Five efficient engines, an agile suspension
and a wide range of high-end options make the new Audi the most attractive
convertible in the mid-sized segment. Delivery will begin in May 2009. Prices
start at 37,300 euros for the entry-level 1.8 TFSI model with 118 kW (160
hp), which will follow somewhat later. Crowning the new model series is the
S5 Cabriolet. The letter "S" traditionally stands for supreme sportiness
for dynamics, performance and power, but also for amazing efficiency.
Powering the S5 Cabriolet is a newly developed, supercharged three-liter
V6 that pumps out 245 kW (333 hp) for superior performance. Like all Audi
convertibles, the open-top A5 also has a lightweight fabric top that endows
it with a silhouette of dynamic elegance. The fully automatic top opens in
just 15 seconds. Audi also offers an optional acoustic top with an intermediate
layer of insulating foam that reduces wind noise almost to the sedan level.
When opened, the Audi A5 Cabriolet top folds down so effectively that very
little trunk space is used up leaving 320 liters (11.30 cubic ft)
of unused storage volume, clearly the best value in its field of competitors.
The soft top compartment lowers automatically when the top is opened. Equally
useful is the fold-down rear seat backrest and the large pass-through between
the luggage compartment and the interior, which increases the storage volume
to a generous 750 liters (26.49 cubic ft). Rounding out the comfortable
character of the four-seaters interior are automatic seatbelt extenders
for the front seats and the optionally available head-level heating. A special
coating on the optional leather seats reduces solar heating. The A5 Cabriolet
seats four comfortably. The refined ambience combines with perfect ergonomics
to convey an atmosphere of sporty elegance. Ultra-high-strength steels and
selective reinforcements of the body ensure high rigidity and crash safety.
The A5 Cabriolet is being launched with three gasoline engines and two diesel
engines ranging between 132 kW (180 hp) and 195 kW (265 hp). All five power
plants are fueled via direct fuel injection; four of them use turbocharging.
Available powertrains include a six-speed manual, the continuously variable
multitronic and the new, lightning-fast seven-speed S tronic. In addition
to front-wheel drive, Audi also offers quattro permanent all-wheel drive
for the higher-power engines. The innovative sport differential, which variably
distributes power between the rear wheels, is optionally available for even
greater dynamics and driving pleasure.
Fascinating dynamics: Audi drive select
The perfect addition to this technology
package is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, which enables the
driver to chose among three different engine maps controlling the characteristics
of the fuel feed, the shifting points of the seven-speed S tronic or the
multitronic, and the boost provided by the servotronic steering system. If
the car is equipped with the MMI operating interface, a fourth, freely
programmable map is available. Additional technologies available include
adaptive control of the shock absorbers and variable-ratio dynamic steering.
The new Audi A5 Cabriolet features a rich array of equipment in addition
to the fully automatic top, including an automatic climate-control system
and a CD audio system. Highlights from the long list of options include the
innovative driver assist systems and the latest generation MMI operating
interface, which offers many attractive navigation and entertainment features.
As the dynamic top-of-the-line model of the new production series, the S5
Cabriolet occupies a very special position. Its three-liter TFSI a
V6 with mechanical supercharger unfolds its 245 kW (333 hp) and 440
Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque with impressive results: It responds
tenaciously to the throttle and delivers excellent driving performance. The
quattro drivetrain, a sport suspension with 18-inch wheels and a number of
special equipment details underscore the athletic character of the Audi S5
Cabriolet.
The equipment, specifications, and prices stated
herein refer to the model line offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change
without notice; errors and omissions excepted. |