This is the new Audi RS5 Cabriolet and it entices with a scintillating combination of power and elegance. The four-seat convertible, which is built in Neckarsulm by quattro GmbH, combines its distinctly sporty character with the exhilaration of open-top driving. The high-revving V8 FSI develops 450hp from its 4.2 liters of displacement, accelerating the Audi RS5 Cabriolet from zero to 100km/h in 4.9seconds. The seven-speed S tronic and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system reliably transmit power to the road. The chassis also boasts a wide array of high-tech solutions, ranging from carbon fiber brake discs to the sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). Sophisticated assistance and infotainment systems round out the offering.
The 4.2-liter FSI delivers 430Nm of torque to the crankshaft between 4000 and 6000 rpm. It produces 450hp at 8250 rpm. The long-stroke naturally aspirated engine develops 108.1hp per liter displacement and special flaps in the exhaust tailpipe vary the sound. The convertible accelerates from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.9seconds, the best in its class. As an option, Audi can increase the top speed from 250 to 280km/h. The combined fuel consumption of the powerful V8 is 10.7 liters per 100km.
Thanks to the long ratio of its highest gear, the seven-speed S tronic makes a substantial contribution to efficiency. Drivers can employ the automatic dual-clutch transmission for instantaneous and smooth shifts in the D and S programs, or they can shift manually using the paddles on the steering wheel.
In its latest evolutionary stage, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system features the self-locking crown-gear center differential and torque vectoring. Audi also offers the optional sport differential for the rear axle, which actively distributes power between the wheels. Aluminum is used for much of the five-link front suspension and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension on the Audi RS5 Cabriolet. The speed-dependent power steering system is highly efficient with its electromechanical drive unit. The body is built 20 mm (0.79 in) lower to the ground than on the Audi A5 Cabriolet, the axle mounts are stiffer, the anti-roll bars are larger and stronger. Aluminum forged wheels, size 9 J x 19 with 265/35 tires, come as standard, and Audi offers optional 20-inch wheels as well.
Internally ventilated, perforated discs in a weight-saving wave design 3 kg lower in weight bring the car to a stop; pins are used to join the discs to the aluminum brake pots, a concept adopted from motorsport. The front brake callipers operate with eight pistons each; Audi can deliver the car with fiber-reinforced ceramic discs as an option. The ESC stabilization system with Sport mode can be fully deactivated, if the driver prefers.
Audi drive select is a standard feature in the RS5 Cabriolet. The driver can use this function to vary the characteristics of main technology components. These include the throttle valves, the seven-speed S tronic, the steering and the exhaust system sound flaps as well as the optional components: sport differential, dynamic steering, adaptive cruise control and the sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). The latter entails a hydromechanical system that operates without any delays; the shock absorber characteristic can be adjusted over three different maps.
