Audi RS5 Cabrio unveiled

Audi held a live unveiling of its new RS5 cabriolet, releasing images and details of the new model, which will go on sale in the UK early next year.

The new convertible model uses the same 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine as the Audi RS5 coupe, producing 444bhp. This is transmitted to the road via Audi’s trademark quattro four-wheel drive system and seven-speed S-tronic automatic gearbox.

The RS5 cabriolet can do a claimed 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds, four tenths down compared to the 4.5second coupe. Top speed remains limited to 155mph, but this can be raised to 174mph as an option.

The rear end of the car features a new aerodynamic diffuser, and revised LED tail lamps. There is also a subtle carbon fibre rear lip spoiler on the boot lid. Apart from a pair of aluminium front wings, the front end virtually identical to the coupe, which has recently been facelifted.

Like all A5 models, the fabric hood can be lowered and raised at speeds of up to 30mph. The car sits 20mm lower that the standard cabriolet, and the body has been reinforced with stiffer suspension mounts and thicker anti-roll bars.

German Prices will start from €88,500 (about £70,154 at current exchange rates) with UK pricing to be announced closer to launch.