Audi S5 Cabriolet launches with supercharged V6 and soft-top refinement
Audi’s new S5 Cabriolet arrives in the UK this October, pairing a 328bhp supercharged V6 with a fast-folding acoustic roof and quattro all-wheel drive.
Audi is bringing its new S5 Cabriolet to UK showrooms in October 2009, with orders opening this month at a starting price of £42,245 on the road. The convertible S5 replaces the outgoing V8-powered model with a supercharged 3.0-litre V6, promising both sharper efficiency and strong performance.
The S5 Cabriolet’s new engine delivers 328bhp and 440Nm of torque, channelled through a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Audi claims 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. Official figures put combined fuel consumption at 29.1mpg, with CO2 emissions of 224g/km, an improvement over the outgoing V8’s thirstier profile.
Quattro all-wheel drive comes as standard, featuring the latest asymmetric 40/60 rear-biased torque split. Buyers can further specify a sport differential, which actively distributes torque between the rear wheels to improve agility and cornering. The S5 Cabriolet also features sports suspension, sitting low on 19-inch alloy wheels, and is finished with S-specific styling cues including aluminium-look mirrors, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, and S5-branded brake calipers.
Acoustic soft-top and practicality
Audi fits the S5 Cabriolet with its acoustic soft-top, designed to keep cabin noise close to coupe levels. The roof folds away in 15 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 31mph, taking 17 seconds to raise. Luggage space stands at 380 litres with the roof up, reducing only slightly to 320 litres when stowed. The S5 Cabriolet seats four adults, and the split/folding rear bench allows for up to 750 litres of cargo with the roof up and seats down.
Standard equipment includes the S5’s distinctive body kit, LED lighting front and rear, and 19-inch alloys. The cabin benefits from additional sound insulation thanks to the acoustic hood, and buyers can specify further options from Audi’s drive select adaptive dynamics system, including the sport differential for enhanced handling.
Market position and rivals
The S5 Cabriolet sits at the top of the A5 open-top range and competes with performance convertibles such as the BMW 335i Convertible and Mercedes-Benz CLK350. Audi’s move to the supercharged V6 aligns the S5 Cabriolet with the S4 Saloon and Avant, which have also dropped their previous V8s in favour of the more efficient forced-induction six-cylinder.
Deliveries for the S5 Cabriolet begin in October 2009. For those interested in Audi’s broader model developments, the new A6 is set to be unveiled at Detroit in January 2011 (see Audi to unveil new A6 at Detroit motor show in January 2011).
