This is the new Audi S5 Convertible, which has been spotted undergoing development testing on the Nürburgring track in Germany, ahead of a market launch next year.
The open top member of Audi’s second-generation A5 family, codenamed B9, retains the current model’s traditional fabric roof setup with seating for four, and predictably, its design language as well, with the Germans going for an evolutionary approach, touching up Walter de Silva’s original design with new details like the bolder front and crisper LED lights on both ends.
As we’ve seen from previous spy pictures of the otherwise identical A5 hardtop coupe, the interior is heavily based on that of the new A4 series and will include the option of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit instrument panel, adding some unique interior fittings, such as bespoke seats and trim accents.
Underpinned by the newest evolution of Audi’s MLB platform that will help shave up to 100kg / 200 pounds from today’s mass, the A5 Cabriolet will ride on a longer wheelbase for more passenger room.
The model we spied on the ‘Ring is the S5 performance version that shares its 3.0-liter TFSI V6 delivering 354PS (349hp) and 500Nm (369lb-ft) with the S4 family, paired to an 8-speed tiptronic transmission and standard quattro all-wheel drive.
An assortment of other engines sourced from the A4 series will be on offer for the plain A5s, including 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol and diesel engines (only the former for North America), while an RS5 with a new twin-turbo V6 churning out 500hp with the help of an electric turbocharger, will join the range at a later date.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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