Audi RS5 Convertible with 444bhp V8

The convertible variant of the Audi RS5 Coupe was launched today, and as we’d expect, it gets the same V8 grunt as its tin-topped cousin – a 444bhp, 4.2-litre V8 FSI motor. It’ll be good for a top speed of 155mph, or 173mph if you ask Audi to remove the limiter, while 62mph is smashed in a hair-raising 4.9 seconds.

Helping with that very quick to-62mph dash is Audi’s four-wheel drive system that’s fed all that power by a 7-speed S-tronic automatic gearbox with full manual shift option.

The new RS5 Convertible rides on 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels and gets aluminium front wings to counter some of the added weight of the folding roof mechanism and the necessary chassis reinforcements. It also enjoys those Audi trademark LED lights all-round (a new design at the rear), which are the illumination equivalent of a cold hard stare from an angry hitman.

On sunny September days like today you’ll be wanting to drop that drop-top, and this one folds away in 15 seconds and unfolds up in 17 seconds, at speeds of up to 31mph. Audi says that the Convertible offers nearly the same levels of sound insulation as the RS5 Coupe, too.

However, there is at least one sound you want to soak up and that’s the growly V8 soundtrack; from the engine bay and the exhaust. And to make sure your new RS5 Convertible sings you the sweetest serenade, they’ve fitted it with a switch to adjust the exhaust note to suit one’s hooligan mood. Excellent idea!

The new RS 5 Cabriolet will be ready to order in late 2012, and deliveries are expected to begin in the spring of 2013.




 


 
 




 
 




 
By Daniel Anslow

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