Audi RS5 Cabriolet revealed

Audi has released details of its new Audi RS5 Cabriolet in a live online video premiere. The car will feature at the

Paris motor show

Compared with the hard-top RS5, the Cabriolet features all-LED taillights and a redesigned rear bumper with a higher diffuser and carbon bootlid spoiler. A mildly tweaked grille design and new ten-spoke 19-inch wheels are also amongst its exterior revisions.

The Cabriolet’s motorised folding soft top opens in 15 seconds and closes in 17 seconds, and can be operated whilst the car is in motion at speeds of up to 31mph. The body has been necessarily reinforced to recoup some of the rigidity lost in the transition from coupe to open car, and aluminium front wings have been fitted to counteract the resultant added weight.

Powered by the hard-top RS5’s 444bhp 4.2-litre V8 FSI unit, the RS5 Cabriolet is limited to a top speed of 155mph. Audi says this can be increased to 173mph on request. 0-62mph is achieved in 4.9 seconds.

The power is transmitted to all four wheels through a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox with Audi’s torque-vectoring centre differential system. The driver can manually manipulate the car’s exhaust note by selecting a range of exhaust vane positions using Audi’s drive select system, fitted as standard. A sports exhaust system is optional.

In comparison with the standard Audi A5 Cabriolet, the body is 20mm lower with stiffer mounts and firmer anti-roll bars. Eight-piston brake calipers are standard, with carbon-ceramic brake discs a cost option.

The car will reach the German market first in early 2013, with deliveries starting in the UK in the Spring. UK pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the car’s base price in Germany will be £70,154.

Highlights of the video can be viewed below.

James Taylor