Audi RS5 Cabriolet: Official

Audi has revealed the new RS5 Cabriolet with a 4.2 litre V8 and 444bhp ahead of a public debut at the Paris Motor Show.

Audi has been busy today with its webcams and laptops organising the online reveal of the new RS5 Cabriolet. And here it is.

With the same 444bhp 4.2 litre as its tin-top sibling, the RS5 Cabriolet looks set to be one of the quickest drop tops when it hits the road in 2013.

Sticking in a couple of RSJs to keep the front an back from parting company has added to the weight of the RS5 Cabriolet and dented its economy and performance a bit.

Fuel economy worsens by 1mpg to 25.9mpg and 0-62mph increases to 4.9 seconds – half a second slower – but the RS5 Cabriolet is still a swift and reasonably economical fast Cabrio.

As you would expect, the Cabriolet is much the same as the coupe under the skin with lowered suspension, 7-speed S Tronic ‘box, quattro 4WD and the option of a sports diff at the back to help go round corners a bit better.

You can have your new RS5 in one of eight colours, and the folding canvas roof – which goes up/down in 15/17 seconds at up to 31mph – can be had in black, grey, red or brown, which should limit the worst colour clashes from buyers with more money than taste.

Extra goodies to make the RS5 Cabriolet stand out – apart from its lack of a roof and bright colours – included Xenons with LEDs, LED tail lights, big butch bumpers, carbon fibre spoiler at the back and 19″ alloys.

The new Audi RS5 Cabriolet goes on sale in Germany at the end of 2012 with first cars due early 2013. In Germany, Audi is charging the equivalent of £70,154, but they haven’t come up with a UK specific price yet.

Audi RS5 Cabriolet Photos >>

By Cars UK