Audi has lifted the covers on the all-new A5 and S5 Cabriolet models (way) ahead of their worldwide debut at the Geneva Motorshow in March 2009. Scheduled to go on sale in Europe in Spring 2009 with the U.S. following in Fall of the same year, the A5/S5 Cabriolets will replace the long-lived, open-top variant of the A4. Even though most of the competition in the category like the BMW 3-Series Convertible, Infiniti G37 Convertible and Lexus IS 250C have opted for retractable hardtops, Audi has chosen a fully automatic classic fabric top that opens in 15 sec and closes in 17 sec.
At launch, the four-seater convertible will be offered with three gasoline and two diesel engines. These include the 2.7-litre and 3.0-litre V6 diesels with outputs of 190HP and 240HP respectively, two 2.0-litre TFSI petrol units with 180HP and 211HP and a 3.2-litre V6 FSI petrol with 265HP. Available power trains include a six-speed manual transmission, the continuously variable multitronic, and the dual-clutch seven-speed S tronic. In addition to front-wheel drive, Audi also offers quattro permanent all-wheel drive for the higher-power engine
As we have already informed you, the range-topping S5 Cabriolet will benefit from the S4's newly developed, supercharged, three-liter V6 engine which will also replace the current S5 Coupe's 4.2L V8 in 2009. The power output tops out at 333HP while the torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm remains constant at a hefty 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft).
The 3.0 TSI V6 will be available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or the seven-speed dual clutch S-Tronic transmission. The S5 Cabriolet goes from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.6 and accelerates up to a preset top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). According to the German firm, the drop-top S5 achieves an average fuel consumption of 9.6 liters per 100 km (24.5 US mpg).
In Europe, where the A5 Cabriolet will be also be offered with an entry-level 1.8 TSI gasoline engine delivering 160HP, prices will start at €37,300. Delivery of the first A5 Cabriolet models will begin in the second quarter of 2009.
