2010 Audi A5 & S5 Cabriolet: full details revealed

2010 Audi A5 Cabrio Although due to be unveiled in January at the 2009 NAIAS the Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet was revealed today in almost complete detail. The S5 Cabriolet, the most exciting model, receives a new supercharged 3.0L TFSI V6 engine with direct injection, enough for 333 hp (245kW) and 324lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque.

The S5 Cabrio is catapulted to range leader position with the Quattro all-wheel drive, a sport suspension and 18in wheels plus a range of special equipment. Acceleration time from standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) is 5.6 seconds, and an electronically limited maximum speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) and still copes with fuel efficiency of 24.5 mpg (9.6 L/100km). The price tag for the S5 version is still to be made available. More details and photos after the jump!

The A5 Cabrio base will come with a 1.8 liter TFSI engine measured at 160 hp (118kW) and will be fitted with a manual transmission as typical, for a basic tag in Europe of €37,500 ($47,619). Performance numbers for the mid-range 265 hp (195 kW) 3.2L FSI V6 is measured at 6.9 seconds for the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration, with a maximum speed of 153 mph (246 km/h). The typical 2.0 liter TFSI gets 8.9 seconds for a sprint of 0-62 mph with its 180 hp (132 kW) engine and a ceiling speed of 136 mph (219 km/h), although the upgraded 2.0 liter TFSI engine, measured at 211hp (155 kW) reduces sprint time by 1.4 seconds and increases speed to 150 mph (241 km/h) maximum.

The gasoline range has respectable fuel efficiency, beginning with at 27.3 mpg (8.6 L/100km) for the typical 3.2 liter V6 FSI, increasing to 31.8mpg (7.4 L/100km) for the typical 2.0 liter TFSI and, a bit counter-instinctive, 34.5 mpg (6.8 L/100km) for the more potent model. A couple of V6 TDIs are also offered, highlighting 240hp (176kW) in 3.0 liter appearance and 190hp (140kW) in 2.7 liter form, and both are properly competent, measuring 34.6mpg (6.8L/100km) for the larger of the two, and 37.3mpg (6.3L/100km) for the smaller. Not like a lot of its rivals, the A5/S5 cabrio wont sport a folding hard top, rather favoring the typical Audi soft top, which needs only about 15 seconds to open and 17 seconds to close. An acoustic top, which lowers wind noise to almost-hardtop level, is offered optionally. As long as the vehicle’s speed does not exceed 31 mph (50 km/h) the opening and closing functions can be triggered on standstill of at speed. This negates the need to stop and shift between open and close configuration.

The top retracts into a space at the top of the rear luggage area, utilizing 2.12 cu. ft. (60 liters) of the 13.4cu ft (380L) available room, leaving 11.3cu ft (320L) for equipment, putting the vehicle near the front of the segment of its rivals. More typical highlights of the A5 Cabrio consist of 17 inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and CD stereo system with the third-generation MMI operating system, offering a series of entertainment functions and navigation.

With regards to the external design, the latest A5 Cabriolet receives the majority of the familiar prompts of the hardtop sibling, in addition to a slightly modified rear deck to accept the retractable roof. The total length of the car is 15.2 feet (4.6m) and width is 6.1 feet (1.85m) while it is low-strung at 4.5ft (1.4m) tall. It comes with a standard trunklid spoiler lip.

Stiffness has been maintained, although possibly at the cost of some extra weight, as is generally the case with top-down cars that comes with hardtops. A choice of three transmissions are offered: the 6-speed manual, which comes with 211hp 2.0 liter TFSI; the multitronic continuously adaptable automatic offered as optional on 2.0 liter and 3.2 liter FSI versions; and the 7-speed S tronic which is typical on the 3.0 liter TDI unit, and optional on the 2.0 liter TFSI and 3.2 liter V6 FSI. With sales set for the first half of 2009, the car will begin production early next year.

2010 Audi A5 Cabrio