When the Audi A5 and S5 launched in ’07, the world went crazy. Finally, a Audi luxury coupe! The A5 was offered in a 2.0T and 3.2 liter V6 platforms while the S5 came with a healthy 4.2 liter V8. Both cars were variants of the A4 and S4 but with two doors and impeccable styling from the factory.

Today, we can celebrate the coming of the A5 and S5 cabriolet. For the engine configurations, the A5 will reuse the 211hp 2.0T FSI and 265hp 3.2 liter V6, but the S5 will use the new 333hp supercharged 3.0 liter introduced in the latest S4.
Some unique features about the cabriolet include the soft top design. It uses a fabric top with a large glass window for the rear. The construction is light to help with the overall weight of the car and center of gravity, unlike many hard top convertibles in the market. The soft top consists of three layers to help reduce wind noise and also comes with a ceiling light for the rear seats. It takes about 15 seconds to open to the top and 17 seconds to close it and both actions can be done safely at speeds up to 31mph.Audi was worried about trunk space so they developed a split folding rear seats that can be unlocked and dropped. This provides a total storage volume of 26.49 cubic feet.
And let’s not forget, it wouldn’t be an Audi with its 40:60 quattro drivetrain. With the new A5 and S5 cabriolet, there is the option of installing a sportier rear differential from the factory to either the six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic. The control system distributes torque to the rear wheels depending on driving conditions enabling more traction and faster cornering.
Audi Drive Select will also come standard on the cars which allows the driver to adjust engine and throttle mapping, suspension dampening and steering response. There are three different engine maps to choose from that adjust fuel feed. If you drive an S Tronic, the shifting points can also be modified.
There are plenty more features on the new A5 and S5 Cabriolet and we urge you to take one for a spin once they hit the US market in the Autumn ’09. Take note, the A5 and S5 Cabriolet will be the replacement of the A4 and S4 Cabriolet but we don’t mind. The power, style and efficiency of these news luxury convertibles make them one of the best in its class.