Introduction
The 2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet debuted at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, a convertible version of the
RS5 Coupe already in
Audi showrooms. Equipped with a lightweight fabric "acoustic" top, the RS5 Cabriolet is, according to Audi, nearly as quiet on the inside as the RS5 Coupe. When the top is raised, that is. All bets are off when the top is dropped, which takes just 15 seconds and can be done at speeds up to 31 mph, Audi says.
Exterior Features
To help differentiate the new Audi RS5 Cabriolet from the S5 Cabriolet, the RS5 model receives unique 19-inch aluminum wheels with a 10-spoke design. Additionally, this model has a revised grille, restyled bumpers with front and rear park-assist sensors, sharper hood contours, Matte Carbon lip spoiler on the trunk, and wraparound track-style LED running lights and taillights.
Interior Features
Inside, the new RS5 Cabriolet is equipped with a flat-bottomed RS sport steering wheel, rear wind blocker to reduce cabin buffeting, LED interior lighting, and automatic front seat belt feeders that make it easier to buckle up.
Unlike luxury convertibles equipped with power-retractable hardtops that fold into the trunk, the 2014 Audi RS5's soft fabric top fills only about 15% of total trunk volume when the top is down, Audi says. And if sensors predict that the RS5 Cabriolet is about to flip, a rollover protection system deploys to provide extra protection in the absence of a hardtop roof.
Optional Features
Because the RS5 Cabriolet might be driven with the top down on chilly days, Audi plans to offer optional front seat heaters that warm the head and body. Additional extras announced by Audi are aimed at improving vehicle performance: carbon fiber ceramic brakes, sport exhaust system, Dynamic Steering, and a Dynamic Ride Control suspension.
Take a look at the features available on the 2013 RS5 Coupe, though, and it would appear that Audi plans to offer the following options for the RS5 Cabriolet: metallic paint, matte aluminum trim, upgraded wheel choices, leather sport seats with Alcantara inserts, navigation system, premium sound system, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Under the Hood
A hand-built, 4.2-liter V-8 engine is installed into the RS5 Cabriolet, generating 450 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 317 lb.-ft. of torque between 4,000 rpm and 6,000 rpm. A 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automated manual gearbox with paddle shifters is standard.
The RS5 Cabriolet is also equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive. This version of Quattro includes torque vectoring technology, as well as a crown-gear center differential and a sport rear differential. Power is split 40% to the front wheels and 60% to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions, but the system is designed to distribute as much as 75% to the front wheels or 85% to the rear wheels as is necessary.
By Audi's stopwatch, the RS5 Cabriolet accelerates to 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of 155 mph governed electronically. Pay extra, and the RS5 Cabriolet will achieve 174 mph.
In addition to the powertrain, the RS5 Cabriolet features a performance suspension lowered by 20mm, ventilated disc brakes with 8-piston calipers, and Audi Drive Select with Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual driving modes that govern throttle, transmission, steering, suspension, and other dynamic settings.
Safety
Audi will offer several optional safety features for the 2014 RS5 Cabriolet. They include adaptive cruise control with full braking capability, blind-spot monitoring system, active lane-assist and lane-departure warning system, and a reversing camera.
Technology
As part of the optional MMI Navigation package, the new RS5 Cabriolet will provide mobile Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, as well as Google Earth and Google Street View images on the in-dash display.
