Features an Authentic Fabric Top

This new convertible features a fabric top with a glass rear window. When open, the top stows under a cover behind the cabin, yet the trunk capacity remains a generous 320 liters, among the largest for a convertible. Operation is automatic, with the top opening in 15 seconds and closing in 17 seconds. It can be opened or closed while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h.

When considering a convertible, body rigidity and safety are key concerns. For rigidity, Audi has achieved a high level by reinforcing the front, rear, side sills, and windshield frame, and by using high-tensile steel in various areas. For safety, features such as side airbags and a roll bar that deploys automatically in case of a rollover are standard, ensuring a high level of safety.

The engine lineup includes two gasoline engines in three variants and two diesel engines for the A5 Cabriolet. Specifically, the gasoline options are a 2.0-liter inline-4 direct-injection DOHC turbo 2.0 TFSI (producing 180 ps and 32.6 kg-m of torque, or 211 ps and 35.7 kg-m of torque) and a 3.2-liter V6 direct-injection DOHC 3.2 FSI (producing 265 ps and 33.6 kg-m of torque). The diesel options are a 3.0-liter V6 direct-injection turbo 3.0 TDI (producing 240 ps and 51.0 kg-m of torque) and a 2.7-liter V6 direct-injection turbo 2.7 TDI (producing 190 ps and 40.8 kg-m of torque).

The S5: A Sports Car Contender

The drivetrain is quattro for the 3.2 FSI, the 2.0 TFSI (211 ps version), and the 3.0 TDI (the 2.0 TFSI also offers a 2WD option). All other models are 2WD (front-wheel drive). The transmission options include the S tronic dual-clutch 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for quattro models, and a 6-speed manual or CVT for 2WD models.

The S5 Cabriolet is powered by a newly developed 3.0-liter V6 direct-injection DOHC 3.0 TFSI engine with a supercharger, producing 333 ps and 44.8 kg-m of torque. It is paired with a 7-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The S5 Cabriolet boasts sports car-level performance, with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

European sales are scheduled to begin around the summer of 2009, with prices starting at 37,300 euros (approximately 4.4 million yen).


BRAND HISTORY
Audi's emblem is the 'Four Rings.' As you may know, each ring represents one of the automotive manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer. All were based in Saxony and were leading brands in the German automotive industry at the beginning of the 20th century. However, facing the impact of the Great Depression after World War I, the four companies, in a bid for survival, formed Auto Union in 1932. DKW specialized in motorcycles and small cars, Wanderer in mid-size cars, Audi in premium mid-size cars, and Horch in luxury cars.

However, following Germany's defeat in World War II, Saxony in East Germany fell under Soviet occupation, and Auto Union ceased to exist. Anticipating this, the new Auto Union was established in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, in West Germany. Unlike BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Auto Union faced a challenging start without existing factories, but gradually gained strength through the production of vehicles like the DKW delivery van.

Acquired by Volkswagen at the end of 1964, Auto Union soon introduced new models bearing the Audi name. In 1969, it merged with NSU, based in Neckarsulm (known for its development of the Wankel engine), becoming Audi NSU Auto Union. Since 1985, it has continued as Audi to the present day. Audi's popularity is driven by its technology, including quattro, dynamic performance backed by motorsport activities, elegant design, and high-quality finishes.