2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet Drops Its Top in Paris

Audi is on a serious roll in America, blasting through sales records with a hot lineup of cars and SUVs that everyone seems to want. Since the company is already selling the hot-rodded RS5 Coupe in States, adding a convertible to the mix is a no-brainer. Behold, the 2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet, which debuted at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

The new RS5 “Cab” is equipped with the same high-revving, 450-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 engine as its coupe counterpart, but the heavier convertible is a few ticks slower to 60 mph at an estimated 4.8 seconds. Audi’s S-tronic 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox feeds power to all four wheels through a Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Top speed is 174 mph, with the right options added.

Audi Drive Select with Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Individual settings is standard equipment, along with a lowered performance suspension and ventilated disc brakes clamped with 8-piston calipers. Spending extra equips the RS5 Cabriolet with a sports exhaust system, carbon fiber ceramic brakes, Dynamic Steering, and a Dynamic Ride Control suspension.

The new RS5 Cabriolet’s acoustic fabric top drops in 15 seconds and raises in 17 seconds, at speeds up to 31 mph. When folded, it reduces trunk space by about 15%.

Exterior modifications include a new grille and bumpers with front and rear parking sensors, sharpened hood contours, wraparound LED running lights and taillights, a Matte Carbon rear lip spoiler, and new 19-inch, 10-spoke aluminum wheels.

Inside, the RS5 Cabriolet includes a flat-bottomed RS sport steering wheel, automatic front seatbelt feeders, a wind blocker, LED cabin lighting, and a rollover protection system. Optionally, the front seats offer both head and body heating for greater top-down comfort on chilly days.

The new Audi RS5 Cabriolet goes on sale in Europe early next year, and is expected to arrive Stateside in time for summer.