December 2, 2008
Source: Audi AG
Key Points Summary
The A5 product line is now expanded to include Cabriolet models with three powerful and fuel-efficient powertrains (2.0 TFSI 4 cylinder, 3.2 FSI V6, 3.0 TFSI V6 with supercharged technology).
A5 Cabriolet features ground-breaking soft top technology for elegant styling, superior room and storage space, and superb driving dynamics.
Unique 50/50 split rear folding seats allows maximum storage flexibility
Audi Drive Select (adjustable engine/throttle mapping, suspension damping, and dynamic steering) is a benchmark in the segment and industry.
New optional quattroSport rear differential enhances agility.
USA market launch for A5/S5 Cabriolet is Fall 2009, as 2010 model year.
A5/S5 Cabriolet replaces the A4/S4 Cabriolet.
Design
A5/S5 Cabriolet interior and exterior distinctive features include:
New rear LED lighting
Sport seats with unique interior color offerings
Cloth convertible top features Audi Acoustic Roof technology for a quite interior.
Typical Audi interior design is modern and sophisticated, with clear attention to detail, including 1 liter bottle holders in each door.
S5 Aluminum-optic exterior accents include front and rear diffuser blades, mirror housings, and four exhaust pipes.
Dynamics
Modular Longitudinal Chassis architecture is the foundation for a benchmark sport sedan.
Extensive use of new ultra-high-strength steels increase rigidity of the body while also reducing weight.
Repositioned clutch / torque-converter allows more forward position of front axle.
Better agility and turn in
Better axle load distribution
Shorter front overhang
Longer wheelbase = more comfortable ride
Repositioned steering rack, lower and closer to the wheel carriers lowers center of gravity and provides more direct steering control/feedback.
Sporty proportions and muscular stance enhanced due to longer, wider, and lower dimensions.
Reduced front overhang adds to visual sportiness.
Powertrain and Performance
The following power train configurations are offered in USA:
A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI specifications
FSI direct injection with turbocharging
Audi Valvelift System
211 hp 258 lb-ft torque
quattro® all-wheel drive (standard with 40/60 rear biased torque split) or FrontTrak front-wheel drive
Tiptronic 6 speed automatic transmission for quattro model or Multitronic continuously variable transmission for the FrontTrak model
Top speed 130 mph
A5 Cabriolet 3.2 FSI V6 specifications:
FSI direct injection
Audi Valvelift System
265 hp 243 lb-ft torque
quattro all-wheel drive with 40/60 rear torque bias
Tiptronic 6 speed automatic transmission
Top speed 130 mph
S5 Cabriolet 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 specifications:
S5 Coupe manual and 6-speed Tiptronic 354 hp / 325 lb-ft V8 continue for another year through the end of model year 2010; 2011 S5 Coupe will have 3.0 TFSI supercharger with 333 hp / 325 lb-ft, and manual and 7-speed S tronic transmissions.
FSI direct injection with intercooled supercharger
333hp 325 lb-ft
quattro® all-wheel drive with 40/60 rear torque bias
S tronic 7 speed double-clutch automatic transmission
Top speed 155 mph
Latest generation of quattro® all-wheel drive is employed, with asymmetric rear-biased torque split (40% front / 60% rear under nominal conditions).
S5 Cabriolet only: New available quattroSport rear differential dynamically varies torque between the rear wheels.
Fuel economy is significantly improved over A4 Cabriolet .
Innovations
Rear 50/50 split folding seats in A5/S5 Cabriolet (not available with competitors)
Cloth convertible top for elegant styling, superior interior and storage space, and low weight penalty (for better driving dynamics)
New head-level heating system with heated/cooled front seats
MMI operating logic standard with central display screen
Audi Drive Select varies the engine, transmission, steering, and suspension damping characteristics to suit the drivers preferences
Audi Intelligent Key stores service information in the key
Advanced Key keyless entry and starting
Bluetooth hands-free telephone interface
Bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights
Audi Parking System rear with rearview camera
Electromechanical parking brake
Hard-drive-based Navigation system with Audi third-generation MMI.
Audi Side Assist lane change assistant
Bang & Olufsen 505W sound system
Launch Timing and Pricing
World auto show debut is Geneva auto show in March, 2009
USA A5/S5 Cabriolet with all mentioned engine/transmission combinations goes on sale in Fall 2009 (as a 2010 model year vehicles).
U.S. pricing to be announced later.
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