Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

2013 Audi RS5 Cabriolet

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-...photo-5912115/


The Audi RS5 is a bit of an odd duck in the brand's US lineup. At the moment it is one of only two RS models – the other being the TT RS – atop a pyramid of A and higher-performing S models. It is not, however, the brand's flagship performance model – not even close – that space being occupied by variants of the R8 supercar, specifically the V10 and GT models, and upcoming 560-horsepower RS7.

The RS5 does, however, owe its beating heart to those ten-cylinder R8s, its own 4.2-liter V8 almost identical to those engines save for two fewer cylinders. Outside of the R8, then, the RS5 is the lone bastion of naturally aspirated V8 power in a brand that once happily shoved 4.2-liter V8s under any hood that they would fit. Today, not even the giant Q7 SUV offers a V8. Lastly, the RS5 is not new, except to us, having been on sale in Europe in coupe form the last couple of years.

While Europeans were able to enjoy the hardtop two-door without us, the RS5 Cabriolet is reaching both peoples around the same time: now. We reviewed the RS5 coupe just recently, and having spent some time with the tin-top model myself as well, here is my take on the droptop version of what I consider one of Audi's most interesting models.

Driving Notes

• West Coast Editor Michael Harley likened the RS5 coupe to a supermodel. The metaphor survives intact when driving around with the RS5 Cabriolet's top down – it's like walking around town with a topless supermodel on your arm. The attention this car receives is surprising considering most people don't blink twice at a standard A5 or S5. I received thumbs up, waves and shout-outs from kids on bikes, one grown man in an Escalade and an entire Burger King cook staff.
• This can partly be explained by the RS5's aggressive styling accoutrements that include wider fenders; 20-inch wheels housing attention-grabbing "wave" rotors; a giant, single-frame honeycomb grille; oversized air inlets and a noticeable rear diffuser. The other reason is that it's rare; only 1,200 RS5 coupes have been sold in the US since last summer, and the Cabriolet has only just arrived.
• Some argue that the RS5 isn't worth the extra $18,000 over the cost of an S5. The RS5 Cabriolet doesn't help itself in this regard with a base price of $77,900 – some $18,600 more than an S5 Cabriolet. This one was loaded up with the optional Estoril Blue crystal effect paint and black roof ($1,075), MMI Navigation plus package ($3,450), Driver Assist package with adaptive cruise control, dynamic steering and side assist ($3,250), Sport exhaust with black finishers ($1,000), 20-inch five-spoke wheels with summer tires ($1,000) and Matte-Aluminum Optic package ($750) for a grand total $88,425, not including an $895 destination charge.
• I don't buy the above argument that the RS5 fails to justify its price premium. That's what people who reach to afford an S5 tell themselves, and they're right in that case: Settling for the S5 is smarter than raiding your retirement account for the RS5. But the RS5 is the better of the two, and if the $18k difference between them is less than a rounding error on your tax refund, then pay Audi's premium for owning the best and enjoy.
• I would reach to cover that $18k difference just to own one of the last and best examples of Audi's amazing 4.2-liter V8. Variants of this eight-cylinder have occupied engine bays all across the Audi and Volkswagen brands since the early '90s, but are now being replaced by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and, when more power is needed, a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. The two remaining 4.2-liter V8s belong to the R8 and RS5, though they're far from the same engine. From what we've been able to cobble together of Audi's engine lineage, the R8's standard engine is a high-revving version of the 32-valve V8 that was initially used in the Q7. That engine was eventually upgraded with more advanced mechanicals and engine controls and modified to become the 5.2-liter V10 used in the last generations of the S6 and S8. The RS5's 4.2-liter V8 is a version of that V10 but with two fewer cylinders, making it closely related to but more advanced and powerful than the R8's older 4.2-liter V8.
• This engine revs like something with four fewer cylinders, which is fortunate considering how many revs are required to reach its high-for-a-V8 redline of 8,500 rpm. With all 450 horsepower not fully realized until 8,250 rpm and just 317 pound-feet of torque available from 4,000-6,000 rpm, you'll be working the 4.2-liter V8 hard to enjoy its full potential, but it's worth it when you hear the optional Sport exhaust system's baffles barking with every downshift in Dynamic mode. When not being worked, the RS5's engine reveals its ancestry as a luxury motor, quietly and effortlessly going about its job.
• I generally prefer coupes to convertibles, but the RS5 Cabriolet is an effective champion of topless motoring. Raising and lowering the roof is a simple single-button affair that takes no more than 20 seconds to go up or down and can be done while on the move at low speeds. A separate button, meanwhile, raises and lowers all of the side glass. The situation that won me over was cruising along a two-lane state route after the sun had dipped below the horizon but the air was still warm in the breeze. Messed up hair be damned, that was fun. While wind noise was obviously higher with the roof stowed, I was still able to carry on a phone conversation over Bluetooth.
• Would I choose the RS5 Cabriolet over the RS5 coupe? Sadly, no. While I would happily pay for the joys of the RS5 over the more affordable S5, the $9,000 premium required for the convertible is one that's too dear considering my proclivity for coupes. That, however, is a subjective judgment call we all make when faced with the decision of coupe or convertible. The real question lies outside the Audi fold, where BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer equally compelling, powerful and expensive convertibles.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/29/2...k-spin-review/

AJL0365

Nice car, but it really doesnt have the look to be $90,000.00
I personally would like to see Audi make a A8 in coupe form to that is worth this price. Would I drive it? Yes but there are many more better vehicles out there that much better for the price with the road presence looks that goes along with it. While this has some presence of course, doesnt have the presences of the BMW 6 or CLS

kwr

My exact thoughts -- $90K for an A4 convertible that goes 0-60 in 4.9 secs is a bit of a stretch. For $90K I want more performance and presence. Some full size sedans and SUVs are quicker to 60 than this overpriced thing.

Infra

iTrader: (1)

It's a lot faster than 4.9 - actually in the low 4's.

Keep in mind, as you call it an A4, that Audi actually uses a modular platform form which it builds or will build all it's cars.

And unlike many other 90k cars, this thing actually has track performance to justify the price of it, with a V8 that must be revved high to perform. If all you want is a fast time at the strip, it's certainly not the car for you.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

wonderful car... very stealthy looking fast.

516IS

iTrader: (12)

It's a nice coupe, but for $90K, I have a lot more choices at that price range.

kwr

I get the modular platform. The A5 still is an A4 coupe just like the upcoming 4 series is a 3 series at heart.

The RS5 is slow for the price AND heavy. Both the S8 and 7 series are quicker to 60... I'm shocked that the RS5 weighs only 100 lbs less than my 7 series.

Now if the RS5 weighed as much as the Nissan GTR and had similar performance, it might be a steal at $90K.

Infra

iTrader: (1)

The S8 is a $120k car and is not a convertible; The RS5 coupe would run around $80k. What is your level of comparison here?

The 750 has the same horsepower and weighs much more, it's not faster to 60. The RS5 coupe will hit 60 in 4 seconds - 4.9 for the cabriolet is not an official NOR tested number. Expect it to be 4.1 - 4.2.

Again, though, if that's what your argument is (drag strip comparison), you've lost sight of the point of this car. Can you name something else that has both the capability AND the refinement? The list of competitors (not the cars you named) is rather short.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i love the rs5 as a car, very nice. but true at 90k, i am scratching my head a little.

Outrage

Others to consider: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, or Jaguar F-Type. Each of these options are tens of thousands of dollars less. None of these options are based on a compact FWD sedan platform, however.

Fun fact: The Audi RS5 convertible is actually 55 pounds heavier than a Chrysler 300 SRT8. That's a full-sized RWD sedan with a 6.4 liter iron block V8. It's funny how weight only matters if the vehicle doesn't have a German badge...

kwr

Again the RS5 is overweight. The 7 ONLY weighs 100 lbs more than it with a (BMW stated) 0-60 of 4.7 secs. Clearly I realize the S8 and 7 series do not compete with the RS5. If you go back to my inital post, my point was this car is slow for what you get or simply put it is over priced. It makes absolutely no sense for an RS (not base or S line) to be so heavy and outgunned to 60 MPH by sedans and SUVs. There is no way this car at 4400+ lbs is track ready.

I also realize 0-60 is only one aspect of performance. With this said, I do like the A5. I almost bought one instead of the 7 and recently considered the coupe version of the RS5 untill it dawned on me how overpriced it was. The RS5 makes the S5 look like a bargain. Maybe I'll pull the trigger on an S5 next, stay tuned...

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Curious as to when they drop this 4.2L V8 for the new 4.0L TT V8 setup

Infra

iTrader: (1)

My point is, for $90k, it's NOT outgunned to 60 MPH. 4.9 secs is NOT an official number. The S5 is faster than that, how would this car be slower??? The S5 is faster than the S4, which I own, and can sprint to 60 in 4.4 seconds or better.

The car has active differentials to push it around corners. These add lots of weight, so any straight weight comparison against a RWD sedan with an open rear differential is totally pointless. It feels much lighter than it is.

You are blantantly ignoring facts to support your pre-conceived bias against the car. Your perspective is completely skewed. If you don't like the car, cool. Everyone has different tastes. I'm simply pointing out factually wrong information you are posting.

rdgdawg

As many know my affinity for the S5, the RS5 has many issues with that bigger engine and it's handling suffers for it...

However, it appears they have used the HP to torque ratio (450hp to "only" 317 lbs) in order to make it a cruiser, rather than a true sports car

Cooley has an excellent review below... listen to his comments about the ride:
http://reviews.cnet.com/coupe-hatchb...-35760943.html

That being said, if it were me, $90K for the cabrio=
$74K for the coupe=

mmarshall

Most likely because of the Quattro AWD...but AWD adds several advantages that sometimes justify its extra weight /drag. And, of course, the S5 also includes Quattro.