The New Audi RS5 Cabriolet

2013 AUDI RS5 Cabriolet

Dynamic performance where the sky’s the limit – the new Audi RS 5 Cabriolet entices with a scintillating combination of power and elegance. The four-seat convertible, which is built in Neckarsulm by quattro GmbH, combines its distinctly sporty character with the exhilaration of open-top driving.

The high-revving V8 FSI develops 331 kW (450 hp) from its 4.2 liters of displacement, accelerating the Audi RS 5 Cabriolet from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.9 seconds. The seven-speed S tronic and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system reliably transmit power to the road. The chassis also boasts a wide array of high-tech solutions, ranging from carbon fiber brake discs to the sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). Sophisticated assistance and infotainment systems round out the offering.

The 4.2-liter FSI delivers 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. It produces 331 kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm. The long-stroke naturally aspirated engine develops 79.5 kW (108.1 hp) per liter displacement and special flaps in the exhaust tailpipe vary the sound. The convertible accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.9 seconds – the best in its class. As an option, Audi can increase the top speed from 250 (155.34 mph) to 280 km/h (173.98 mph). The combined fuel consumption of the powerful V8 is 10.7 liters per 100 km (21.98 US mpg).
Thanks to the long ratio of its highest gear, the seven-speed S tronic makes a substantial contribution to efficiency. Drivers can employ the automatic dual-clutch transmission for instantaneous and smooth shifts in the D and S programs, or they can shift manually using the paddles on the steering wheel.

In its latest evolutionary stage, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system features the self-locking crown-gear center differential and torque vectoring. Audi also offers the optional sport differential for the rear axle, which actively distributes power between the wheels.

Aluminum is used for much of the five-link front suspension and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension on the Audi RS 5 Cabriolet. The speed-dependent power steering system is highly efficient with its electromechanical drive unit. The body is built 20 mm (0.79 in) lower to the groundthan on the Audi A5 Cabriolet, the axle mounts are stiffer, the anti-roll bars are larger and stronger. Aluminum forged wheels, size 9 J x 19 with 265/35 tires, come as standard, and Audi offers optional 20-inch wheels as well.

Internally ventilated, perforated discs in a weight-saving wave design (3 kg)(6.61 lb) lower in weight) bring the car to a stop; pins are used to join the discs to the aluminum brake pots – a concept adopted from motorsport. The front brake callipers operate with eight pistons each; Audi can deliver the car with fiber-reinforced ceramic discs as an option. The ESC stabilization system with Sport mode can be fully deactivated, if the driver prefers.

Audi drive select is a standard feature in the RS 5 Cabriolet. The driver can use this function to vary the characteristics of main technology components. These include the throttle valves, the seven-speed S tronic, the steering and the exhaust system sound flaps as well as the optional components: sport differential, dynamic steering, adaptive cruise control and the sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). The latter entails a hydromechanical system that operates without any delays; the shock absorber characteristic can be adjusted over three different maps.

Striking dynamism: exterior design

The dynamism of the Audi RS 5 Cabriolet instantly catches the eye thanks to its consummately balanced lines. Wedge-shaped headlights with wave-like lower edges illuminate with xenon plus lamps and LED strips for the daytime running lights. Large air intakes are embedded in the distinctively shaped front apron whose ends run out into splitter edges.

The frame of the hexagonal Singleframe grille is designed in matt aluminum look. Sill add-ons and wheel housing extensions dominate the car’s appearance in side profile.

The door mirror housings have a matt aluminum look, while anodized aluminum accentuates the windshield frame. The LED rear lights feature light strips. A spoiler lip in matt carbon increases downforce at the rear. The lip can also be painted in the exterior color as an option.

The lightweight textile soft top spans the interior of the 4.65 meter (15.26 ft) long Audi RS 5 Cabriolet like a low curved dome; a foam layer in the roof delivers high acoustic comfort. At the press of a button, the soft top can be opened or closed in 15 seconds or 17 seconds respectively – the top stows in just 60 liters (2.12 cubic ft) of the 380 liter (13.42 cubic ft) of luggage compartment when it is down. The split rear seatbacks can be individually folded to provide a large load-through space.

Entirely in black: the interior

The interior of the four-seat convertible is finished entirely in sporty black; the inner soft top liner can be ordered in an optional star silver color. Carbon inlays are standard; optional alternatives include two different aluminum versions, a black piano finish and stainless steel mesh. Fine chrome accents and high-gloss black trim highlight the car’s exclusivity.

The leather-covered multifunction sports steering wheel in the RS 5 Cabriolet has a flat bottom; the black dials contrast with white numerals. The driver information system can display a menu with lap timer and an oil temperature gauge. The S sports seats with integrated head restraints feature power adjustment; they are upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara, with Fine Nappa leather also available as an option. The leather is pigmented to inhibit heating by sunlight.

All of the display elements and controls in the Audi RS 5 Cabriolet, including the monitor of the optional MMI navigation plus system, boast outstanding ergonomics. Exclusive optional equipment, advanced driver assistance systems and state-of-the-art infotainment modules round out the user control strategy. The lineup ranges from three-stage head-level heating and adaptive cruise control to Bluetooth car phone online, which integrates Audi connect services in the vehicle. In Germany, customer deliveries of the Audi RS 5 Cabriolet begin in early 2013. The base price in the domestic market will be 88,500 euros.


Images : 2013 AUDI RS5 Cabriolet


               [Source : AUDI]