Audi Drops the Tops for the A5 and S5: Comments

[William Maley]

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From the "we're not that surprised" department; Audi has revealed the cabriolet variants of the new A5 and S5.

Like the coupe, the A5/S5 cabriolet uses a new chassis that not only drops 88 pounds, but is 40 percent stiffer compared to the last-generation model. Overall length has increased by two inches allowing for more passenger space. The new cabriolets retain a soft-top, which can be raised and lowered in under 20 seconds.

The European market will get the choice of five engines (two gas and three TDIs) and three transmissions (six-speed manual, seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch, and eight-speed automatic). The U.S. will likely get the 2.0L TFSI four-cylinder found in the new A4 with 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic will come paired with the TFSI. We don't know if the A5 convertible will get front-wheel drive like the previous-generation model, but we expect quattro all-wheel drive to be offered.

The S5 will come with a 3.0L turbocharged V6 with 354 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This will come paired with an eight-speed automatic and quattro all-wheel drive.

We'll have more details later this month when Audi unveils the A5 and S5 cabriolet at the LA Auto Show.

Source: Audi
Press Release is on Page 2

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The new Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet – open to intense driving pleasure

• Sporty, elegant design, larger interior, more comfort and convenience
• Seat belt microphones and fully automatic acoustic hood as standard
• Audi S5 Cabriolet with 354 hp V6 turbocharged engine and quattro drive

The premiere of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet* completes the new generation of the A5 family. Up to four people can enjoy intense driving pleasure on board the open-top mid-sized model. The fully automatic acoustic hood opens and closes up to a speed of 50 km/h (31.1 mph). In the Audi S5 Cabriolet* a new six-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 354 hp and 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of torque ensures top performance.

Striking shoulder line, classic soft top: the exterior
The designers went with the sleek lines of the Coupé for the styling of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet. The rear window is now flatter and emphasizes the sporty looks, as do the short overhangs and the long wraparound hood with power dome. With a length of 4,673 millimeters (15.3 ft), the new A5 Cabriolet is 47 millimeters (1.9 in) longer than the predecessor model.

The classic soft top fits perfectly and delivers outstanding aeroacoustics thanks to effective insulation. The new one-touch opening function makes operating the standard acoustic hood much easier: Just a quick pull of the switch is all it takes to open the soft top fully automatically in 15 seconds or close it in 18 seconds – even while driving up to 50 km/h (31.1 mph).

The front is dominated by a three-dimensional Singleframe grille which is much flatter and wider than before. The wave-shaped shoulder line – a hallmark styling feature of the entire A5 family – makes the A5 Cabriolet extremely elegant. The pronounced bulges over the wheel arches accentuate the quattro DNA. Horizontal lines at the rear emphasize the width of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet, which at the same time is slightly narrower than the predecessor.

The third brake light is elegantly integrated into the surrounding trim strip of the hood compartment cover. LED rear lights and optional LED or Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signals at the front and rear make high-end technology visible even after dark.

Strong package: the chassis
The wide track and the long wheelbase measuring 2,765 millimeters (108.9 in) are key features of the balanced, sporty suspension tuning. The track width is 1,587 millimeters (62.5 in) at the front and 1,568 millimeters (61.7 in) at the rear. An updated five-link suspension is used on the front axle. At the rear, a five-link construction replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model. Adaptive dampers are available as an option. They are incorporated into the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system and allow the driver to choose between a highly dynamic or comfortable driving experience. The newly developed electromechanical power steering offers good feedback from the road and greater steering precision. Optionally available is dynamic steering, which varies its gear ratio depending on the speed and steering angle.

Lighter and torsionally stiffer: the body
The body of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet is the stiffest in its class and yet is among the lightest in the segment. Thanks to a smart mix of materials and geometric lightweight design, the engineers have increased the good torsional stiffness of the predecessor model by another 40 percent. All of which makes the Cabriolet’s handling even more agile. The total weight of the new generation is reduced by up to 40 kilograms (88.2 lb). The front-wheel-drive A5 Cabriolet with the 190 hp 2.0 TDI weighs 1,690 kilograms (3725.8 lb).

Additional struts in the body compared with the Coupé and reinforced sills make up for the absence of a fixed roof. In the event of a crash and rollover, head-thorax side airbags and automatically extending aluminum profiles ensure the occupants’ safety.

Wide lineup: engines and drivetrain
There is initially a choice of three engines for the new Audi A5 Cabriolet in Germany – a 2.0 TFSI with 185 kW (252 hp), a 2.0 TDI with 140 kW (190 hp) and a 3.0 TDI with 160 kW (218 hp). Following the market introduction, a 2.0 TFSI with 140 kW (190 hp) and a 3.0 TDI with 210 kW (286 hp) will join the lineup. Compared with the previous model, the engines offer 

up to 17 percent more power while consuming as much as 22 percent less fuel. All the engines combine high efficiency with sporty power development and smooth running – especially the two 3.0 TDI six-cylinder engines.

Six-speed manual transmission, seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission or eight-speed tiptronic – tailor-made drivetrain technology is available for every engine version. The drive is provided as standard via the front wheels; quattro drive with ultra technology and permanent all-wheel drive are available as options. The latter comes as standard for the 3.0 TDI with 210 kW (286 hp).

The Audi S5 Cabriolet is moving into a whole new league with its newly developed 3.0 TFSI. From its 2,995 cc of displacement, the boosted six-cylinder engine produces 260 kW (354 hp) of power – 15 kW (21 hp) more than the engine in the previous model. The top model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.1 seconds, and on up to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). It features quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the eight-speed tiptronic as standard.

Spacious and functional: the interior
The increased dimensions, the wheelbase extended by 14 millimeters (0.6 in) and more compact seats increase the space for the driver and passengers. The shoulder room in the front row of seats has been increased by 26 millimeters (1.0 in) and the kneeroom in the rear by 18 millimeters (0.7 in).

The horizontal architecture of the instrument panel and the continuous air vent strip create a generous sense of space. High-grade materials, different colors and excellent workmanship ensure a very special feel-good atmosphere and underscore the premium character. As an option the ambient lighting with 30 adjustable colors creates a fitting mood for the interior.

With the hood closed the luggage compartment has a capacity of 380 liters (13.4 cu ft). The soft top compartment in the luggage compartment automatically moves down when opening the soft top and up again when the soft top is closed, thus providing the largest possible luggage space at all times. The rear seat has a 50:50 split and can be easily folded forward using levers in the luggage compartment. As standard the tailgate on the A5 Cabriolet now opens automatically – using the remote control key or the button in the driver’s door. Audi also installs gesture control for the tailgate as an option: A proximity sensor in the bumper responds to a kicking movement with the foot – the tailgate opens automatically once the optional convenience key is detected.

Seat belt microphones as standard: operation made easy
Thanks to the all-new operating and display concept including natural language voice control and free-text search, the driver can control all functions effortlessly and intuitively. Standard seat belt microphones for driver and front passenger improve voice quality even with the hood open. As an alternative to the analog instrument dials, there is the Audi virtual cockpit with various display options. The large, high-resolution TFT monitor measuring 12.3 inches presents richly detailed graphics. The optional head-up display projects all relevant information onto the windshield in the driver’s direct field of vision as easily comprehensible symbols and digits, thus enabling the driver to keep their eyes on the road.

Top-class connectivity: infotainment and Audi connect
MMI navigation plus with MMI touch tops the infotainment range. Its 8.3-inch monitor has a resolution of 1,024 x 480 pixels. In addition to a DVD drive and a 10 GB flash memory, the high-end system also features two card readers, an AUX-IN connection and a USB connection with charging function.

An LTE module provides access to Audi connect online services – free of charge for three years. The first five map updates for the navigation system are also free of charge. The media hub also comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot which connects passengers’ mobile devices to the World Wide Web.

The Audi smartphone interface integrates iOS and Android cellphones in an environment specially developed for them in the MMI. The Audi phone box connects smartphones to the on-board antenna to provide superior reception quality. It also charges the smartphone inductively, without any wires, using the Qi standard. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System features innovative 3D sound and further improved bass thanks to a second woofer. It opens up the spatial dimension of height and gives the driver the sense of sitting in a concert hall. Its amplifier supplies 755 watts of power in total to 19 loudspeakers.

Abundant support: the driver assistance systems
With up to 30 driver assistance systems, the new Audi A5 Cabriolet offers a broad range of support. An intelligent combination of different technologies enhances safety, comfort and efficiency. Meanwhile Audi is also taking the next step toward piloted driving.

Playing a central role here is the adaptive cruise control (ACC) Stop&Go system including traffic jam assist. It relieves drivers in slow-moving traffic up to speeds of 65 km/h (40.4 mph) by assuming the tasks of braking and accelerating the car, and it also temporarily takes charge of steering on better roads. The predictive efficiency assistant evaluates GPS information from the car’s immediate surroundings and helps to save fuel by giving specific driving advice – a unique feature in this segment.

Collision avoidance assist intervenes if the car needs to drive around an obstacle to avoid an accident. Based on data from the front camera, ACC and radar sensors, it computes a recommended driving line within a fraction of a second. The lineup is rounded out by other assistance systems such as turn assist, park assist, rear cross traffic assist, exit warning, camera-based recognition of traffic signs, Audi active lane assist and Audi side assist.

Pampering program: the equipment
The Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet come with an especially wide range of equipment. Standard features include xenon headlights, the Audi drive select dynamic handling system and partial leather seats. Intuitive, ergonomic operation comes courtesy of the Audi MMI radio plus with 7-inch color display, seat belt microphones and the one-touch opening function for the soft top. The new lines concept with various equipment packages enhances the scope for individual design expression.

The new Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet will be in dealerships in Germany and other European countries in March 2017. The A5 Cabriolet starts at EUR 49,350. The price for the S5 Cabriolet is EUR 67,800.

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[Frisky Dingo]

Definitely looks better with w/out a roof. Old car was still better.