Audi has confirmed production of its A4 cabrio will come to an end later this year and will be replaced early next year by the all-new A5 Cabrio. Unlike the previous A4 version, which was built by Karmann, the new A5 drop-top will be built by Audi at its Neckarsulm plant in Germany alongside the coupe.
Unlike its 3-series rival from BMW, Audi will likely employ a lightweight canvas roof for its new convertible that will save both on costs as well as storage space. Expect the new convertible to be powered by the same engines as found in the coupe, which means the latest FSI and TDI engines, with output ranging from 125 to 195kW (170 to 265hp). There’s also likely to be V8 powered S5 and RS5 performance models as well. The new Cabrio will also feature a new supercharged V6 engine that will be appearing in more of Audi's lineup over the coming year.
The base model will remain FWD but AWD variants will feature latest quattro torque vectoring systems, which distribute drive individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. Audi's new seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox should also feature in the new model.
A total of 28,000 A5 Cabrios will be produced in the first year of production and pricing is expected to start at €37,000 in Europe. Expect to see it at the Paris Motor Show in October before its sales launch early next year.
2009 Audi A5 Cabrio renderings
Reader Comments
Wed Apr 23 2008 12:53 PM
Gus says
Oh make a RWD, Jeez!!!
Way out of my price range anyhow, so I guess it doesn't matter...
Wed Jun 4 2008 8:15 AM
chriss says
a5 is my fav car ! :X
Wed Jun 4 2008 8:16 AM
Alan says
Nah, RWD is not what Audi is renowned for these days, i think AWD makes Audi unique amongst premium brands, somewhat like Subaru in mainstream brands. I'm still not sure about Audi's decision to go fabric roof when the whole industry seems more keen on folding metal roof. Personally i prefer metal folding roof, feels more secure when the roof is up
Wed Jun 4 2008 10:16 AM
Gus says
RWD would make it cheaper, and so would a fabric roof.
A convertible is supposed to have the top down, not up.
But the coupe version of this cr looks incredibly good.
Wed Jun 4 2008 11:15 AM
ally says
this car is loking gr8 specially the front and the headlights it looks like that someone actually took some time to design the car unlike porsche.....as for audi making RWD one.....thts not goin to happen becaus audi belive in FWD and AWD (QUATTRO)...they have turned into a very successful marketing thingamajigi...and i am probably the only 1 here who is actually glad that they did no put a metal roof....becas the boot has to be made longer which makes the car look wierd on top of that there isnt much boot space left......plus i thnk that soft tops have certain amount of elagance in them.....
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