Audi has released new driving footage of their upcoming A5 Cabriolet ahead of the model's official launch in spring. Intended to replace the aging A4 cabrio, the new A5 features a dynamic exterior, a luxurious interior, and numerous mechanical improvements.
The new convertible eschews the current trend towards ungainly folding metals roofs and instead uses a traditional canvass roof which can be automatically raised or lowered in about 17 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph). While the A5 Cabrio avoided one German trend, it picked up another by adopting a Mercedes-like heating system that blows warm air on the necks of the driver and front passenger.
At launch, the A5 Cabriolet will offer potential owners a choice of five different engines including a 3.2-liter V6 FSI with 195 kW (265 hp) and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque. Two different versions of the 2.0 TFSI will also be available, the entry level version produces 132 kW (180 hp) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) while the other cranks out 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. Diesel power will be provided by one of two V6 TDIs, a 3.0-liter with 176 kW (240 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque or a slightly smaller 2.7-liter with 140 kW (190 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
Although not shown in the video, Audi will also offer an S5 Cabrio that features a new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 245 kW (333 hp) and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque which allows it to run from 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds.
