Having seen pre-production test mules of the Audi S5 coupe and Sportback already, here is our first look at the upcoming Audi S5 Cabriolet. The drop-top S5 has been snapped undergoing routine performance tests at the Nurburgring, just like its A5 sibling before.
As seen on the A5 Cabriolet prototype, the S5 here features a foldable fabric roof. In fact, the A5 and S5 drop-top prototypes look so alike, it’s almost impossible to tell one from the other. The only giveaway here are its quad exhaust tips — a trademark of the Audi S range. Elsewhere, it seems that Audi has stuck to a similar body for all of its prototype A5/S5 mules.
From previous reports, we know that the next-gen A5/S5 range will ride on the Volkswagen Group’s new MLB Evo architecture – similar to the platforms used on the Audi A4 range and Q7 SUV. And just like the first models to gain the new platform, do expect there to be weight savings in the region of 100 kg for each model against their predecessors.
The next-gen S5 range will also retire its previous 3.0 litre supercharged V6 engine and seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch transmission for a new 3.0 litre turbocharged V6 and ZF-sourced eight-speed torque converter automatic. The new mill should deliver the same 349 hp and 500 Nm of torque it does in the S4.
As previously reported, the second-generation Audi A5 is expected to make its global debut later this year, with its hotter S5 siblings said to follow in 2017.
GALLERY: Audi S5 Sportback spyshots
GALLERY: Audi S5 spyshots
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