Wednesday 3rd December 2008

Audi Convertible: First Official Pics

New A5 and sizzling S5 cabrios

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A hot 328bhp S5 will top Audi’s new A4-replacing Cabriolet line up which goes on sale in the Spring next year.

Audi has released its first official images of the new A5 and S5 Cabriolets, as well as confirming details of engine options. In addition to the S5’s supercharged 3.0 V6, there will be a 1.8 litre TFSI entry version and 2.7 and 3.0 litre TDIs.

Unlike key rivals, the new Audi Cabriolets retain a traditional ‘rag top’, with the maker citing advantages that include lower weight and less stowed bulk compared to the metal folding jobs from BMW and Mercedes. Indeed the A5 Cabrio does appear quite practical with a split-fold rear seat highlighted by Audi as a key competitive advantage.

The roof apparently takes 15secs to operate, and can be raised or lowered ‘on-the-hoof’ at speeds of up to 31mph.

The cut-down A5 Coupe body has been stiffened in key areas with extensive use of ultra-high-strength steel - for more stiffness per kilo – and uses aluminium structures in the bumpers to help trim weight.

Safety angles are covered with pop-up aluminium rollover bars tucked behind the rear headrests, while airbags in the doors are designed to protect exposed heads and upper torsos.

The tasty-looking S5 model with six-speed manual and four-wheel drive will hit 62mph from a standing start in 5.6secs, while top speed is limited to 155mph. It comes as standard with 18ins alloys, but a set of 20ins wheels will be on the list of options. Expect prices to start in the low £30ks when the range goes on sale following an official ‘world debut’ at the Geneva motor show in March 2009.

 

[dele]

I think that looks fantastic

[dpbird90]

I'm a little dissapointed to be frank. Sure, it looks great, and a 328bhp Supercharged V6 is going to be lots of fun, but where is the mega 500bhp RS5?

[SleeperCell]

dpbird90 said:

but where is the mega 500bhp RS5?

It's supposed to be making it's debut at the Detroit Motor Show, which is next month.

[sprinter885]

Those rear seats somehow look b***dy uncomfy.

[dbz]

I was expecting the S5 to be quicker. The current 3.0TDI is 5.9sec to 60

[chunkymonkey71]

Is it just me, or does that just look like an A4?

[Mr MoJo]

No not just you, very A4 looking from the pics. Not as striking as the coupe IMO.

[theaxe]

chunkymonkey71 said:

Is it just me, or does that just look like an A4?

Agreed, spot the difference!


A4


A5

Edited by theaxe on Wednesday 3rd December 11:48

[noogie]

sorry, so how is this different to the A4 cabrio? Aside from a different body and higher price am I not right in thinking that the A4 and A5 use the same chassis and so this car is literally a re-bodied A4 cabrio?

[theaxe]

I guess they're just realigning the range so that the A4 is the four-door product and the A5 is the two-door product.

[TonyHetherington]

theaxe said:

I guess they're just realigning the range so that the A4 is the four-door product and the A5 is the two-door product.

I think you're right. I really like the look of the A5, but the A5 Cabrio - although looking very nice - I find it hard to distinguish between the A4 Cab.

[Cupramax]

noogie said:

sorry, so how is this different to the A4 cabrio? Aside from a different body and higher price am I not right in thinking that the A4 and A5 use the same chassis and so this car is literally a re-bodied A4 cabrio?

The A4 Cab uses the old 8E chassis, the A5 (and new Cab) has the new modular chassis in which the front axle is much further forward, handles waaaaay better and has a longer wheelbase for improved ride charachteristics.

[SiMan]

theaxe said:

I guess they're just realigning the range so that the A4 is the four-door product and the A5 is the two-door product.

+1

[Cupramax]

I'm guessing they've stuck with the if it aint broken dont fix it theory, also it shouldn't affect A4 Cab values too much being similar to look at.

[oagent]

The rear lights look slightly different from the side view. "New diesel cabriolet from Audi that looks exactly like the previous model".. Not exactly thrilling news I suppose.

[Matthew_Eames]

I think they have missed a trick on the metal folding roof....yes ok the fabric one may be lighter and allow split fold seats which boosts both Power to weight ratio (though not significantly really...you still have the hydraulics) and practicality

But nobody buys a 4 seater cabriolet for practicality or even speed/handling really, they are crusers and to me one of the big thingson my checklist when looking at such a car would be to have a nice metal roof for the winter/90% of the british weather rather than fabric

Oh and it doesnt really look any different to the A4 as already stated....but then you cant really look at it as a seperate model, moreso what the 3 series cab (E93) is to the Saloon (E90)

[White-Noise]

Really isnt doing anything for me. If I saw that in the street I wouldnt think anything other than - theres another Audi. I guess it serves a purpose, but thats it. Which is fine!

[mister.t]

I like that!

20" wheels though - err why?

[sprinter885]

Cupramax said:

I'm guessing they've stuck with the if it aint broken dont fix it theory, also it shouldn't affect A4 Cab values too much being similar to look at.

"Audi- part of VAG part owned by Porsche" and same design studio ethic???

[White-Noise]

sprinter885 said:

Cupramax said:

I'm guessing they've stuck with the if it aint broken dont fix it theory, also it shouldn't affect A4 Cab values too much being similar to look at.

"Audi- part of VAG part owned by Porsche" and same design studio ethic???

Assuming there is one