New Audi Cabs make debut
FAMILY COMPLETE: GERMAN CARMAKER INTRODUCES THE NEW A5 AND S5 TO SOUTH AFRICA
New innovations make these cars a dream to drive.
Following the recent launch of the new Audi A5 Coupe and Sportback, the new Audi A5 Cabriolet has now been introduced to complete the second generation of the A5 family. In the Audi S5 Cabriolet, a new six-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 260kW and 500Nm of torque ensures top performance.
The designers went with the precise, elegant lines of the Coupe for the shape of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet. The rear window is now flatter and emphasises the sporty looks, as do the short overhangs and the long wrap-around hood with power dome.
With a length of 4 673mm, the new A5 Cabriolet is 47mm longer than the predecessor model. Together with the wheelbase, which has been extended by 14mm, and more compact seats, this means more space for the driver and passengers. Shoulder room in the front seats has been increased by 26mm and knee room in the rear by 18mm.
The classic soft top fits perfectly into the athletic design and delivers outstanding aero acoustics thanks to effective insulation. The new one-touch opening function makes operating the standard acoustic hood much easier: A quick pull of the switch is all it takes to open the soft top fully automatically in 15 seconds or close it in 18 seconds – even while driving up to 50km/h.
With its sporty and agile handling, the A5 Cabriolet is impressively dynamic. The engineers increased the already high torsional stiffness of the previous model by 40%.
The total weight of the new generation has been reduced by up to 40kg. An updated five-link suspension is used on the front axle. At the rear, a five-link construction replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model. Adaptive dampers are available as an option and are incorporated into the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system which allows the driver to choose between a highly dynamic or comfortable driving experience.
The newly developed electromechanical power steering offers good feedback from the road and greater steering precision. Optionally available is dynamic steering, which varies its gear ratio depending on the speed and steering angle.
The engine line-up initially comprises two units – a 2.0 TFSI with 140kW and a 2.0T FSI with 185kW. The former engine will only be offered in front-wheel drive, while the latter only with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Both engines however, will be offered in either a Base or Sport trim line.
A 2.0TDI engine will be available at a later stage.
Rounding out the initial A5 Cabriolet offering will be the sporty Audi S5 Cabriolet. This model is equipped with a turbocharged 2 995cc, six-cylinder engine producing 260kW – 15kW more than its predecessor. The claimed sprint from 0 to 100km/h takes 5.1 seconds, while its top speed is limited to 250km/h.
The new Audi A5 Cabriolet also sets the standard when it comes to assistance systems. Some of the solutions are standard features, while the options can be ordered individually or are grouped together in the “Parking” and “City” assistance packages. An intelligent combination of different technologies enhances safety, comfort and efficiency.
Playing a central role here is the adaptive cruise control (ACC) Stop&Go system including traffic jam assist. The ACC uses automatic braking and acceleration to maintain the distance between the A5 Cabriolet and the vehicle ahead. The driver can choose between five distances and adjust acceleration and system response via Audi drive select. In interplay with the S tronic or tiptronic, it covers the entire speed range from 0 to 250km/h.
The Stop&Go function also brings the car to a complete stop and lets it start off again automatically at the driver’s request. The traffic jam assist relieves drivers in slow-moving traffic up to speeds of 65km/h by assuming the tasks of braking and accelerating the car, and on better roads it also temporarily takes charge of steering. The car automatically follows the vehicles ahead, within system limits.
New trim lines provide numerous customisation opportunities, for both the interior and the exterior. Besides the base model, there is also the sport line which offers additional equipment to enhance the sporty look of the vehicle. The S line sport package is available for sophisticated customisation, particularly for the interior. Audi offers the S line package for a dynamic exterior appearance.