Audi A5 and S5 convertible to debut in 2009

Although many manufacturers choose now the retractable hardtop Audi will continue in using for its new A5 and S5 cabriiolets the same soft top we are used to and found also on the current A4 Cabriolet and TT Roadster. The engines will remain the same: the 265 hp 3.2 V6 engine followed by the 354 hp 4.2 V8 petrol engine. According to Insideline the new convertible from the German manufacturer will be launched at the begining of 2009.
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Agent63 - 5/29/2008 9:56:43 AM

+2 Boost

A great alternative to the 3 series drop tops. It has a bolder stance but of course it won't be nimble as the 3 series as proven in some test comparisons. However for the average consumer they won't be able to tell the difference.

I can't wait to see the S5 in person.

I'm assuming they will phase out the A4 Cabrio.?

Peyton18 - 5/29/2008 11:41:35 AM

-3 Boost

If Audi is anything like MB, they'll keep the A4 Cab and add an A3 Cabrio, A6 Cabrio and ALK version as well.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/29/2008 11:45:51 AM

+3 Boost

Audi is not like Mercedes. The A4 Cabriolet will be discontinued.

VISO - 5/29/2008 5:08:26 PM

-1 Boost

Audi is not an alternative to anyone.

Agent63 - 5/30/2008 9:38:44 AM

+1 Boost

Maybe not you but for others who can afford one :). Jokes.

Peyton18 - 5/29/2008 11:42:18 AM

0 Boost

(the ALK would be a boxy smaller version of the bigger AL (but smaller than the A8))

AgentOrange - 5/29/2008 12:01:17 PM

+2 Boost

It's nice to see that they're going soft-top on the A5 & S5 Cabrios..

DROOPYSAKK - 5/29/2008 2:16:18 PM

+2 Boost

a3 convertible would be more interesting to me.

Neverfollow - 5/29/2008 2:54:19 PM

+4 Boost

After looking at both options Audi engineering went with the soft top option. They could not make a sound engineering argument for the retractable hard top convertible. Too much weight over a bad area of the car, too much space taken from the trunk, too complicated for long term reliability, etc. The same sound levels and thermal efficiency can still be acheaved using an insulated soft top which is both lighter and more space efficient. Until we decide to use something other than glass as a side window material, vehicle security remains unchanged. The only remaining arguments for a hard top retractible is marketing and wow factor. Since the engineers and not the marketing people determine product development at Audi, there will be no hard top retractible.

DieselRules - 6/2/2008 2:37:49 AM

+1 Boost

"Since the engineers and not the marketing people determine product development at Audi, there will be no hard top retractible. "

Interesting ... Mercedes Benz made the world's best cars back when the engineers drove product development there too.
Then the bean-counters and marketers took over, and I don't think they've recovered yet.

BTW: A5 Cabrio is very nice. When's it avail. with the V6 TDI and DSG?