Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet: first photos

Audi today ushers in its replacement for the A4 Cabriolet – the A5 Cabriolet. It's a new name and a new number for yet another new model in Audi's universe. No prizes for guessing it's a convertible version of the A5 coupe with room for four and a soft top that arcs down in 15 seconds.



Audi is sticking with a folding fabric roof (available in four colours), where rivals such as BMW and Lexus prefer a robotised metal lid. Raising the hood takes a further two seconds, expanding boot space from 320 litres to 380 with the top up. Roof operation is naturally fully electric and works on the move at speeds of up to 31mph. Perfect for inclement British summers.



What engines can I order in my A5 Cabrio?



Pick between seven different motors, headed by the S5 Cabriolet's supercharged 328bhp 3.0-litre V6. The starter model – priced from around £29,500 when UK sales start in April 2009 – will be the 160bhp 1.8 TFSI. Click here for CAR's first drive of the S5 coupe.



Also expect a brace of diesel units (a 2.7 TDI and 3.0 TDI) in the A5 Cabriolet range, while you can merrily confuse Audi's configurator with a baffling choice of front- or four-wheel drive, new electro rear diff, six-speed manual, CVT and seven-speed S-tronic twin-clutch gearboxes. Transmission oneupmanship, or what?



And gadgets galore?



Sort of. Audi has adopted Merc's Airscarf-style tech for all-seasons open-top driving while the MMI multi-controller upgrades to the third iteration for even easier button mastery/confusion (delete as applicable). Naturally, the new A5 cab range is available with a full suite of blinding LED light options for those who like to flaunt it and the leather seats can be specced with a new solar-reflecting finish.



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