2010 Audi A5 Convertible
Price |
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Production |
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Engine |
3.2 liter FSI V6 |
Weight |
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Aspiration |
natural |
Torque |
243 lb-ft @ 3000 - 5000 rpm | ||
HP |
265 hp |
HP/Weight |
-- | ||
HP/Liter |
82.8 hp per liter |
1/4 mile |
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0-62 mph |
6.9 seconds |
Top Speed |
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(from Audi Press
Release) The Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet – the joy of open-top
driving
Dynamic and wonderful to look at, the new A5 Cabriolet is a real
Audi, and an especially exciting one at that. The four-seater with
the fabric top combines a sporty character with the fascination of
open-top driving, refined comfort, and great everyday utility. Seven
powerful engines, an agile suspension and a wide range of high-end
options make the new Audi model the most attractive mid-range
convertible. The top-of-the-line model of Audi's new family of
convertibles is the S5 Cabriolet. The engine of the S5 Cabriolet is
the newly developed, supercharged three-liter V6 with gasoline
direct injection. Prices start at EUR 37,300 for the 1.8 TFSI with
118 kW (160 hp) and six-speed manual transmission. Delivery of the
first A5 Cabriolet models will begin in the second quarter of 2009.
Like all open-top Audi models, the new A5 Cabriolet too has a
classic fabric top – which endows it with a striking silhouette of
dynamic elegance. The lightweight softtop opens in 15 seconds – and
closes in 17 seconds. The fully automatic open/close drive comes as
standard. An acoustic top is optionally available, which reduces
wind noise almost to the hardtop level.
When opened, the Audi A5 Cabriolet top folds down so effectively
that very little trunk space is used up – leaving 320 liters (11.3
cu ft) of unused storage volume, clearly the best value in its field
of competitors. The softtop compartment lowers itself automatically
when the top is opened.
Equally useful is the fold-down rear seat backrest with the large
pass-through between the luggage space and the interior, which
increases the storage volume to a generous 750 liters (26.49 cu.
ft.).
Automatic seat belt extenders round out the comfort in the interior.
Neck-level heating is optionally available for the front seats. The
optional leather seats are coated with a special layer to reduce
solar heating. There is comfortable room for four persons. The
refined ambience combines with exemplary ergonomics to convey an
atmosphere of sporty elegance. Ultra-high-strength steels and
selective reinforcements of the body ensure maximal rigidity and
crash safety.
The A5 Cabriolet is being launched with three gasoline engines and
two diesel engines, with power outputs ranging from 132 kW (180 hp)
to 195 kW (265 hp). All five powerplants are fueled via direct
injection; four of them use turbocharging. Available power trains
include a six-speed manual transmission, the continuously variable
multitronic, and the lightning-fast, seven-speed S tronic.
In addition to front-wheel drive, Audi also offers quattro permanent
all-wheel drive for the higher-power engines. The innovative sport
differential, which variably distributes the propulsive power
between the rear wheels, is optionally available to make quattro
even more dynamic and even safer.
Fascinating dynamics: Audi drive select
The perfect addition to
this technology package is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics
system, which enables the driver to chose among three different
engine maps controlling the characteristics of the fuel feed, the
shifting points of the seven-speed S tronic and multitronic, and the
mode of operation of the servotronic steering system. If the MMI
operating system is installed, a fourth, freely programmable level
is also available.
Audi drive select is only available in combination with one or more
of three additional technologies – the sport differential, the
adaptive control for the shock absorbers, and dynamic steering. This
is an additional high-tech solution: Its superposition gear varies
the gear ratio as a function of the driving speed by up to 100
percent.
The new Audi A5 Cabriolet features a rich array of equipment,
including 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, and an
audio system with a CD player. One of the highlights among the
optional equipment is the third-generation MMI operating system,
which provides many attractive navigation and entertainment
functions.
As the dynamic top-of-the-line model of the new production series,
the S5 Cabriolet occupies a very special position. Its three-liter
TFSI – a V6 with turbocharger – unfolds its 245 kW (333 hp) and 440
Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque impressively: It responds tenaciously to
the throttle and delivers excellent driving performance. The quattro
drive, a sport suspension with 18-inch wheels and a number of
special equipment details underscore the athletic power of the Audi
S5 Cabriolet.
The exterior design
The Audi A5 Cabriolet
combines Audi's progressive styling with the fascination of an
open-top car. The long engine hood, the sharp lines, the sweep of
the shoulder contour, the elegantly curved surfaces, the large
wheels, the distinctive front end, and the expressive tail all
interact to create a sculptural, sensuous whole. The A5 Cabriolet is
4.63 meters (15.19 ft) long and 1.85 meters (6.07 ft) wide, but only
1.38 meters (4.53 ft) tall: the sportiest proportions in its class.
The styling of the front end is dominated by the single-frame
grille, which is flanked by large air intakes. The exquisite design
of the headlights makes them look like technical jewels. The daytime
running lights of the optional xenon plus headlights consist of LEDs.
An aluminum molding lends high gloss to the windshield frame.
The looks of the tail end are sharpened by horizontal lines, broad
tail lights, straight tailpipes, and a distinctly colored diffuser
insert. The trunk lid bears an unobtrusive spoiler lip. The xenon
plus headlight option comes complete with LED taillights, which
create a distinctive light pattern.
The convertible top
The fabric top with the
large glass rear window fits smoothly into the design profile. This
is one of several reasons why Audi preferred it to a folding steel
roof. What's more, its construction is much lighter in weight, which
reduces the overall weight of the Cabriolet and lowers its center of
gravity. The outer skin of the top is available in a choice of four
colors, the inside in three.
The softtop consists of three layers. The intermediate layer is a
cushioning pad. In the optional acoustic top, which reduces wind
noise almost to hardtop level, this is replaced by a foam layer up
to 15 millimeters (0.59 in) in thickness. The acoustic top comes
with a ceiling light for the rear seat – a solution usually only
found in the topmost convertible luxury segment.
In both versions, a hydraulic pump and four operating cylinders that
move the top are actuated when a pushbutton on the central console
or on the optional remote access assistant is depressed. It takes 15
seconds to open the top, 17 seconds to close it. Both actions can
also be actuated while driving at up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph) – which
makes driving much more comfortable.
When opened, the top is retracted underneath a fixed cover, where it
is folded down into an extremely compact shape. Its storage
compartment, which automatically lowers itself into the trunk space,
only takes up a few centimeters in height – and only 60 liters (2.12
cu ft) of the 380 liters (13.42 cu ft) of luggage space. The
remaining 320 liters (11.3 cu ft) with the top open are by far the
best value among comparable vehicles. What's more, the low position
of the loading lip makes loading and unloading easier. The wind
deflector, which is supplied as standard, can be stored in the
spare-wheel well to save space.
A very convenient feature in the Audi A5 Cabriolet are the split
folding rear seat backrests. They can be easily unlocked by
actuating levers in the trunk and drop automatically onto the seat
cushions. The standard pass-though is 70 centimeters (27.56 in)
wide. The loading space behind the front seatback is 1.76 meters
(69.29 in) long, providing a total storage volume of 750 liters
(26.49 cu ft).
The body
As is typical of Audi
models, the A5 Cabriolet has an extremely rigid body. This is a
prime reason for its precise driving performance, its high comfort
level, and its maximized crash safety.
In the construction of the body-in-white, several innovative
technologies are used. A prime example are the ultra-high-strength
steels with their extremely high tensile strength, which Audi
manufactures in-house using hot forming. The front fenders of the A5
Cabriolet are made of aluminum to lower the weight and to optimize
axle load distribution. An enclosed underbody improves the airflow
and thereby the fuel efficiency.
A whole array of additional reinforcement parts compensates for the
absence of a solid roof. They are located in the front section, in
the side skirts, in the windshield frame, and in the rear section.
Located between the interior and the luggage section is the rollover
protection. When a rollover threatens, spring-loaded aluminum braces
are raised behind the rear seat headrests. Door-mounted head and
chest sidebags provide protection in the event of a lateral impact.
The interior
With its generous
wheelbase of 2.75 meters (9.02 ft) and the longest interior in its
class, the Audi A5 Cabriolet has plenty of room for longer trips.
That's also true for the rear seats, which can be optionally divided
by a center console with two cup holders.
Elegance in flowing lines, functional ergonomics, and top-quality
craftsmanship are the principal characteristics of the interior –
and this too is typically Audi. The teardrop-shaped settings of the
instruments have already become modern classics. The centrally
mounted onboard monitor is standard equipment. The formed-plastic
console focuses on the driver. Flowing lines link it to the central
tunnel and the door linings. If the customer has ordered either one
of the two navigation systems it comes with the highly convenient
MMI operating system – the best solution on the market.
The low standard seats provide excellent control and support. Using
seatbelts is facilitated by electric seat belt extenders. Special
solutions are available as alternatives: firm sport seats, electric
seat adjustment and heating – as a separate option also for the back
seats.
In the climate-controlled comfort seats, small fans and an automatic
auxiliary heater ensure luxurious comfort. This option provides
neck-level heating – ducts on the topside of the seatback emit warm
air that keeps the back of the head and neck warm. With its
three-level control, the headroom heater is also available for sport
seats. It prolongs the open-air season in the Audi A5 Cabriolet.
Another special feature is provided in the optional leather
upholstery: a special coating inhibits solar heating while the
Cabriolet is parked in the sun with the top down. This coating
reflects infrared radiation and thus lowers the surface temperature
by up to 20 degrees Celsius. Audi offers a choice of several seat
coverings up to and including Fine Nappa leather. Inlays come as
standard in Micrometallic platinum; aluminum and three different
kinds of wood are available as options.
The engines
In the propulsion system
of the A5 Cabriolet too Audi has consistently relied on innovative
technologies: All five engines – the two TDIs and the three gasoline
engines – use direct injection. They are impressive evidence that,
at Audi, efficiency and dynamics go together and are interdependent.
The most powerful gasoline engine in the Audi A5 Cabriolet is the
3.2-liter FSI. It operates with the innovative Audi valvelift
system, which varies the lift of the intake valves in two stages. As
a result, the gas exchange improves and the throttle can be left
open more often, minimizing throttling losses – which in turn boosts
the torque and the power output while reducing fuel consumption. The
V6 delivers up to 195 kW (265 hp) as well as 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft)
between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. With front-wheel drive and multitronic
it accelerates the A5 Cabriolet in 6.9 seconds to 100 km/h (62.14
mph) – and up to a top speed of 246 km/h (152.86 mph). Its average
fuel efficiency is an impressive 8.6 liters/100 km (27.35 US mpg).
An optional alternative is quattro all-wheel drive, combined with
the new seven-speed S tronic.
The 2.0 TFSI likewise attests to Audi's leadership position in
engine design. This four-cylinder engine also uses the Audi
valvelift system – but here it acts on the exhaust valves, with
similar advantages as in the V6. Audi sells the two-liter turbo in
two versions. In the entry-level version, which comes with
front-wheel drive and multitronic, it delivers up to 132 kW (180 hp)
and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) from 1,500 to 3,900 rpm. This version
completes the standard sprint in 8.9 seconds and has a top speed of
219 km/h (136.08 mph). Average fuel efficiency is an excellent 7.4
liters per 100 km (31.79 US mpg).
The more powerful version of the 2.0 TFSI delivers 155 kW (211 hp)
as well as 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. It is
available with three powertrain versions: with the quattro drive
package and the seven-speed S tronic, and with front-wheel drive and
either multitronic or manual transmission. In the latter version the
A5 Cabriolet reaches 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.5 seconds and has a
top speed of 241 km/h (149.75 mph). Its average fuel efficiency is
an impressive 6.8 liters per 100 km (34.59 US mpg).
The two V6 TDIs also set the standards in their class. With their
enormous torque and consistent running smoothness they represent the
leading-edge sportiness of Audi TDI technology. The three-liter
engine generates 176 kW (240 hp) and applies 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft)
of torque to the crankshaft between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. The sprint
from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes 6.4 seconds. Top speed is
247 km/h (153.48 mph). This top-of-the-line diesel, which powers all
four wheels via the seven-speed S tronic, is content with an
impressive average of 6.8 liters/100 km (34.59 US mpg).
The second TDI in the program is even thriftier. The 2.7-liter
powerplant with 140 kW (190 hp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) between
1,400 and 3,500 rpm consumes a mere 6.3 liters/100 km (37.34 US
mpg)*. The smaller V6 diesel comes with front-wheel drive and manual
transmission. It goes from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.6
seconds; 230 km/h (142.92 mph) is its top speed (preliminary
values).
The transmission
Audi provides a choice
of three different transmissions for the A5 Cabriolet. The 2.0 TFSI
with 155 kW (211 hp) comes with a six-speed manual transmission as
standard, which excels in its short shifting travels and high
operating precision. Both the two-liter engine and the 3.2 FSI are
available with the multitronic continuously variable automatic
transmission as an option, which combines smooth operation with high
efficiency and a fuel-saving transmission ratio. For a dynamic
driving style the multitronic is available with a sport program and
a manual mode with eight fixed speeds.
For the more powerful version of the 2.0 TFSI and for the 3.2 FSI,
the seven-speed S tronic is available as an option; in the 3.0 TDI
it is standard equipment. This new high-tech dual-clutch
transmission changes gears in a few hundredths of a second, and so
smoothly that the driver hardly notices it. What's more, it is
highly efficient and fuel-saving. The driver can let the seven-speed
S tronic shift automatically or interact, if desired, via rocker
switches on the steering wheel.
The seven-speed S tronic has been designed for use with the quattro
permanent all-wheel drive. It is optionally available for the
high-end diesel series and for the two powerful gasoline engines.
The quattro drive system is dynamically designed – during normal
driving it distributes the forces in a 40:60 ratio between the front
and the rear. If one wheel skids, a center differential that
operates purely mechanically transfers most of the power to the axle
with the better traction.
The new sport differential makes the driving dynamics of the quattro
drive even more fascinating. This innovative control system
steplessly distributes the propulsive torques among the rear wheels
depending on the driving situation.
This form of torque control makes the steering response of the A5
Cabriolet even more spontaneous and direct and further improves the
vehicle's stability. Transverse acceleration is further improved
while understeering or oversteering is completely prevented.
The chassis
The Audi A5 Cabriolet
leads its class in all relevant sporty criteria – steering response,
stability and agility – yet it provides a very smooth ride. The
reason for these strengths is the perfect distribution of axle
loads. The front axle is located far forward in the front section –
a configuration made possible by an unusual solution: the
differential is mounted in front of the clutch or torque converter.
The chassis design too is technologically advanced: The front wheels
are mounted on a five-link axle. The front axle support is firmly
bolted to the body in order to maximize rigidity. The steering
forces are transmitted to the wheels directly via the steering box,
which is mounted very low within the chassis. The hydraulic
rack-and-pinion steering provides a very responsive and highly
precise connection to the road. Optionally available is the
servotronic, which adjusts its support level to the driving speed.
The rear-wheel suspension of the Audi A5 Cabriolet is supported by a
trapezoidal-link axle, which combines a smooth ride and maximum
driving stability. The essential parts of both the front and the
rear suspension are made of aluminum. The large brakes ensure
powerful deceleration and react very precisely to the degree of
pedal pressure. 16-inch or 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard,
depending on the engine version. Optionally available from Audi and
quattro GmbH are 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels.
Another high-tech feature in the new A5 Cabriolet is the Audi drive
select vehicle dynamics system. It influences the characteristics of
the fuel feed, the speed change points of the seven-speed S tronic,
and the operating mode of the servotronic steering system. The
driver presses a key to select a comfortable, intermediate, or
dynamic operating mode for these subsystems. If the vehicle is
equipped with a navigation system – and the MMI operator control
that comes with it – a fourth engine map is provided, which the
driver can program to suit.
Audi drive select is only available in combination with one or more
of three additional technologies – the differential, the adaptive
shock absorber control, and dynamic steering. Its superposition gear
varies the gear ratio by nearly 100 percent as a function of the
driving speed. The dynamic steering operates directly in city
traffic. In highway driving it uses a more indirect ratio. To
maximize driving safety, it cooperates closely with the ESP
stabilization program – at the handling limits it keeps the A5
Cabriolet on course by lightning-fast small interactions.
The equipment
The Audi A5 Cabriolet
comes with an impressive array of standard equipment. This includes
a fully automatic convertible top, 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels,
a fold-down rear seatback with a large pass-through, and automatic
air conditioning; the chorus audio system comes with integral CD
player. Electric seat belt extenders and an electromagnetic parking
brake are also standard.
Further luxury is available in the options: The adaptive light
option combines xenon plus headlights with dynamic cornering lights;
the high-beam assistant changes automatically between low beam and
high beam. The advanced key provides keyless access and allows
starting the car as well as opening and closing the top remotely.
The deluxe automatic air conditioning manages the temperature
separately in three zones in the vehicle. The acoustic top further
lowers the wind noise level. And the climate-controlled comfort seat
in combination with the neck-level heating creates a perfectly
tempered environment.
When it comes to the chassis, the program is complemented by the
Audi drive select system, the sport differential, and two
conventional sport suspensions. The S line sport package plus
combines the stiff set-up with performance features such as 10
millimeters less body height, 18-inch wheels and 245/40 tires with a
package of special details for the interior. The S line exterior
package, on the other hand, endows the vehicle with an especially
dynamic look.
Further highlights are the two infotainment systems MMI navigation
and MMI navigation plus – members of an entirely new equipment
generation. Even the lesser model includes navigation imaging
featuring 3D color graphics, a versatile reader for memory cards,
and a DVD drive. Optionally available from Audi is a module for
digital radio reception, a Bluetooth interface for the mobile phone,
and an interface for full integration of the iPod.
The top version comes with exclusive technologies: an especially
high-definition monitor, a big hard drive for music files and
addresses, plus a special joystick function for the MMI control
unit. With refinements such as a Bang & Olufsen sound system or a
digital TV tuner, the MMI navigation plus can be turned into a
high-end media center.
Innovative assistant systems from the luxury class make driving in
the A5 Cabriolet even more supremely relaxed. Audi optionally equips
its open-top four-seater with high-tech solutions including adaptive
cruise control, Audi side assist and Audi lane assist. They control
the distance from the vehicle in front and assist in staying in lane
or in changing lanes. The luxury-class Audi parking system advanced
uses a rearview camera to display the area behind the vehicle on the
onboard monitor.