Audi Blows the Top Off the New RS5 Cabriolet [Photos and Video]

Another Paris Auto Show attendee has been revealed today in the form of the all-new Audi RS5 Cabriolet.

As the open-top version of the RS5 Coupe, the Cabriolet gets the same suite of performance and mechanical upgrades including a 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine that generates 444hp (450PS) at 8,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 430Nm (318 lb-ft) between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm.

The V8 is hooked up to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, which under normal driving conditions, distributes torque between the front and rear axles at a 40:60 ratio, but if necessary, it can direct up to 70 percent to the front or a maximum of 85 percent to the rear.

Being heavier than the RS5 Coupe, the Cabriolet variant is slightly slower completing the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.9 seconds (vs. 4.5 sec), while top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h (155mph), though Audi can boost this to 280 km/h (174 mph) upon request.

The V8 has a combined fuel consumption of 10.9 lt/100 km (21.6 US mpg or 25.9 UK mpg).

Chassis upgrades include a 20mm lower body than the regular A5 Cabriolet, along with a tauter suspension setup with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), a performance brake system with 365 mm disc up front (optionally, Audi offers carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic front discs and six-piston calipers), and an ESC stabilization system with a Sport mode that can be completely deactivated.

On the outside, the RS5 Cabriolet receives the same styling treatment as the Coupe with wheel housing extensions, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels with 265/35 tires or optionally, 20-inch rims with 275/30 tires, bespoke front grille and bumpers, side skirts, a boot lid spoiler and a rear diffuser incorporating two large oval exhaust pipes.

The same goes for the interior that gets a flat-bottom steering wheel, sport seats upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara or in the optional black or lunar silver Fine Nappa leather, chrome highlights, high-gloss black trim and carbon inlays.

The RS5 convertible’s top that is electrically operated, opens and closes at the press of a button in 15 seconds and 17 seconds respectively at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph).

Customer deliveries in Europe will begin in early 2013, with prices in its home market of Germany to start at €88,500 (equal to $111,500), or €10,300 more than the RS5 Coupe.

Audi hasn’t said if it will offer the new RS5 Cabriolet in North America.

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