Audi to launch 2013 RS5 Cabriolet at Detroit Auto Show

Audi will launch the 2013 RS5 Cabriolet at Detroit Auto Show that is scheduled to begin on 13 January.  This is basically a convertible version of the RS5 Coupe with an electric soft top with revised front end and massive 19-inch wheels.     

The highlight of the RS5 Cabriolet and its hard top sibling is the massive 4.2-litre V8 engine churning out 450bhp and 317Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox transmitting power to all four wheels via the Quattro four-wheel drive system.  Both these systems working help the RS5 cabriolet reach 0 to 100kph in 4.9 seconds – that is a respectable time considering the fact that the car weighs almost two tonnes. 

The top speed has been electronically limited to 250kmph – like for most other Audis. The German car maker has also tweaked the suspension, installed stiffer anti roll bars as well as strengthened the body work to compensate for the lack of a roof.   The interiors are pretty much the same as the coupe save for a few changes with regard to the open-top nature of the vehicle.

The car will be launched for the US market in mid-2013. Since the RS5 Coupe is sold in the country, it is likely that cabriolet will arrive in India a few months later on a ‘import-to-order basis’.