Ahead of its real-life debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Audi has revealed the RS5 Cabriolet, which uses a 4.2-liter V8 engine that will propel the car from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds.
The powerplant uses FSI direct injection to achieves a power rating of 450 hp at 8,250 rpm, and 317 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is electronically limited in the car to 155 mph, but it can be raised at a customers request to 173 mph. Mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive system, the combined fuel economy rating for the car is 21 mpg.
The cabriolet version of the car sports the same looks as the coupe, using a matte aluminum frame to wrap the large front grille and lower lip of the car. Xenon plus wedge-shaped headlamps and LED strips sit above two large air intaks that are imbedded in the front apron. The wheel arches grow on the sides of the car giving it a more pronounced profile, while matte anodized aluminum strips adorn the windshield frame, window channels and the soft top box.
Inside, the RS5 keeps its luxury roots with seats upholstered with a combination of leather and Alcantara, or in optional black or lunar silver Fine Nappa leather. Chrome highlights as well as high-gloss black trim and carbon inlays can be found throughout the cabin, along with RS5 badging completing the premium look. The drop-top can be lowered in just 15 seconds, even when driving at speeds of up to 31 mph. and it only eats up an extra 2.12 cubic feet of trunk space.
For performance, the RS5 cabriolet sits 20 mm lower than the standard A5, and runs of 20-inch wheels that use black-colored brake calipers and an eight-piston setup. Standard on the RS5 is Audi drive select, which can be used to vary the characteristics of the steering feel, throttle valves, and even the exhaust system sound flaps, to change the engine sound of the car. The sport differential, adaptive cruise control and sport suspension plus can also be adjusted using the Audi drive select system.
In Europe, the RS5 Cabriolet will sell for €88,500, so when it comes to America, it may cost around $110,000, if the European pricing structure holds true.
GALLERY: 2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet
See Autoguide’s Paris Motor Show preview here.