litre FSI V6 variant with 195 kW, capable of a zero to 100 km/h sprint of 6,9 seconds and 246 km/h top speed. Turbodiesel V6 oil-burners are also available, in 140 kW 2,7-litre TDI and 176 kW 3,0-litre TDI guise – the largest of which consumes just 6,8 litres per 100 km on the combine cycle.
The range-topping S5 Cabriolet employs a new supercharged 3,0-litre TFSI V6 engine with direct injection that produces 245 kW and 440 N.m of torque. Equipped with quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual (or seven speed automatic) gearbox, the cabriolet sprints to 100 km/h from zero in 5,6 seconds and accelerates till its 250 km/h electronic limiter – all the while managing a (claimed) combined fuel consumption figure of 9,6 litres per 100 km.
Apart from distinctive new LED rear lighting, the A5 also receives 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control and MMI operating system with a range of navigation and entertainment functions, while the S5 builds on the visual appeal with a set of 18-inch wheels and a host of special equipment that includes S5 “aluminium-optic” exterior trim and interior appointments.
