SPIED: Audi's Upcoming RS5 Convertible Spotted For The FIRST Time, But That's Only The Beginning Of THIS Story

When it comes to the RS5 Convertible, we're not all that shocked it's happening. Remember, with the last generation RS4, the four rings was kind enough to ensure that an RS4 drop-top happened.

As can be expected, it will be largely derived from the coupe with its motor and transmission. No surprises there.

Where things get interesting is according to Autocar and its sources. Word on the street that this convertible RS5 won't be the last RS5 model heading to production.

If you're left confused, let us clear that up for you. An RS5 Sportback, based on the A5 Sportback that never made it to the States, is said to be on its way. And Autocar's reporting the RS5 Sportback will appear on U.S. soil.

Now isn't that a bit peculiar?

Rumors are circulating that the RS4 sedan was cancelled in lieu of the RS5 Sportback as both vehicles would have competed too closely together.

If that is, in fact, true that would mean Agent 001's prediction about the sedan losing ground to four-door coupes has come full circle.

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cidflekken - 6/16/2012 5:38:38 AM

+1 Boost

Good lord, sedans are not losing ground to four-door coupes. Maybe in sports variants, but not as a general trend. And it makes sense. The sports variants, specifically the RS models, aren't attractive to those who need all that backseat room.

jeffgall - 6/16/2012 10:20:44 AM

+1 Boost

If four-door coupes were priced the same as the sedan version, sedans would definately lose ground. Usually, they price them at a premium over the similiar based sedan. Most people hardly use the back seats. I would say I use the back seat of my A4 less than 5% of the time. I much rather have the added style of the coupe with the minor inconvenience of lost head room. If the A5 Sportback came to the U.S. at the same price as the sedan or even at a minor premium ($1k to $2k more), I would swich. But if it is going to be $5k more, I'll probably stay with the sedan.

jeffgall - 6/16/2012 10:22:56 AM

+1 Boost

This leads to another question. If Audi builds the RS5 Sportback for the U.S., why bother with the RS4 Avant in the U.S. Most in this type of market looking for 4 doors will not go with the Avant. Europe is a totally different story though.

cidflekken - 6/16/2012 4:37:22 PM

+2 Boost

Again, as a general trend, sedans are far superior from a standpoint of practicality and are not losing ground to any variant of coupe on the sales front. The CLS, A7, and CC have put barely a dent in the overall sales of their traditional sedan counterparts. Yes, they are gaining in popularity, but that's to be expected for style-conscious individuals. If anything, these four-door coupes are stealing sales from normal 2-door coupe buyers because of the added practicality over the 2-door variants. I probably would get the A5/S5 sportback over my current S5 just for that if they offered it in the US.