New Reveal : 2010 Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet

The Audi A5 and its V8-powered S5 sibling are considered by many to be the most beautiful Audis ever created. When we saw the spy shots of this cabrio version, we thought it would look even better. And now Audi officially revealed pictures, we can say that it is better looking than the hardtop. But we have yet to wait for the 2009 Geneva Motor Show for its official debut.

For starters, the A5/S5 Cabriolet replaces the A4/S4 Cabriolet. Actually, Audi didn't just hatch the roof off the A5/S5 and went away. Speaking of the roof, Audi went for the traditional fabric top rather than an articulated metal contraption. The soft top is lighter than metal hard tops and Audi also keeps the bulk further under control with aluminum fenders.
Also, the new A5 cabrio expands its engine lineup with an all new 2.0L TFSI 4-cylinder with 211hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels, or an optional Quattro all-wheel drive. Along with that, there's still the standard 3.2L V6 with 265hp and 243lb-ft of torque, and that power is only sent to the Quattro all-wheel drive with a 40/60 rear biased torque split. Both engines are connected to a Tiptronic 6-speed automatic.
The S5 is a different story. While the S5 coupe has a 4.2L V8 that it keeps until the end of the 2010 model year, the Cabriolet will immediately get the new supercharged 3.0L TFSI V6 that recently debuted in the new S4. The 333hp V6 can be had with either the 6-speed manual or 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutch gearbox. Although that's less power, the S5 cabrio can still run 0-60MPH in 5.6 seconds.

The A5 and S5 Cabriolet go on sale next fall, just the time when open air motoring ends. So it's just bad timing from Audi.