Audi RS5 Cabriolet: official images of roofless bahn-stormer

The Audi RS5 Cabriolet, the drop-top variant of the already lusted-after Audi RS5 Coupe, will present drivers with the opportunity to hear the note of the 331kW/430Nm naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 engine undiluted by a fixed roof.

While the RS5 Cabriolet is highlighted by its automatic fabric roof that opens in 15 seconds and closes in 17 seconds at speeds up to 50km/h, this hasn’t blunted performance, with 100km/h coming up from standstill in 4.9 seconds before hitting its electronically limited top speed of 250km/h – this can be lifted to 280km/h for an additional cost. Efficiency remains a consideration with fuel consumption reaching 10.9 litres per 100km over the combined cycle test.

Audi’s seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters is carried over from the RS5 Coupe, as is the brand’s famed quattro all-wheel-drive system, delivering power in a 60:40 rear-biased ratio for a sportier feel.

The car’s 380-litre luggage space is only reduced by 60 litres with the roof tucked away, while split-fold rear seats and a through-load facility from the boot make for added storage flexibility.

The RS5 Cabriolet’s exterior styling is in line with the current Audi range meaning a slightly revised single frame grille design, new look front and rear bumpers, sharper and more pronounced bonnet contours, new ‘solid band’ wraparound LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights. New 10-spoke 19-inch wheels cover internally ventilated wave disc brakes with eight-piston calipers - carbon-ceramic brake discs are also available at extra cost. A fixed matt carbon boot lip spoiler boosts downforce and can be body-coloured if requested.

Inside, a flat-bottomed RS three-spoke steering wheel and a wind deflector join adaptive cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and Audi connect which lets passengers surf the web with their mobile devices via an integrated WiFi hotspot.

A rollover protection system, blind spot assist, active lane assist and front and rear parking sensors are standard equipment on the Cabriolet with a reversing camera an optional extra.

The Audi RS5 Cabriolet is due to start deliveries in Europe in the first half of next year but Audi Australi’s Shaun Cleary told CarAdvice that a decision on the car coming to Australia is yet to be made.

Click on the Photo tab for more images.