Audi RS 5 Cabriolet unveiled to the world via Internet

This is the Audi RS 5 Cabriolet, which made its world premiere online. The spotlight here, of course, is the soft-top made out of lightweight textile. There is also a special foam layer in the roof that delivers high acoustic comfort. The roof opens in 15 seconds and closes in 17 seconds, all done at speeds up to 50 km/h.

Unlike some other cabriolets, the roof of this convertible barely intrudes the boot space when the top is opened. In total, the folded roof only requires 60 litres of the 380 litres of space in the luggage compartment. Special reinforcements contribute to the body’s rigidity and aluminium front fenders compensate other reinforcements that add weight.

The RS 5 Cabriolet also receives some styling updates. Slight revisions include the single frame grille, sharper bonnet contours, ‘solid band’ LED DRL and LED rear lights, new look front and rear bumpers. And not forgetting the new 10-spoke 19-inch wheels. There’s also a subtle matte carbon fixed spoiler lip on the boot lid which boosts downforce.

The interior is similar to the RS 5. Equipment specification that can be found in here are the flat-bottomed RS three-spoke steering wheel, Bluetooth mobile phone, cruise control, satnav and Audi Music Interface iPod; just to name a few.

A naturally aspirated V8 FSI engine lives under the bonnet. It outputs a total of 450 hp at 8,250 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 430 Nm between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. The Cabriolet accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and its top speed is limited to just 250 km/h. If you like, Audi can add 30 km/h more to the limit, bringing it to a grand sum of 280 km/h. Fuel economy is rated at 10.9 l/100 km.

The seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic is mated to the engine. The transmission has been modified to have a long ratio in the highest gear. The car also comes with a Launch Control Function.

Power is delivered to all wheels, as dictated by the quattro system. In normal operation, torque is distributed between front and rear axles at a 40:60 ratio. When needed, up to 70% of torque can be sent to the front or a maximum of 85% to the rear.

The suspension system consists of a five-link front and a self-tracking trapezoidal-like rear, all made of aluminium. Stopping power comes courtesy of the internally ventilated and perforated discs in weight-saving design. The front discs measures 365 mm in diameter, and operates with eight pistons on each side.

Audi drive select comes standard with the RS 5 Cabriolet. With this system, the driver can tune the steering, gearbox, throttle valves and exhaust. With the optional MMI navigational system, the ‘Individual’ mode is added to the standard’s ‘Comfort’, ‘Auto’ and ‘Dynamic’ modes.

The Audi drive select can also have the optional sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control. It is a mechanical system that firms the suspension without any delay.

Other equipment that comes with the RS 5 Cabriolet is the parking system plus, driver and front passenger seat heating, automatic belt feeder, wind deflector, lighting package driver information system with rest recommendation and a comprehensive package of restraint systems. The car also comes with strong aluminium plates, which are located behind the rear head restraints, that deploy upwards in case of rollover accidents.

Deliveries will begin early 2012 in Germany. The base price for one is 88,500 Euros.

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